Lesson 1Tile dimensions, large-format definitions, thickness, rectified edges an' implications fi installationDis section define porcelain tile formats, thickness ranges, an' rectified edges. Yuh ago learn how dese factors affect layout, lippage control, mortar selection, coverage targets, an' handlin' a large an' heavy panels. It help yuh plan betta fi avoid issues like uneven floors or weak bonds.
Standard vs large-format tile definitionsPanel an' slab tile handlin' limitsThickness tolerances an' warpage limitsRectified vs non-rectified edge behaviourLippage criteria an' allowable offsetsCoverage targets fi large-format tilesLesson 2Tile trims, edge profiles, transitions an' accessory selection: metal trims, Schluter systems, silicone control jointsDis section cover trims, edge profiles, an' transitions between finishes. Yuh ago learn how fi select metals, PVC, an' Schluter-type systems, design movement an' control joints, an' protect exposed tile edges safely. It show yuh how fi make clean finishes dat look good an' hold up.
Profile types fi edges an' outside cornersTransition details between tile an' carpetMetal vs PVC trims: selection criteriaSchluter-style profile system componentsDesignin' soft joints at perimetersFinishin' stair nosings an' thresholdsLesson 3Movement joints an' control joints: function, types, placement rules, low-modulus sealantsDis section explain movement an' control joints in tile work. Yuh ago learn joint types, spacin' rules, perimeter detailin', sealant selection, an' how fi integrate structural an' tile movement requirements. Dis help prevent cracks from buildin' shifts or temperature changes.
Differential movement sources in buildingsField, perimeter an' change-of-plane jointsJoint spacin' rules fi interior floorsExterior an' heated assembly joint needsLow-modulus sealant selection an' prepJoint layout coordination wid tile patternLesson 4International an' industry standards fi tile installation (TCNA, ANSI A108/A118/A136): scope an' key requirementsDis section introduce key tile installation standards an' guides. Yuh ago review TCNA Handbook methods an' ANSI A108, A118, an' A136 requirements, an' learn how fi select compliant systems fi each project. It make sure yuh work meet professional levels everywhere.
TCNA Handbook structure an' method codesReadin' ANSI A108 installation standardsANSI A118 material performance criteriaANSI A136 organic adhesive requirementsSelectin' methods fi floors an' wallsDocumentin' compliance in project specsLesson 5Toolin', mixin', an' material handlin' best practices: mixers, trowels, buckets, slurries, an' storage conditionsDis section detail proper toolin', mixin', an' handlin' a materials. Yuh ago learn mixer types, trowel selection, slakin' an' remixin', slurry bond coats, an' storage practices dat preserve product performance. Dis keep yuh materials fresh an' effective fi good bonds.
Drill an' paddle selection fi mortarsMixin' ratios, slake times an' remixin'Trowel notch types an' directional trowelin'Maintainin' clean buckets an' toolsSlurry bond coats over concrete an' mud bedsStorage temperature an' shelf-life controlLesson 6Substrate types an' failure modes: concrete slabs, cement backer board, drywall — properties an' diagnosticsDis section examine common substrates an' dem failure modes. Yuh ago learn properties a concrete, cement board, an' drywall, how moisture an' movement affect dem, an' how fi diagnose cracks, debondin', an' mold risks. It help yuh spot problems early fi fix dem.
Concrete slab curin', shrinkage an' cracksCement backer board fastenin' an' seamsDrywall limitations in wet an' dry areasMoisture vapor emission an' pH testin'Bond failure, hollow spots an' delaminationRepair options before tile installationLesson 7Codes an' local considerations: floor flatness (FF/FL), maximum allowable substrate deflection, slope requirements fi wet areasDis section review codes an' standards fi flatness, deflection, an' slope. Yuh ago learn how FF/FL values translate to tile tolerances, how fi verify deflection, an' how fi form safe, drainable wet-area surfaces. Dis ensure yuh work safe an' up to code.
FF/FL concepts an' tile flatness needsMeasurin' an' documentin' floor flatnessDeflection limits fi tile an' stoneFramin' an' underlayment stiffness checksSlope-to-drain requirements an' detailsTolerances fi curbs, benches an' rampsLesson 8Grout chemistries an' performance: cementitious, polymer-modified, epoxy grouts — joint widths an' usesDis section compare cementitious, polymer-modified, an' epoxy grouts. Yuh ago study joint sizin', movement accommodation, stain an' chemical resistance, color consistency, an' how fi match grout type to service conditions. Pick di right one fi di job fi long lastin' results.
Cementitious grout composition an' curin'Polymer-modified grout properties an' usesEpoxy grout chemistry an' limitationsJoint width selection by tile sizeGrout fi submerged an' steam areasCleanin', sealin' an' maintenance needsLesson 9Mortars an' adhesives: polymer-modified thin-set mortars, large-an'-heavy tile mortars, epoxy adhesives — selection criteriaDis section analyze mortars an' adhesives fi porcelain tile. Yuh ago compare polymer-modified thin-set, large-an'-heavy tile mortars, an' epoxy adhesives, focusin' on selection by tile size, substrate, an' exposure. Dis help yuh choose what stick best fi di situation.
Thin-set mortar classes an' performanceLarge-an'-heavy tile mortar behaviourNon-sag mortars fi walls an' ceilingsEpoxy an' reactive resin adhesive usesBondin' to difficult or existin' substratesPot life, open time an' cure time controlLesson 10Waterproofin' an' vapor barriers: sheet membranes, liquid-applied membranes, shower-specific systems an' compatibility wid tile assembliesDis section cover waterproofin' an' vapor control under tile. Yuh ago compare sheet an' liquid membranes, shower systems, an' vapor retarders, an' learn compatibility rules wid mortars, backers, an' drains. Dis keep water out an' protect di buildin' from damage.
Waterproof vs vapor-retardin' membranesSheet membrane installation sequencin'Liquid-applied membrane coverage checksShower pan, curb an' niche detailin'Steam shower perm ratin' requirementsCompatibility wid drains an' bondin' flangesLesson 11Porcelain tile types an' specifications: body (glazed vs full-body), PEI, water absorption, wear ratin'sDis section review porcelain tile body types an' performance ratin's. Yuh ago learn glazed vs through-body construction, PEI an' abrasion classes, water absorption limits, an' how fi read manufacturer data sheets. Dis help yuh pick tiles dat fit di use an' last.
Glazed vs full-body porcelain structuresPEI an' abrasion resistance classificationsWater absorption an' freeze-thaw ratin'sCoefficient a friction an' slip resistanceColor variation an' shade range controlInterpretin' technical data sheets