The NTCA had the pleasure of being part of an exciting and insightful workshop on August 15 in Nashville, Tenn., titled “Tile Design Trends and Installation – What Every Industry Pro Should Know.” Hosted by Louisville Tile, the event brought together celebrity designer Jennifer Farrell and NTCA Training Director Mark Heinlein, who shared their expertise on the critical intersection of design and installation in the tile industry.
This workshop, which evolved from a collaboration between NTCA and Coverings over a decade ago, emphasized the importance of merging great design with standards-based installation. The goal was clear: to ensure that the vision of the design team can be fully realized by understanding the practicalities and limitations of tile installation.
Jennifer Farrell shared a lively exploration of the latest tile design trends. From the bold statement of oversized porcelain slabs to the evolving charm of faux wood floors, she highlighted the ever-changing landscape of tile design. Farrell also emphasized the power of grout in storytelling, the textural illusion of tiles that mimic materials like cane and rattan, and the striking impact of deep dimensionality.
A call to arms for designers and installers
On the flip side, Mark Heinlein dove into the technical aspect of where design meets the realities of manufacturing and installation. His take on warpage, facial dimensions, and the intricacies of grout joint width underlined the essential components that can make or break a tile project. He also emphasized the importance of adhering to industry standards, including the very important installation requirement for substrate preparation spelled out in ANSI A108. Heinlein’s session wasn’t just a technical deep dive; it was a call to arms for designers and installers to work closely together from the very beginning.
One of the key takeaways was the importance of understanding the different types of pressed floor ceramic tiles –Natural, Calibrated, and Rectified – and how each type requires specific handling and installation techniques. Heinlein stressed the importance of pre-planning and verifying the installation standards in ANSI A108, which takes the type of tile being installed into consideration. Heinlein also showcased EJ171, which is the industry standard guideline for movement joints in the TCNA Handbook for Ceramic, Glass and Stone Tile Installation and lists all parameters for installing them.
But it wasn’t all about the nitty-gritty details. The workshop emphasized the need for ongoing communication between designers and installers. Farrell and Heinlein both championed the idea that there’s nothing simple about tile work. From substrate preparation to selecting the right adhesive and ensuring proper cure times, every step requires meticulous attention and collaboration. Utilizing qualified labor, who know how to leverage industry resources like the TCNA Handbook and NTCA Reference Manual, is crucial to achieve a successful outcome.
The session concluded with a strong message: pre-planning, early communication with the qualified tile contractor, and constant collaboration among all parties involved are key to bringing a design vision to life. Whether you’re a designer dreaming up the next big trend or an installer making that vision a reality, this workshop underscored the importance of working together from start to finish.
In a world where the smallest details can have the biggest impact, this Nashville workshop served as a reminder that when designers and installers join forces, they can create something truly extraordinary.
Elena Grant
Elena Grant is the Assistant Executive Director of Marketing, Communications and Public Relations for the National Tile Contractors Association and Publisher of its publication TileLetter. Grant has over 20 years of experience leading marketing initiatives, programs, and operational enhancement strategies. As Publisher of TileLetter, she oversees all print and digital communications for the publication.
