Scott Carothers

Improper use of gypsum board near showers can lead to costly damage. Learn how ANSI standards and smart tile extensions safeguard walls for lasting performance.

The tile industry commonly uses "coverage," "contact," and "transfer" interchangeably when discussing dry-set mortars, but these terms have distinct meanings that affect installation quality. 

This 12" x 24" rectified porcelain tile installation demonstrates how skilled craftsmanship can overcome ANSI standard deviations—achieving minimal lippage with credit card-width joints and 50% offset—but experts warn such perfect conditions rarely occur and recommend mock-ups for non-standard specifications.

Installers face critical challenges when clients choose tiles purely for aesthetics, overlooking how they perform in complex patterns like herringbone—often creating conflicts with industry standards for modular systems and consistent joint widths.

Scott Carothers, academic director of the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation, reveals how a seemingly simple request to touch up grout can lead to unexpected complications if proper preparation is overlooked.

While marble tile looks stunning on your bathroom floor, using it in a shower could lead to unexpected problems. Scott Carothers, academic director of the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation, cautions installers to do their due diligence before using marble in shower applications.

Scott Carothers, academic director of the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation, explains how thin-set mortar failures stem from improper moisture loss, leaving tiles loose and unanchored. Learn what causes these costly installation mishaps and how to prevent them.

CTEF’s Director of Certification and Training Scott Carothers explains how using the wrong cleaner can permanently damage grout.

Scott Carothers, academic director of the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation, shares how a luxury shower project was compromised when a glass contractor ignored drilling specifications, penetrating multiple waterproof layers with oversized screws.

CTEF’s Director of Certification and Training Scott Carothers explains why the popular 1/2" square notch trowel may not be the best choice for tile installations.