The Tile Council of North America, Inc. (TCNA) publishes industry-consensus guidelines for ceramic tile installation. For installation methods involving specific products, manufacturers are your best resource as they offer application instructions and architectural support where their products are being specified.

The resources below offer a comprehensive array of services that will assist you in finding an answer to your question. We recommend you explore the technical reference library first, as the information is a compilation of frequently asked questions and links to manufacturers' product information. You will also find links for technical publications, product-testing, and consulting/inspection services.

Tile Technical Reference Library: The reference library is comprised of three parts: a collection of frequently asked questions and answers, a Product Locator guide linking products to member manufacturers and an Article Reference Library. Contact information and direct links provide access to manufacturers' technical and sales information.
Standards and Industry-Consensus Installation Guidelines: For industry-consensus guidelines and standards, purchase the 2008 Handbook for Ceramic Tile Installation and the American National Standard A108/A118/A136.1-1999 (ceramic tile installation and materials standards). These publications work in tandem to provide specifications for installing ceramic tile on various substrates.

Testing Product Performance: The TCNA Laboratory offers a wide range of tests for tile, stones, and installation materials per ASTM, ANSI and ISO standards. Other testing and research can be conducted through our pilot plant facility and partnerships with the National Brick Research Center and Clemson University.

TCNA has additional capabilities and will be pleased to discuss your needs for testing using other ASTM standards, or to develop and run tests unique to a customer's needs. For example, we have X-ray diffraction, petrographic analysis, pore size characterization, and other sophisticated techniques available through our cooperative relationship with Clemson University. Call 864-646-8453 to discuss the possibilities.

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Tile Consulting Service: If you are interested in project design consultation, on-site inspection, forensic analysis, or an expert opinion for claims or legal positions, click here to learn more about the fee-based services of the TCA Team, our ceramic tile and stone consulting firm.