sponsored by THIN TILE –––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Ponder prep before predicting price By now, hopefully much of the tile industry has been hearing about gauged porcelain tile panels (GPTP) and realize that their instal- lation requires specialized exper- tise and training as compared to typical large-format tile like 12” x 24” formats. But what’s really involved? Recently NTCATraining Director/ Trainer/Presenter Mark Heinlein fielded a question about pricing for a 48” x 96” GPTP. While he couldn’t give a figure for such an installation, he did detail what’s involved in the installation and what’s needed as compared to traditional tile. Following is his response: Installation of GPTP requires spe- cific training on substrate prep, set- ting material selection and usage, specialty tool usage, material han- dling, teamwork and timing for suc- cessful installations. ANSI A118.19 is the installation standard for this material. It is the standard for every aspect of a successful installation. Many manufacturers of GPTP team with setting material and tool companies to provide this specific training. NTCA is currently conduct- ing GPTP training for our members in regional locations throughout the U.S. Our next program is coming up in the Chicago area in July. (Visit page 8 of this issue or this link for a calendar of upcoming regional training programs and workshops: https://bit.ly/2JjtEjr) I strongly encourage any install- ers looking to work with GPTP to receive training based on ANSI A118.19 before attempting to perform an installation. As far as pricing a job, items such as: substrate prep; proper mortar selection and use; appro- priate specialty tool sets; lippage tuning systems and a well-trained, highly functioning team are required to set these 80 TileLetter | June 2018