ANSI Standards and Updates
ANSI standards for ceramic, glass, stone and other hard surface tiles and panels, tile installation materials and tile installation requirements are available from the TCNA. The ANSI Accredited Standards Committee (ASC) A108, for which the TCNA is the secretariat, periodically revises or reaffirms them.
Next Meeting: The ASC A108 will hold its next meeting on Sunday, April 21st, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia, in conjunction with Coverings 2024. Contact Katelyn Simpson, ksimpson@tcnatile.com, for additional information.
To receive meeting details, to apply for committee membership or to submit comments or proposals for revision of an existing standard or creation of a new standard, contact ASC A108 Committee Secretary Katelyn Simpson (ksimpson@tcnatile.com).
ANSI Accredited Standards Committee (ASC) A108
The ANSI ASC A108 Committee comprises professionals from all areas relating to the manufacture, installation, sustainability and general use of ceramic and glass tile. The committee works to develop standards that define the installation of ceramic, glass, stone and other hard surface tiles and panels. It also develops standards for the test methods, physical properties and sustainability of ceramic, glass, stone and other hard surface flooring and wall covering materials, as well as related installation materials.
These are voluntary standards that serve as a guide to the general public, manufacturers, distributers and others in the tile industry. ASC A108 Committee members fall within four distinct interest categories.
ASTM C21 Committee
Formed in 1948, the ASTM Committee C21 researches and develops definitions, test methods and specifications for ceramic whitewares and related products. This committee typically meets twice annually, usually in the fall and spring. With a current membership of 181 industry professionals and experts, the C21 has jurisdiction over 58 standards published in the Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Volume 15.02.
Many of the standards that the C21 has developed include important test methods that the North American ceramic tile industry commonly uses and references. The TCNA plays a vital role in facilitating the committee’s business.
For a list of subcommittees, standards and work items or to view a roster of committee officers and staff support members, visit the C21 home page.
ISO/TC 189 Committee
The ISO Technical Committee, ISO/TC 189, develops standards for ceramic tiles and related installation materials, including grouts, adhesives and membranes. These standards include test methods, definitions, specifications and classifications that serve to unify the global industry and facilitate international trade.
The ISO/TC 189 meets in person annually and several times yearly through web-based and in-person working group meetings. With a membership of delegates from approximately 50 countries, the committee represents the worldwide ceramic tile industry’s diverse interests. Serving as secretariat to the ISO/TC 189, the TCNA and the U.S. delegation are heavily involved in many of the world’s most significant standards development issues now facing the ceramic tile industry.
To view a list of committee officers, the ISO/TC 189’s business plan and a list of participating and observing countries, visit the ISO/TC 189 home page.
Submissions
The TCNA accepts submissions for new tile installation guidelines and edits to existing guidelines for consideration by the Handbook Committee.
All submissions must be specific, and the author must provide exact proposed language. Authors should format submissions for new installation methods like existing methods and should present revisions to existing language as tracked changes.
Authors can email all submissions to Katelyn Simpson at ksimpson@tcnatile.com.
TCNA Handbook for Ceramic, Glass, and Stone Tile Installation
The TCNA provides the TCNA Handbook for Ceramic, Glass, and Stone Tile Installation as a guide, not as a product, to help clarify and standardize tile installation specifications.
Each installation method requires a properly designed, constructed and prepared substructure using materials and construction techniques that meet nationally recognized material and construction standards.
The quick reference details cover most installation methods and conditions. However, some installation methods and materials are unrecognized and may be unsuitable in some geographic areas because of local trade practices, climatic conditions or construction methods. Therefore, while the goal of the Conference for the TCNA Handbook is to produce accurate guidelines, parties should use them only with the independent approval of technically qualified persons.
All tile installation specifications must conform to local building codes, ordinances and trade standards and practices.
The information presented in the handbook represents a consensus of the national and regional organizations and people who serve on the Handbook Committee. Click here for a current committee roster. The committee regularly considers revisions to present architects and specification writers with current, accurate recommendations.