The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) specifications provide several industry standards that are there to help the installer obtain good site conditions.
NWFA/NOFMA certification assures a manufacturer’s wood flooring meets or exceeds industry standards for grade, configuration, moisture content, and average board length.
The IICRC S100 standard describes the procedures, methods, and systems to be followed when performing professional commercial and residential textile floor coverings (e.g., carpet and rugs) maintenance and cleaning.
The North American Laminate Flooring Association announced they have made all of the laminate flooring and underlayment standards available to the public free of charge, including NALFA’s Laminate Surface Swell Test method for testing water resistance.
All across the U.S., there are thousands upon thousands of beautiful, high-quality, and long-lasting tile installations which should be highlighted as examples of the work done by qualified labor as included in the TCNA Handbook. However, when the very sad examples of extremely poor work are seen, they should be reviewed and presented as a learning tool for the tile placer who needs to improve his or her skills.
In order to deliver an eye-pleasing tile installation, the tile mechanic needs to follow all the tile industry standards and best practices when possible. One of these requirements calls for the tile to be centered and balanced.
Grout has a specific function and when used correctly, it does a great job. Unfortunately, too many tile placers seem to be unclear where grout is to be used and where it should not to be used.