TCAA Tile Talk Monthly

April 2026

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Coverings 2026: Focus, Adaptation, and the Strength of Qualified Labor

Coverings 2026 brought the tile and stone industry together once again, showcasing the latest in products, installation systems, and design trends. But beyond the booths and demonstrations, this year’s show reflected something more important: a clear-eyed understanding of where the market stands, and what it will take to move forward.

From the TCNA Press Breakfast to conversations across the show floor, the message was consistent. The industry is in a period of recalibration. Consumption is down, competition is tighter, and global supply chains continue to shift due to tariffs and sourcing changes. These pressures are not temporary. They are shaping how contractors operate today.

At the same time, manufacturers are responding with innovation that directly supports the field. Advancements in large-format tile, installation materials, and sound mitigation systems are designed to improve efficiency, durability, and jobsite performance. For contractors, these are practical tools that can help offset tighter margins and higher expectations.

Amid these shifts, the presence of Tile Contractors' Association of America at Coverings reinforced a critical point: qualified labor remains the foundation of the industry.

TCAA was proud to represent signatory contractors throughout the week, engaging with suppliers, partners, and industry leaders to ensure the voice of the installer is not just included, but prioritized. As products and specifications become more complex, the demand for skilled, trained professionals continues to grow. Quality installation is not optional. It is essential.

Workforce development also took center stage. Industry-wide efforts, including the Tennessee Workforce Initiative, highlight the urgency of building and sustaining a strong labor pipeline. For TCAA members, this is already a priority. Contractors who invest in training and apprenticeship programs are not only strengthening the industry, they are positioning themselves to meet demand and maintain quality in a competitive market.

Just as important were the relationships strengthened throughout the week. Coverings continues to serve as a key space for contractors and suppliers to connect, align, and problem-solve together. In a market where conditions can change quickly, those relationships are a real advantage.

The takeaway from Coverings 2026 is straightforward: success this year will not come from waiting for conditions to improve. It will come from adapting through stronger planning, better communication, and continued investment in people.

TCAA remains committed to supporting contractors who lead in these areas and to advocating for the value of qualified labor across the industry.

Where Standards Are Built: TCAA at ANSI A108 at Coverings

Each year during Coverings, industry leaders gather for the ANSI ASC A108 Committee meeting—one of the most important yet often unseen events shaping tile installation in the United States. This committee develops and maintains the national standards that guide installation methods, material performance, workmanship, and long-term durability. These standards are critical to ensuring consistency, quality, and risk reduction across the industry.

The Tile Contractors’ Association of America (TCAA) plays a vital role in this process by representing the voice of qualified labor contractors. TCAA ensures that standards are grounded in real-world jobsite conditions and reflect the expertise of those performing the work every day. By bringing firsthand knowledge of constructability, workforce training, and installation challenges, TCAA helps ensure that standards remain practical, enforceable, and aligned with industry realities.

Current ANSI work includes updates to installation standards related to mortar coverage, substrate preparation, and the division of responsibilities between contractors and design professionals. The committee is also developing new standards for emerging materials and systems, such as foam core backer boards and field-fabricated tiling kits, while continuing to refine language to reduce confusion and improve consistency in the field.

While Coverings highlights the latest products and innovations, the ANSI A108 meetings are where the foundation of the industry is built. TCAA’s continued participation ensures that these standards reflect the skill, professionalism, and experience of contractors, helping to uphold quality and integrity across every tile installation project.

TCAA's $5,000 Family Scholarship Application Deadline has been extended

The Tile Contractors’ Association of America (TCAA) is currently accepting applications for its TCAA Family Scholarships, available to the children of any employee of TCAA contractor member companies. Established to support educational advancement within the tile contracting community, this merit-based opportunity continues to invest in the next generation.

Thanks to generous donations in memory of Emily Williams, two $5,000 Family Scholarships will be awarded this year. Applicants are evaluated based on academic achievement, personal statements, and letters of recommendation, with final selections made by the TCAA Scholarship Committee.

The application deadline is April 30. For more information or to apply, visit tcaainc.org/scholarships or contact info@tcaainc.org.

Good luck to all applicants!