At Coverings 2026, the University of Ceramic Tile and Stone (UofCTS) will once again present its live course,
How to Get Tile and Stone Specifications Working with Architects, taking place Wednesday, April 1, 2026 (afternoon) at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Now being taught for the fourth time at Coverings, this course continues to attract industry professionals because it addresses one of the most common—and costly—problems in construction: specifications that don’t hold up in the field.
You can sign up for the UofCTS live course here:
Reminder: The first 20 people to register will receive a free copy of the course workbook (a $75 value).
Where Specifications Commonly Fail
Specifications often look solid on paper, yet still unravel during bidding, procurement, or installation. Why?
Because multiple decision-makers influence the outcome—and each one has different priorities.
Owners Focus on Value
Owners want performance, longevity, and cost control. If they don’t clearly understand why a product or system was specified, they may approve substitutions that appear cheaper but perform worse long-term.
Educated owners are far more likely to defend the original specification.
Installers Control Day-to-Day Decisions
Tile and stone subcontractors make countless decisions in the field. When specifications lack clarity, performance requirements, or enforcement mechanisms, substitutions can happen quickly—and often without challenge.
Clear, defensible specifications leave far less room for interpretation.
General Contractors Balance Risk and Cost
General contractors are accountable for project delivery and are often under pressure to control budgets. If specifications don’t clearly define installer qualifications, testing requirements, and acceptable products, decisions may default to the lowest bidder.
Strong specifications help GCs manage risk—not just cost.
Architects Protect Design Intent
Architects and designers are motivated to see their original vision executed properly. However, without adequate technical support and education, enforcing specifications can become difficult once construction begins.
Education Is the Common Denominator
The most effective way to keep a specification intact is to ensure that everyone involved understands it.
That’s the foundation of this live UofCTS course.
Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of:
- How specifications are evaluated and challenged
- How to reduce substitutions and failures
- How to align products, standards, and installation requirements
Reminder: The first 20 registrants will receive a free copy of the course workbook (a $75 value).
- Wednesday, April 1, 2026 (Afternoon)
- Coverings 2026 – Las Vegas Convention Center
Sign up today: