worthwhile to learn more about and gain experience with the TCNA Handbook.β But thatβs not all β the hands- on portion of the program also opened Olsonβs eyes about correct ways to install tile. βHaving started out working in the office, I have very little field experience with tile,β Olson said. βThis meant that while I knew the business side of a tile job, I only knew the basics of how the tile was installed in the field. βThe hands-on portion of the training was very useful because it showed me the correct way to prepare for and install tile,β he added. βWe learned about some of the common mistakes installers can make, and the problems they can lead to down the road. The most useful and interesting part was seeing how different trowels, mortars, tiles sizes, pressure, and back buttering can affect mortar coverage. This also will be useful from a budgeting standpoint, as it was helpful to see how much more mortar a large- format tile uses compared to something like a 4-1/4β x 4-1/4β.β Kristin Simon, who works in the Grazzini Brothers & Company office, also benefited from the training. βThe classroom portion of the day included several things that direct- ly apply to my daily work,β she said. βSeveral definitions regarding tile were clarified. I learned where to find more information on tile installation methods as well as tile, substrate, and installation specifi- cations. βAs someone who works from the office, it was good to get a chance to see people working βin the fieldβ,β she added. βWe got to watch the tile installers actually use several preparation and instal- lation products. One of the most interesting parts was learning how they find and correct problems in the substrate. Overall, it was a very informative experience that will help me as I continue in this career.β TRAINING & EDUCATION βββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ 62 TileLetter | January 2019