CFI Training Programs

CFI TRAINING
CFI’s dedicated staff of 73 Installation Trainers provide educational programs worldwide. The CFI reputation for training has become the standard for the Industry during the past 9 years. CFI is proud of the results and the training programs.  We do not consider the programs a success unless the Installers leave proud and excited about their work with a greater appreciation of Customer Satisfaction.  This is what makes CFI strong; developing a partnership between Installers, Salespersons, Contractors and Manufacturers. 

Available Training Programs:

Carpet  |  Estimating  |  Inspectors  |  Salesperson

Pattern Matching & Woven  |  Hardwood  |  Laminate

CFI CARPET TRAINING
(Workbook Prepared for Attendees)

Evening Seminar and One-Day of CFI Training and R-I C-I Certification

Installation training always pays big dividends, not only for the knowledge and pride that are gained by the Installers, but the Customer Satisfaction values that are developed.  The CFI Team of Installation Trainers has received extensive training concerning the latest installation techniques, seaming, powerstretching, pattern matching, stair upholstery, carpet backings and technical information.  When shared with Installers, this develops a partnership within the company whereby the customer receives what was stated at the time of the sale.  When all parties work together as a Team and “paint the picture” of what is expected, another satisfied customer returns in the future.  This is the GOAL!

COST:  $290.00 per Installer  Minimum of 15

CFI ESTIMATING COURSE
(Workbook Prepared for Attendees)

IF THE JOB STARTS RIGHT, IT FINISHES RIGHT!  LEARN TO PREPARE!

Jim Walker and staff present an intense Estimating and Measuring course that includes hands-on involvement.  The information is designed not only for entry-level employees, but those with more experience in the field, but seeking to enhance their skills.

• Do problems occur when the installation begins?

• Is the Estimator familiar with installation?

• Can measuring be simplified?

• Does the Specifier understand what the Customer expects?

• What if the patterned carpet arrives 11’-10” wide to install in a 12’-1” area?

• Will the Customer be satisfied?

This class is designed to provide entry-level training for those interested in estimating and measuring.  The Estimator will prepare diagrams denoting seam placement, a cut list and will learn to “paint a picture” for the Installer to assist in preparation PRIOR to arriving at the Customer’s location. 

COST:  $425 Non Member, $355 CFI or WFCA Member - Minimum of 15 attendees

TOPICS:

• Attendees Prepare a Scaled Drawing

• Position Seams – Traffic Flow

• Pile Direction

• Materials Required to Estimate Correctly

• Estimating Basics

• Preparation Makes the Difference

• Steps to Follow for an Accurate Measurement

• Measuring for the Fill

• Types of Stairs - Bullnose Stairs - Waterfall - Cap and Band Stairs - Enclosed Stairs

• Explanation of Stair Measurements

• Preparing the Customer

• Seam Preparation and Techniques

• Surface Prep

• Concrete / Wood Subfloors

• Carpet and Furniture Removal  – Items Not to Move

• Transitions - Quarterround

• New Homes/Businesses

• Liquid Removers

• Ventilation  - Protection of Installation

• Double-Glue Installation Specifications

• Disconnection of Appliances

• Doors – Lower Pile Height

• The “IF’s” That Satisfy Customers

• Problems That Occur When Information is Omitted

• Sample Form for Customer Preparation

• Sample Estimate Sheet

• Overage Allowances

• Commercial Estimating - Commercial Job Form

• Form for Establishing Cost of Services

CFI INSTALLATION FOR THE INSPECTOR/SALESPERSON
(Workbook Prepared for Attendees)

This course is designed to acquaint the sales force, the field superintendents and those who work with Installers how to communicate.  At the conclusion of the event, our goal is to enhance their communication skills with Installers to alleviate problems in the field.   Jim Walker and staff present the course using demonstrations and exhibits for a thorough understanding of providing the Customer with what is expected at the time of the sale.  To obtain the “Installation for the Inspector” designation, a test is administered at the conclusion of the course. 

This is a “Hands-On” Class - be prepared to get involved!

“Installation for the Inspector” will focus on the most common complaints

• Seam Construction Techniques

• Powerstretching Procedures

• Side Match Problems

• Use of the Proper Cushion

• Pattern Matching

• Seam Peaking

• and more!

All tools and supplies are furnished.

Come prepared to leave with a thorough understanding of installation as related to preparing an inspection report that “paints a picture”  or achieve the ability to communicate with the installation branch of your company. 

COST:  $425 Non Member, $355 CFI or WFCA Member  - Minimum of 15 attendees

TOPICS:

• Seaming Various Types of Carpets – Procedures and Techniques

• Powerstretching – Use of Kneekicker

• Seam Sealers

• Lighting Effects on Seaming  - Seam Placement

• Seam Peaking

• Pattern Matching

• Restretch Procedures

• Sidematch Correction

• Stretch-in Over Cushion Installation Techniques

• Direct Glue Installation

• Attached Cushion Installation

• Seaming Limitations

• The Importance of Understanding Carpet Backings

• Protection of Wood

• Professional Installation Requirements

• How to Identify Installation-Related Problems          

• Requirements of a Professional Inspector

• Inspector Checklist

• Corrective Measures for Seam Peaking

• Pattern Matching

• Bow-Skew-Pattern Elongation Diagrams – How to Identify

• How to Correct Patterned Carpet Problems

• Writing the Inspection

CFI HARDWOOD TRAINING

COST:  $300/person Minimum attendance of 20

TOPICS:

• Professionalism

• Job site Evaluation

• Preparation

• Transitions- two parts

• Grades- On, Above, below

• Sub-Floors

• Moisture

• Affects of Moisture

• Moisture testing Procedures

• Acclimation

• Estimating

• Balancing floors

• Properties & Characteristics

• Unfinished & Pre-Finished

• Solid

• Types of cuts- plain, quarter sawn, rift sawn

• Strip & Plank

• Engineered

• Parquet

• Janka Hardness

• Cork

• Bamboo

• Sand and Finish

• Machine maintenance

• Types of sanding

• Hard Plating

• Types of finishes

• Factory Finishes

• UV Cured

• Acrylic Impregnated

• Ceramic/ aluminum oxide

• Nail Down – Staple/ Cleats

• Floating- install

• Glue direct- install

• Pros and Cons of Installation Systems

• Transitions

• Radiant Systems

• Electric

• Hydronic

• R-Values

• Maintenance

CFI PATTERN & WOVEN WORKSHOP

The CFI Skills Workshop is a “working” event to introduce new techniques and tools for the installation of patterned and woven carpets and provide solutions to problems.  Due to the amount of space required for training, attendance is limited.  Installers work with large sections of carpet, constructing seams, powerstretching, pattern matching and learning techniques that enhance the value of their skills in modules of approximately 16x24 in size.

COST:  Installation training event: $620.00. This includes the 60-page hardbound CFI Patterned Resource Guide and lunch.  A minimum of 15 installers is required.

TOPICS:

• CFI and the Patterned Carpet Installation Professional Introduction
• Identification and Characteristics of the Weaves
• Patterned Carpets – Commercial Setting – Direct Glue
• Woven Stair Runner Installation
• Patterned Carpet and Backing Identification
• Type of Pattern – Pattern Count
• Seam Construction – Matching Tolerant and Deviant Patterns
• Pattern Tolerances
• Hook Consideration and Pattern Loss
• Powerstretching and Wall Trimmer Installation Techniques – Stretch-In
• Direct Glue Installation of Commercial Woven
• Tools – Deadman, Restretcher, Cottonhead, Dry Line, Square

“Hands-on” Workshop Sessions:

• Seaming and Stretching Patterns Skills Workshop
• Patterned Carpet Direct-Glue Skills Workshop
• Double-Glue  Skills Workshop
• Installation of Patterns over Cushion Skills Workshop
• Attached Cushion Commercial Patterns Skills Workshop
• Installation of Woven Patterns Skills Workshop

CFI LAMINATE TRAINING

COST:  $300/person  Minimum attendance of 20

TOPICS:

• Professionalism

• Job site Evaluation

• Preparation  -  Transitions - two parts

• Grades - On, Above, Below

• Sub-Floors

• Proper Preparation of Sub-floors

• Moisture (affects of moisture, moisture testing procedures)

• Acclimation and Proper Handling of Materials

• Maintaining Properly Controlled Installation Environment

• Estimating and Proper Planning

• Types of laminate floors (specific installation characteristics for each type of flooring, glueless, nailed)

• Properties and Characteristics

• Adhesives – Using the Manufacturer’s Recommended Products

• Plank lay direction

• Pros and Cons of Installation Systems

• Manufacturer Guidelines

• Startup and Row Stagger

• Room Sizes

• Using Spacers

• Silicone Sealant

• Stairs

• Tools

• Transition Systems

• Expansion issues

• Board Repair

• Cleanup

• Maintenance

• Importance of Climate-Controlled Conditions