A home is likely one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make in your life, and as such, you want to make sure that anytime you plan for a home improvement project that you seek assistance from a true industry professional who is highly skilled in their craft, as well as dedicated to keeping up with new methods and technologies being used in the industry, too.
For homeowners who are planning to have tile installed during their project and want a job backed by the ceramic tile industry, certifying that a particular tile contractor has thorough knowledge about the standards used in tile installation, as well as knowing what mistakes to avoid in the process, it is recommended to choose a Certified Tile Installer (CTI). The CTI program, created and managed by the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF), was launched in 2008 as a way to provide a way for installers to verify their skills and promote themselves to potential clients as a knowledgeable industry professional. The CTI program involves comprehensive testing of skills and knowledge in both written and hands-on testing. Tests in each setting are based on current industry standards and best practices that produce “a sound installation that exhibits good workmanship.” The tests ensure that observable and non-observable characteristics of a completed installation are executed correctly.
Tile installers that pass both exams receive a certificate, identification card, and marketing materials developed by CTEF, which can be used as a “stamp of approval” from the industry. It is important to note that just because a contractor or flooring dealer isn’t certified doesn’t mean they aren’t qualified installers, it only means they have not taken the test yet in order to receive the industry’s stamp of approval.
Conestoga Tile recognizes the benefits of the CTI program and we promote it often. We have hosted the test every year at our facilities since its inception in 2008. The CTEF is now enrolling participants to take the test at Conestoga Tile’s location in Linthicum (Baltimore), MD on Monday, September 24th and our location in Harrisburg, PA on Wednesday, September 26th. Contractors who wish to take the test can register on the CTEF website (click here).
Below are a few photos submitted by contractors we work with who employ Certified Tile Installers, Charles Eckard & Sons of Finksburg, MD, and Collins Tile and Stone of Northern Virginia.
Charles Eckard & Sons, Finksburg, MD
Charles Eckard & Sons, Finksburg, MD
Collins Tile and Stone, Northern Virginia
Collins Tile and Stone, Northern Virginia
Additional Helpful Links:
Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF)
Conestoga Tile’s List of Customers who use Certified Tile Installers