Lesson 1Tile dimensions, large-format definitions, thickness, rectified edges and implications for installationThis part defines porcelain tile sizes, thickness ranges, and trimmed edges. You'll see how these affect planning the layout, controlling uneven edges, choosing mortar, coverage goals, and handling big heavy panels.
Standard vs large-format tile definitionsPanel and slab tile handling limitsThickness tolerances and warpage limitsRectified vs non-rectified edge behaviorLippage criteria and allowable offsetsCoverage targets for large-format tilesLesson 2Tile trims, edge profiles, transitions and accessory selection: metal trims, Schluter systems, silicone control jointsThis part covers trims, edge shapes, and changes between surfaces. You'll learn to choose metals, PVC, and Schluter-style systems, plan movement and control joints, and protect exposed tile edges properly.
Profile types for edges and outside cornersTransition details between tile and carpetMetal vs PVC trims: selection criteriaSchluter-style profile system componentsDesigning soft joints at perimetersFinishing stair nosings and thresholdsLesson 3Movement joints and control joints: function, types, placement rules, low-modulus sealantsThis part explains movement and control joints in tiling. You'll learn joint types, spacing rules, edge detailing, sealant choices, and how to combine building movement with tile needs.
Differential movement sources in buildingsField, perimeter and change-of-plane jointsJoint spacing rules for interior floorsExterior and heated assembly joint needsLow-modulus sealant selection and prepJoint layout coordination with tile patternLesson 4International and industry standards for tile installation (TCNA, ANSI A108/A118/A136): scope and key requirementsThis part introduces main tile installation standards and guides. You'll review TCNA Handbook methods and ANSI A108, A118, A136 rules, and learn to pick systems that meet standards for each job.
TCNA Handbook structure and method codesReading ANSI A108 installation standardsANSI A118 material performance criteriaANSI A136 organic adhesive requirementsSelecting methods for floors and wallsDocumenting compliance in project specsLesson 5Tooling, mixing, and material handling best practices: mixers, trowels, buckets, slurries, and storage conditionsThis part details right tools, mixing, and handling of materials. You'll learn mixer types, trowel choices, soaking and remixing, slurry coats, and storage that keeps product working well.
Drill and paddle selection for mortarsMixing ratios, slake times and remixingTrowel notch types and directional trowelingMaintaining clean buckets and toolsSlurry bond coats over concrete and mud bedsStorage temperature and shelf-life controlLesson 6Substrate types and failure modes: concrete slabs, cement backer board, drywall — properties and diagnosticsThis part looks at common base surfaces and how they fail. You'll learn about concrete, cement board, and drywall properties, how dampness and movement affect them, and how to check for cracks, lifting, and mould risks.
Concrete slab curing, shrinkage and cracksCement backer board fastening and seamsDrywall limitations in wet and dry areasMoisture vapor emission and pH testingBond failure, hollow spots and delaminationRepair options before tile installationLesson 7Codes and local considerations: floor flatness (FF/FL), maximum allowable substrate deflection, slope requirements for wet areasThis part reviews codes for flatness, bending, and slope. You'll learn how FF/FL numbers match tile limits, how to check bending, and how to make safe, draining wet surfaces.
FF/FL concepts and tile flatness needsMeasuring and documenting floor flatnessDeflection limits for tile and stoneFraming and underlayment stiffness checksSlope-to-drain requirements and detailsTolerances for curbs, benches and rampsLesson 8Grout chemistries and performance: cementitious, polymer-modified, epoxy grouts — joint widths and usesThis part compares cement, polymer-modified, and epoxy grouts. You'll study joint sizes, movement handling, stain and chemical resistance, colour stability, and matching grout to job conditions.
Cementitious grout composition and curingPolymer-modified grout properties and usesEpoxy grout chemistry and limitationsJoint width selection by tile sizeGrout for submerged and steam areasCleaning, sealing and maintenance needsLesson 9Mortars and adhesives: polymer-modified thin-set mortars, large-and-heavy tile mortars, epoxy adhesives — selection criteriaThis part analyses mortars and glues for porcelain tile. You'll compare polymer thin-set, heavy tile mortars, and epoxy glues, choosing by tile size, base, and exposure.
Thin-set mortar classes and performanceLarge-and-heavy tile mortar behaviorNon-sag mortars for walls and ceilingsEpoxy and reactive resin adhesive usesBonding to difficult or existing substratesPot life, open time and cure time controlLesson 10Waterproofing and vapor barriers: sheet membranes, liquid-applied membranes, shower-specific systems and compatibility with tile assembliesThis part covers waterproofing and damp barriers under tile. You'll compare sheet and liquid membranes, shower systems, and vapour barriers, and learn matching rules with mortars, boards, and drains.
Waterproof vs vapor-retarding membranesSheet membrane installation sequencingLiquid-applied membrane coverage checksShower pan, curb and niche detailingSteam shower perm rating requirementsCompatibility with drains and bonding flangesLesson 11Porcelain tile types and specifications: body (glazed vs full-body), PEI, water absorption, wear ratingsThis part reviews porcelain tile body types and ratings. You'll learn glazed vs full-body build, PEI and wear classes, water absorption limits, and reading maker data sheets.
Glazed vs full-body porcelain structuresPEI and abrasion resistance classificationsWater absorption and freeze-thaw ratingsCoefficient of friction and slip resistanceColor variation and shade range controlInterpreting technical data sheets
