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Installation & Technical Tips
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CTEF Tile Tip: The Right Coverage Under Large-Format Wall Tile

January 19, 2017

Many projects today call for ever-increasing tile sizes, many of which are rectangular shapes such as 12" x 24", 18" x 36", 24" x 48" and larger, creating difficulties for the installer when bonding the tile to the substrate.

CTEF Tile Tip: Which Trowel Notch is Best?

Scott Carothers

December 1, 2016

As the economy strengthens, we are seeing increased tile sizes and diverse types of tile flowing into the US market.

Scott Carothers

October 15, 2016

We’ve all seen them—tile installations that at first glance look pretty good, but then there they are: small and unbalanced cuts in the corners.

Scott Carothers

September 1, 2016

Recently during a CTEF Educational Program, an installation manager for a large company complained that installing movement (expansion) joints in any application is a pain in the butt.

CTEF Tile Tip: Just a Little More Tile When Installing in Wet Areas

Scott Carothers

July 15, 2016

Ceramic tile provides a beautiful and decorative surface, and functionally it provides a surface that is not affected by water.

Technical Focus

What are crack isolation membranes and how are they used?

Scott Carothers

July 1, 2016

Crack isolation membranes can many times eliminate the problem of a questionable substrate if they are used correctly.

CTEF Tile Tip: There Should Not Be Any Broken Ceramic Tile

Scott Carothers

May 16, 2016

Thin set and the new large and heavy tile mortars serve several functions within a tile assembly.

Expansion Joints in Ceramic Tile—Who Needs Them?

Scott Carothers

April 1, 2016

Expansion joints, also known as movement joints or movement accommodation joints, are critical to the success and longevity of ceramic and porcelain tile installations.

Technical Focus

Tiling and grouting commercial kitchens

Due to tough conditions in a commercial kitchen, it is important to use quality material for a tile installation, including a high-performance 100%-solids, industrial-grade epoxy grout meeting or exceeding ANSI A118.3 requirements

James Whitfield

March 18, 2016

When it comes to tiling commercial kitchens, everyone familiar with these projects agrees that the installation is facing a harsh environment.

Scott Carothers

March 1, 2016

The use of thin-set mortars have met the challenge of properly installing ceramic and porcelain tile for years, and still do today.

U.S. Countertop Materials Imports: March 2026

USTR Proposes 25% Tariff on Most Brazilian Goods, Sparing Quartzite but Not Granite, Marble and Slate

A group of fabricators at Stone Industry Education Event at MSI's facility in Maple Grove, MN

Minnesota Stone Summit Provided A Voice for Fabricators

Fabricator Focus

From profiles to roundtable discussions, Q&As to best business practices, we're turning a focus on topics and challenges impacting fabricators.

AI Talk Is Everywhere -- Where Does a Countertop Fabricator Begin?

Fabricators Discuss Pros and Cons of Chip Repair

How to Grow a Countertop Fabrication Shop

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June 25, 2026

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July 16, 2026

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