• ANSI A108.02 4.3.3 states “Smooth cut edges. Install tile without jagged or flaked edges.” Other tile industry standards include: • TCNA Handbook (2016 Edition) • ANSI A108 / A118 / A136 (Installation and Material Standards) • ANSI A137.1 (Ceramic Tile) In addition, you will want to have: • ANSI A137.2 (Glass Tile) • A137.3 (Gauged Porcelain Tile / Panels – standard just approved at Coverings in April) – Mark Heinlein, NTCA technical trainer QUESTION I have a customer who wants to use pebbles on the floor of the shower with grout joints washed really low. Are there standards or guidelines that relate to this type of installation that you can share with me? ANSWER The NTCA always encourages our members to use the standards and methods found in the TCNA Handbook for Ceramic, Glass and Stone Tile Installation, and the guidelines in The American National Standards Institute (ANSI). In response to your question about the depth of grout in a grout joint: refer to ANSI 108.10 Installation of Grout in Tile Work. As a recent addition to its uncoupling products portfolio, LATICRETE® STRATA_MAT™ XT provides installers instant c o v e r a g e verification, faster dry- ing of mortar and a shorter time to grout. C o m p o s e d specifically for ceram- ic tile and dimension stone installations, STRATA_MAT XT serves as an uncoupling layer and vapor management layer that accommodates moisture from beneath the tile covering to minimize floor height gain from tile installation materials. In addition, at 5/16” (7.9 mm) thick STRATA_MAT XT helps to create an even transition between typical 1/4” to 3/8” (3 to 9 mm) thick tile and 3/4” (19 mm) thick hardwood flooring. www.laticrete.com ASK THE EXPERTS –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 24 TileLetter | June 2017