Tile has been manufactured and used in the construction environment for thousands of years, with advancements slowly evolving through the ages. We are now in an era of great tile innovation, with firing, printing, and material technology expanding for more beautiful and statement-worthy product offerings.

This course will explore the history of tile, then introduce the different types of natural stone and man-made tile, including specialty tiles and unique formats that are changing the tile market as we speak. We will discuss their performance benefits, how they are manufactured, and how to design with tile to create stunning, hard-wearing installations.


Learning Objectives

  • Understand the history of tile and how it has impacted design throughout the ages.
  • Explore types of natural stone tile — including limestone, granite, marble, and slate — and how to design with each material.
  • Identify types of man-made tile, including ceramic, porcelain, and specialty materials.
  • Describe the various tile formats available, including subway, mosaic, and large format, as well as new innovations that are stretching the limits of tile design.

Pre-Requisite: Basic knowledge of floor design best practices.