When you're installing tile, do you use gridlines or spacers? Why do you do so?
Gridlines vs. Spacers: Which is Better When Installing Tile?
[fa icon="calendar'] July 14, 2026 8:30:00 AM EDT / by CTEF Blog Team posted in Ask Scott, Installing Tile TIps
Tips for Specifying Tile, Stone & Glass for Kitchen & Bath Installations
[fa icon="calendar'] July 7, 2026 8:30:01 AM EDT / by CTEF Blog Team posted in Installing Tile TIps, Hiring a Tile Installer, Installation + Design
Have you wondered what goes into specifying ceramic tile, stone and glass for kitchen and bath installations - especially if you want those installations to be successful? That's what Scott Carothers focused on in a presentation for NKBA, using stunning installation examples.
Here's a summary with highlights and the actual presentation included at the end of the article.
Have You Snapped a Chalk Line for Your Tile Layout?
[fa icon="calendar'] June 16, 2026 8:49:11 AM EDT / by CTEF Blog Team posted in Installing Tile TIps, Certified Tile Installer Program
Layout is a big deal in a tile installation. Have you tried snapping a chalk line to ensure that your tile layout is successful?
Six Steps for Mixing Mortars and Grouts
[fa icon="calendar'] June 2, 2026 8:30:00 AM EDT / by Scott Carothers posted in Ask Scott, Installing Tile TIps
Would you agree that mortars and grouts matter to a successful tile installation project? And, that you need them to be properly mixed?
Is Your Tile Layout Centered and Balanced, With No Small Cuts?
[fa icon="calendar'] May 5, 2026 8:30:00 AM EDT / by Scott Carothers posted in Ask Scott, Installing Tile TIps
Do you spend time ensuring that your tile layout is centered and balanced, with no small cuts? I hope so, since this is the most effective way to ensure that a tile installation has a professionally installed appearance.
The Ultimate Guide to Underlayment for Tile
[fa icon="calendar'] March 31, 2026 12:59:59 PM EDT / by Scott Carothers posted in Ask Scott, Installing Tile TIps
For a beautiful and long-lasting tile installation, you need to ensure that every facet of the job is completed properly according to tile industry standards and best practices. The key element here is the foundation of the installation, and that's where underlayment for tile solves a multitude of problems.
Find the Source of the Water Leak Before Tiling
[fa icon="calendar'] March 17, 2026 8:29:59 AM EDT / by CTEF Blog Team posted in Installing Tile TIps
Tiling over a water problem will not make the problem disappear. Rather, you need to find the source of the water leak before installing any floor surface, including tile.
Why Tiling an Elevator Floor May Not Be a Good Idea
[fa icon="calendar'] February 17, 2026 8:29:59 AM EST / by CTEF Blog Team posted in Installing Tile TIps
Perhaps tiling an elevator isn't at the top of the average homeowner's list of tile installation questions, but it is one that matters to owners, architects, designers, and tile contractors involved in multi-story buildings - including residential ones - with elevators.
In this article, we specifically address a question about using tile for an elevator floor, sharing with you how Mark Heinlein CTI #1112, and Robb Roderick CTI #727 responded in their role as National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) Technical Trainers.
A Flat Floor vs. a Level Floor: What's the Difference?
[fa icon="calendar'] February 3, 2026 8:30:00 AM EST / by Scott Carothers posted in Ask Scott, Installing Tile TIps
Does the word flat have the same meaning as the word level when it comes to floors and, more importantly, tile installation? If we look in various dictionaries, flat and level can have almost the same definition, which can be confusing.
Five Self-Leveling Underlayment (SLU) Requirements
[fa icon="calendar'] January 20, 2026 8:30:00 AM EST / by Scott Carothers posted in Ask Scott, Installing Tile TIps
Are you familiar with SLU or Self-Leveling Underlayment?





