Today more than ever, the world’s ceramic tile community rightly insists that its products be considered as an installed system. They fully recognize that tile doesn’t serve its purpose or demonstrate its capabilities until it’s not only properly manufactured but installed. This is also where the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation dedicates most of its efforts. It should also be extremely important to retailers or contractors who do business in tile to fully grasp the technical basis for a successful job, and to understand the critical properties of ceramic tile and the environment in which the tile will be installed.

The last time we used this space for a mailbag it proved very popular. Since that time I have been collecting more questions and will focus on those with a broad range of interests in the flooring world.

One area of ceramic tile installation that has been receiving increasing attention from both manufactures of setting materials and end users is that of crack isolation and waterproofing membrane systems.

As the tile industry continues to grow, so does the size of the tile. Better technology is not only making large format tile readily available, but the quality is continually improving and selection is expanding. And consumers love it. Bigger tile means less grout and easier maintenance.

Been a rumor floating ‘round that there is a shortage of skilled installers. In fact I bet you have heard it ever since you first entered this business. The problem must have started back in the days of the Roman Empire, maybe a little before.

Ceramic tile is not a necessity. It's a luxury. When someone makes the decision to go with tile, they expect to pay a premium price. Why shouldn't they expect a premium product and premium service?

One thing you can count on as an educator is questions and more questions. The reason one chooses to teach a given subject is hopefully their love of that discipline.

I would like to suggest a surefire way for building wealth and assuring long term success in the flooring business: create and maintain a well trained, highly knowledgeable workforce. In all my years in the ceramic tile industry, the need for education and training has always been readily apparent.

To hear all the hype out there touting the latest generation of setting materials, you might think installation problems can now be eliminated by some advance polymer formulation of grout or thinset.

While many of us are still enjoying the steady growth of porcelain tile products, the new growth seen in the glass tile segment of the tile industry is nothing short of stellar.