The Tile Council of North America (TCNA) is pleased to announce the release of the 2011 TCNA Handbook for Ceramic Tile Installation. The combined efforts of the TCNA Handbook Committee, several TCNA and NTCA technical committees, hundreds of individual contributors, and TCNA staff which invested more than 3000 hours of its time made this year’s Handbook possible. The 2011 Handbook contains the most significant additions and revisions since it was first printed in 1963.

Growing from 84 pages in 2010 to 296 pages in 2011, the new version is more than three times the size of the previous edition. Including stone tile and glass tile, several guides are presented to aid the user in specifying materials:

• Ceramic Tile Selection
• Glass Tile Selection and Installation
• Natural Stone Tile Selection and Installation
• Setting Materials Selection
• Grout Selection
• Backer Board Selection
• Membrane Selection
• Green Building Standards and Rating Systems

The field and installation requirements were also substantially improved with information provided on the following:

• Substrate Requirements
• Interior and Exterior Lighting
• Mortar Coverage
• Lippage Criteria
• Grout Joint Size and Pattern Considerations
• Accessibility Guidelines
• Wet Areas Guidelines

More than 70 methods were identified as appropriate for glass tile, and 57 methods were adapted to stone. Additionally, methods suitable for above-grade installation were identified and differentiated from their earth-bound (on-grade) versions.

In addition to ANSI grout and mortar criteria, now ISO criteria are included in every detail with an explanatory appendix for those not familiar with ISO specifications. For the first time, assembly weights are also included in each floor detail to help the specifier determine the proper floor loading and dead load. Also included for the first time is a system of environmental classification. Each method is designated as residential and/or commercial and given a rating of 1 through 6 based on moisture conditions.

After nearly 50 years of publication and piecemeal additions, TCNA staff performed a complete editorial overhaul including the following:

• Site responsibility clarified
• Cross references eliminated
• Recommendations clarified
• Membrane options detailed

In addition to all of the above, users will quickly notice two full-color inserts included in the 2011 Handbook. The Tile Is the Natural Choice insert has been updated from last year and now addresses installation materials. Also included is a new directory of Certified Tile Installers (CTIs) that will prove helpful to homeowners, architects, and installers.

“The tile industry is fortunate to have so many dedicated individuals whose contributions and sage advice gave rise to this edition. In particular I congratulate Ms. Stephanie Samulski who guided this effort from the first discussions on stone to its completion,” said Eric Astrachan, executive director of TCNA.

The 2011 Handbook is available through TCNA’s website or by calling 864-646-8453.