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CTEF Blog - About Tile Education and Installer Certification

Installing Large Format Glass Tile in a Shower: 10 Steps to Follow

[fa icon="calendar'] February 4, 2025 8:30:00 AM EST / by CTEF Blog Team posted in Installing Tile TIps

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Photo by Custom Spaces Design - Look for bathroom design inspiration

If you're installing large format glass tile (per ANSI A137.2, any tile larger than 3” x 3” or nine square inches) in a shower, do you know what steps to follow and questions to ask? As mentioned in previous articles, installing tile in showers requires careful preparation given the extreme environment working showers create. Large glass tile can add to the complexity.

>> See How to Deal with Tile Discoloration in a Shower

In this article, NTCA Technical Trainer Mark Heinlein CTI #1112 shares his advice on how to prepare for this project which involves 3x12 glass tile (aka subway tile) which is considered a large format for glass.

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15 Tile Installation Resolutions for 2025

[fa icon="calendar'] January 7, 2025 8:30:00 AM EST / by CTEF Blog Team posted in Installing Tile TIps

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Happy New Year! Are you ready to make tile installation resolutions for 2025?

If you're already in the know, consider these resolutions a refresher. And, if you're new to the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation and the Certified Tile Installer Program, here's your introduction to a bold, new standards-based, methodical approach to installing ceramic tile.

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NTCA Reference Manual: An Invaluable Tool for the Tile Industry

[fa icon="calendar'] November 19, 2024 8:30:00 AM EST / by CTEF Blog Team posted in Installing Tile TIps

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Are you familiar with the NTCA Reference Manual? It's an invaluable tool for the tile industry and a well-respected companion document to the TCNA Handbook for Ceramic, Glass, and Stone Tile Installation and ANSI standards. 

Here's an interview with Bart Bettiga, Executive Director of the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) so you can learn more.

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How To Install Glass Tile Correctly

[fa icon="calendar'] August 27, 2024 8:30:00 AM EDT / by Scott Carothers posted in Ask Scott, Installing Tile TIps

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Do you know how to install glass tile correctly? After all, it's beautiful and on-trend which usually means that customers will ask you about it for kitchen backsplashes, bathrooms, and showers. As you might imagine, when installed correctly, this stunning product provides years of enjoyment. 

At the same time, if you - as an installer - haven't done your homework, you'll wish you had never heard of it!

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Dealing With Ramps and Level Changes on Tile Jobsites

[fa icon="calendar'] August 20, 2024 8:30:00 AM EDT / by Scott Carothers posted in Ask Scott, Installing Tile TIps

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Have you had to deal with ramps and level changes on your tile job site? How have you addressed them?

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Quick and Easy Movement Joints... the Right Way

[fa icon="calendar'] June 25, 2024 8:30:00 AM EDT / by Scott Carothers posted in Ask Scott, Installing Tile TIps

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If you understand that all tile assemblies move and that movement (expansion) joints are mandatory, you also know that they are the only way to ensure success.

However, do you think installing movement (expansion) joints in tile installations is a pain in the #?&? If so, here are two quick and easy ways to install high-quality and long-lasting movement joints.

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Never Assume You Have Sufficient Mortar Coverage. Check It.

[fa icon="calendar'] May 8, 2024 8:30:00 AM EDT / by Scott Carothers posted in Ask Scott, Installing Tile TIps

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Is the mortar coverage under the tile you install important? You bet. Do you just assume that you are getting sufficient coverage?  I hope not.

As often as mortar coverage comes up in articles about tile installation, you'd think that the problem would go away.  Unfortunatelyit hasn’t, especially in exterior and shower areas, for natural stone tile, and even high-profile commercial installations.

If you want your tile installation to function as it should, don't assume you have sufficient mortar coverage. Check it. That's the best way to avoid costly callbacks and ensure a successful installation .

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Do You Manage Your Tile Tools? (Video)

[fa icon="calendar'] April 23, 2024 8:30:00 AM EDT / by CTEF Blog Team posted in Installing Tile TIps

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Have you considered that how you manage your tile tools affects how you manage your time? It's a similar thought process to how you go about cutting tile.

Those who are Qualified Labor constantly think about how to manage time. After all, time is money. How well you make use of that time affects how long it takes you to complete tile installations, the quality of your work, and how many client projects you can commit to.

This is true with how you manage your tools. 

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How To Cut Tile and Manage Time (Video)

[fa icon="calendar'] April 2, 2024 8:30:00 AM EDT / by CTEF Blog Team posted in Installing Tile TIps

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When you cut tile for an installation project, do you spend much time thinking about how you manage time?

If you're a professional, chances are that you constantly think about how to manage your time - aka time management. After all, your time is money.

How well you use that time affects how long it takes you to complete tile installations, the quality of your work, and how many client projects you can commit to.

This is true even when you cut tile.

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Why a Tile Installation Mockup is Really Necessary

[fa icon="calendar'] February 27, 2024 8:30:00 AM EST / by Scott Carothers posted in Ask Scott, Installing Tile TIps, Installation + Design

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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.

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Certified Tile Installer Mike Corona says,

You don't become a tile installer or a business owner overnight. It takes time, enthusiasm, pride, reliability, respectfulness, a willingness to learn, and dedication. No two jobs are the same; each one has its own unique nuances. As a qualified installer, you need to be able to communicate how to deal with those nuances and qualify yourself to not only meet but exceed expectations. Being qualified will exponentially increase your value and you will have endless opportunities.

Mike Corona CTI #923 Corona Marble and Tile

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Mike Corona CTI #923
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