CTEF Blog - About Tile Education and Installer Certification

You've probably noticed that this blog focuses heavily on proper tile installation methods and techniques. At the same time, all of us involved in the CTEF Mission intensely admire timeless tile installations that truly delight the senses.

We abhor tile installation failures and encourage every opportunity to celebrate greatness in design and execution.  That's what you regularly experience during the yearly Coverings show, the premier United States exhibition of ceramic tile and stone.

>> See Coverings Elite CTEF Sponsor

As beautiful as tile is when it is first created, the end result must also delight the senses, perform functionally while doing so beautifully, and generally withstand the test of time and usage.

To that end, this article celebrates a few of those inspiring timeless tile executions, including ones highlighted during Coverings 2020.

When you're hiring a tile contractor, you expect to have the work done right the first time. Unfortunately, you don't always have the benefit of seeing the contractor's work beforehand and realizing what you need to avoid (see How Not to Install Tile on Floors, Walls and in Showers).

That's why we've put together these warning signs to help you avoid hiring a tile contractor who is poorly qualified and more of a tile "placer." (Definition: tile placer - a person who does not have the skills, knowledge and experience to install the job correctly.)

That way, you can rest assured that the beautiful tile installation in your mind's eye has every opportunity to become reality and bring you delight for years to come.

Special thanks to Sal DiBlasi for basing a video on this article. ♥

Did you know that tile is an ideal sustainable building material for the home? Not only is it beautiful, practical, intensely visual and long-lasting, but it's eco-friendly, too! Talk about the perfect design solution for floors and walls especially when combined with expert installation and Certified Tile Installers.

To explain what makes tile such a natural choice, the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) has developed three powerful resources - not to mention the WhyTile.com site. Let's explore them.

Did you experience Hidden Oasis at Coverings 2019? It was one of the three stunning installations featured in the newly expanded Installation & Design Experience incorporated into the National Tile Contractors Association Booth. 

Brad Denny, vice president and COO of  Nichols Tile & Terrazzo Co, Inc.,  a Five Star Contractor of the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) located outside of Nashville, TN,  led the installation team behind this vignette. Brad is also Certified Tile Installer #1190 and intensely active in the tile industry:

Do you build a tile installation mockup for your customers? If you don't, we strongly encourage you to consider doing so.

Here's why.

One of the highlights of Coverings, the yearly global tile and stone experience, is bringing together tile installation and design expertise to create the impossible under tight deadlines.

During Coverings 2019, this event was part of the newly expanded Installation & Design Experience incorporated into the National Tile Contractors Association Booth and included three vignettes. 

When it comes to combining tile with a tiny home, you need a solution that is beautiful, functional, and makes the space feel as big as possible. Rita Carson Guest of Carson Guest Interior Design took her inspiration for the Coverings Installation Design Showcase (IDS) tiny home from the Crossville Tile she chose, and which the expert installers from J&R Tile brought to life in the CG Villa of Coverings 2018.  

>> J&R Tile Installs Gauged Porcelain Tile in Coverings 2018 Tiny House

We caught up with Rita to learn more about the design side of this project.

What makes the Coverings Installation Design Showcase (IDS) stand out is how it pairs installation expertise with design brilliance. Especially when it comes to combining tile with a tiny house which needs to not only function, but also bring to life a specific design concept. 

When it comes to the Luxe Cottage of Coverings 2018, Brittney Ferren from The Johnson Studio at Cooper Carry conceived the design. She collaborated with Visalia Ceramic Tile for the installation.

>> Visalia Ceramic Tile Installs Luxe Cottage at Coverings18

We caught up with Brittney to learn more about the design side of this project.

Another Five Star Contractor company returned to the Installation Design Showcase at Coverings 2018: Visalia Ceramic Tile, Inc. The company collaborated with Brittney Ferren of The Johnson Studio at Cooper Carry to complete the Luxe Cottage using tile products from Ceramics of Italy.

We caught up with Sam Bruce to get the low down on the 2018 installation.