CTEF'S TOP TEN

REQUIREMENTS FOR A
HIGH-QUALITY TILE
INSTALLATION

LESSON 6
TILE SETTING
1. HIRE ONLY SKILLED TILE INSTALLERS
• Only well-trained and experienced tile installers can produce
installations of the highest quality which provide long-lasting
beauty and functionality. Realize that tile isn't just a decorative
layer in a home or commercial building. It must meet specific
standards so that it performs as it should over time.
• In order to differentiate this quality-oriented tile installer from
others in the field, consider hiring a CTEF Certified Tile Installer
(CTI). CTIs have proven that they have the knowledge and
skills which meet industry standards and best practices.
 2. INCORPORATE MOVEMENT
ACCOMMODATION JOINTS IN THE TILE
INSTALLATION

• All tile installations, both residential and

commercial, will move with temperature and
humidity variations.
• To accommodate this expansion and contraction
activity, the use of expansion joints per the TCNA
Handbook for Ceramic, Glass, and Stone Tile
Installation method EJ171 are essential and required
in all tile work. As stated in the Handbook,
• “The design professional or engineer shall show
the specific locations and details of movement joints
on project drawings.”
• Be certain that all parties involved in the project
including the architect, the specifier, the designer,
the salesperson, and the tile installer know and
understand the critical use and placement of
expansion joints
 3. WORK ONLY WITH PREMIUM
MATERIALS TO INSTALL TILE
• The use of premium quality bonding materials is money well
spent.
• Merriam-Webster defines premium as, “of exceptional quality
or amount; also, higher priced.”
• Exceptional quality comes at a price. The components that
are added to these materials provide enhanced characteristics
that affect both function and durability. For instance, saving a
couple of pennies per square foot on a conventional and less
expensive thin set mortar rather than using a feature-laden
large and heavy tile mortar is a foolish idea.
• Tile Industry experts agree this is one of the easiest insurance
policies for preventing installation problems. All types of setting
materials are available in various performance levels to meet
the requirements of the job.
• Contact the setting material manufacturer for products with
the specific characteristics and performance levels necessary
for success. Always pay attention to manufacturer instructions.
• Additionally, always read and follow the manufacturer’s
guidelines printed on the bag of any product since the mixing
requirements and/or application may be different compared to
materials used in the past.
 4. CONFIRM THAT TILE INSTALLATION
SURFACES ARE FLAT
• In order to provide a flat ceramic or stone tile installation,
carpenters, masons, concrete finishers and other trades must
meet the tile industry standards for flatness tolerances.
• If substandard surfaces are encountered, they must be
corrected before installation begins. Otherwise, you will not
have a quality tile installation: the quality of the installation
will be compromised.
5. VERIFY THAT THE TILE INSTALLATION
SURFACE IS RIGID
• Ceramic require
installations tile
a stiff In
surface. or some
rigid
cases,
including installations,
natural
stone,
additionalmay require
subflooring,
studs, or wall
bracing.
Realize
substrate thatnatural
for the
stone
installations must tile
be
twice
for as rigid as
a ceramic tile thator
porcelain
installation.
• Tile always
should contractors
follow
the
recommendationsapplicable of
the
for TCNA
Ceramic, Handbook
Glass,
and Stone
Installation, Tile
the
ANSI
National (American
Specifications
the Installation for
of
Ceramic
as Tile) as well
the
recommendations
the manufacturer’s of
products being used
in the project.
6. MINIMUM MORTAR COVERAGE
MUST BE PROVIDED
• Tile industry standards require minimum mortar coverage of 80% in
dry areas and 95% in wet (showers) or exterior areas. Natural stone tile
installations require 95% coverage in all applications.
• This refers to the contact area of the bonding material (thin-bed
mortars, large and heavy tile mortars, or epoxy adhesives) with both
the back of the tile and the surface being tiled.
 7. ENSURE THAT TILE SITE CONDITIONS ARE CONTROLLED
• Jobsite conditions can have a serious impact
on the success or failure of a tile installation.
• “Installation work shall not proceed until
satisfactory conditions are provided.”
• Many products used in tile installations require
that the temperature be maintained within a
specific range and duration. Be certain to follow
the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure a long-
lasting installation.
• In addition, insist on a mockup so you can
view a sample of the actual installation which
includes items such as tile color/variation, grout
joint size/color, and gauge the variation from
tile to tile which ensures that the final
installation meets your expectations.
 8. USE ONLY THE CORRECT TILE INSTALLATION
METHODS AND MATERIALS
• Not all installation methods and/or
materials are suitable for all applications.
Be certain that your contractor will use the
TCNA Handbook method rated for the
intended application or a method that is
recommended, fully specified, and
warranted by the product manufacturer.
• Research manufacturer’s websites to
determine suitability, application
recommendations, and product warranty
information.
• Review the manufacturer’s product data
sheets and recommendations for the tile,
backer board, bonding materials,
membranes, and grout which will be used
on the job.
• Just because a product is available
 9. ALLOW FOR ADEQUATE
CURE TIME
• Allow a tile installation to cure
sufficiently per the
manufacturer's
recommendations before
exposing it to moisture, traffic,
temperature changes, or
overlaying products. Otherwise,
it will not perform as a quality
tile installation.
• The amount of time required
will vary based on site
conditions and the specific
 10. MAKE USE OF CRACK
ISOLATION MEMBRANES AS
NEEDED
• Cracks in concrete and other areas of
movement should be treated with a crack
isolation membrane (ANSI A118.12) to
help eliminate cracked tiles. As mentioned
previously, the addition of a crack isolation
membrane can be cheap insurance that
provides a beautiful and long-lasting
installation.
• Check with the membrane manufacturer
for specific use and application
recommendations.