Professional installers must systematically address sound transmission, moisture issues, and uneven subfloors through careful project mapping and compatible product selection to ensure long-term flooring performance and avoid costly failures.
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.
Wood's hidden enemy isn't time—it's moisture. Learn how a quality moisture meter can save your work and prevent costly mistakes in this guide to moisture management.
Marble mistake? 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.
Just starting out in your flooring installation career? Brittaney Geskey, VP of FCA Floor Covering Associates, shares tips to help installers determine the ideal transition type for seamless flooring.
Equilibrium Moisture Content (EMC) is crucial for proper hardwood flooring installation. When wood's moisture content matches the EMC of its environment, it becomes stable and resistant to warping or damage.