The newest graduates of the CTEF Certified Installers program. In front are Stephanie Samulski and Scott Carothers of CTEF.


CTEF's certified installation program at Coverings 2010

A variety of installation demonstrations and certification for tile installers were among the featured events at Coverings 2010, held April 27-30 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. The National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) brought its traveling workshop program to the show floor each day, as NTCA training director Gerald Sloan and NTCA regional trainer Michael Whistler offered 45-minute demonstrations. This year’s topics included:

  • Glass and mosaic tile installation methods.
  • Thin-set mortar setting materials: choosing the appropriate products.
  • Tile vs. Stone: Understanding the pros and cons of each (Part I).
  • Tile vs. Stone: Understanding the pros and cons of each (Part II).


On Friday, April 30, Sloan presented a two-hour workshop as part of the Coverings Conference program, which covered the following topics:

  • Grouting tips and techniques for portland cement, epoxy and urethane.
  • Large format tile DO’s and Don’ts.


For the third year, the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) conducted its Certification Program, an intensive 4-1/2 day series for professional installers that included hands-on skills testing and the industry’s only standards-based accreditation.

On Thursday, April 29, Ceramic Tile Education Foundation executive director Scott Carothers moderated a forum of tile contractors who have successfully passed the Certified Tile Installer two-part exam. In “It Pays to be Certified: Testimonials from Certified Ceramic Tile Installers about Program Benefits,” these certified tile installers shared their thoughts about the program and how they are actively promoting it to their customers.