How To Select a Tile Installation Contractor?

Wondering how to select a tile installation contractor for your next bathroom, kitchen or floor remodel? You're in luck!

We've come across three very helpful tip sheets from the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) on what to look for when deciding on a tile installer to transform your dream into reality.

Why does hiring the right tile installer matter?

Installing tile has gotten more technical, especially with larger format tiles, such as 18" and 24" (or more) square or rectangular styles, including wood plank tiles. Proper tile installation technique matters more than ever to having a beautiful tile installation that lasts a lifetime.

That's why we spend time on this blog sharing with you topics about installing tile correctly the first time. For example,

>> See What is Rectified Tile and Why Does It Matter for Your Tile Installation?

>> See How PEI Helps You Select Ceramic or Porcelain Tile for Your Remodel

>> See Why Underlayment Matters to a Tile Installation Project

>> See How To Install Tile Correctly and Get Proper Mortar Coverage

>> See Managing Lippage: Why Offsets Matter When Installing Tile

We also regularly offer product knowledge sessions for our tile installation professional customers so they can hear directly from experts in the tile industry about the latest developments and tools available for installing tile.

Product Knowledge Events

Here are a few recent examples,

>> See Learn How to Use the Tuscan Leveling System When Installing Tile

>> See How To Set Large Format Wall and Floor Tile: Merkrete Demonstration

>> See Perspective on Tile Installation Underlayment from NAC Products Expert, Steve Price

>> See How to Manage Moisture in Tile Showers: Schluter Training Session

A quality tile installation from Master Touch Installations

How To Select a Tile Installation Contractor? Three Tip Sheets

These three tip sheets from CTEF address the following topics:

What to look for when a hiring a quality tile installer.

First and foremost is determining the skill level of the person you are considering as your tile installation contractor.

When we think of quality installation, we think of professional contractors such as 

• Master Touch Installations (see 3 Before and After Tile Installations By Master Touch Installations), 

• Five Star Flooring (see Why Buy From Tile Outlets? Hector Morejon From Five Star Flooring Explains) or

• Majestic Enterprises (see Why Buy From Tile Outlets? Majestic Enterprises' Jesse DeCicco Explains). They take very seriously their commitment to customers and to delivering a beautiful, high quality tile installation.

Then, be sure to ask for references. The tip sheet includes specific questions to ask those references.

>> See Hiring a Tile Installer? Here's What to Look For.

When to avoid hiring a tile contractor.

Sometimes, it's just best to walk away even if you are on a tight deadline and have no other options. The warning signs listed will help you make that evaluation.

Nine requirements of a quality tile installation.

You'll recognize several of these requirements as ones we have written about on the TOA Tile & More Blog (and mentioned above). Making your dream come true is a labor of love and quality. Make sure the person you hire feels similarly.

>> See The Top Ten Requirements for a Quality Tile Installation

A quality shower installation from Majestic Enterprises

What is the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF)?

As we mentioned, CTEF developed these tip sheets. What is this organization?

Well, the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) is an educational institution that offers local, regional, and national training programs for consumers, installers, construction professionals, architects, designers, building inspectors and sales associates interested in the sale and installation of ceramic tile and stone. The educational work it does has the support of the tile industry, including the installation materials suppliers Tile Outlets of America works with.

The organization's mission is as follows:

CTEF will expand the knowledge of professional ceramic tile installation through training, education, and certification. CTEF will promote the applicable industry standards to new and experienced tile installers, architects, designers, builders, and tile industry related people. CTEF will actively encourage individuals to enter a career as a ceramic tile installer. The overall goal of CTEF's activities is to raise the quality of ceramic tile installation.

A quality tile installation from Five Star Flooring that you can admire in the Tampa Tile Outlets of America store

Ready to Select a Tile Installation Contractor?

To get started, we suggest that you download the CTEF tip sheets.

Then, let us know of any questions! We are ready to help you find the perfect tile to make your dreams become reality.

Thanks for reading.