Commercial Tile Installation in the Twin Cities
Commercial tile installation is a different scope than residential. Larger formats, tighter flatness tolerances, waterproofing membrane systems, fast-track schedules in occupied buildings, and substrate conditions that range from pristine new concrete to 50-year-old slabs with six layers of failed adhesive underneath. ATR Floors installs porcelain, ceramic, glass, and mosaic tile in commercial environments across the Twin Cities — with substrate preparation, setting bed systems, and grout specification included under a single turnkey contract.
ANSI A108
Installation Standards
TCNA
Handbook Compliant
Turnkey
Prep Through Grout
Tile Types We Install
Tile is specified in commercial environments where moisture resistance, durability, and aesthetic impact all matter — and where the substrate must be prepared to tolerances that most residential tile contractors do not encounter.
Porcelain Tile
The dominant commercial tile choice. Dense, low-absorption (<0.5%), and available from 4x4 mosaics to large-format gauged porcelain panels exceeding 48x96 inches.
Ceramic Tile
Standard ceramic for commercial walls, backsplashes, and light-traffic floors. Higher absorption than porcelain, which makes it appropriate for walls, accent bands, and decorative installations.
Glass Tile
Decorative glass tile for feature walls, backsplashes, pool surrounds, and accent borders. Requires specific setting materials and careful installation technique to prevent cracking and maintain translucency.
Mosaic Tile
Small-format tile (1x1 to 2x2 inches) mounted on mesh or paper sheets. Used for shower floors, pool interiors, decorative murals, and intricate patterns where large-format cannot reach the design intent.
Setting Bed & Membrane Systems
Modified or unmodified thin-set, medium-bed mortar, waterproofing membranes (sheet or liquid-applied), and crack isolation membranes — selected per substrate, tile type, and exposure.
Grout Specification
Sanded cementitious for joints wider than 1/8". Unsanded for narrower joints. Epoxy grout for food service, healthcare, and laboratory. Urethane grout for hospitality stain resistance.
Tile Adhesion Depends on Substrate Condition
Common commercial substrates each have their own preparation requirements. Our turnkey scope handles substrate assessment, flatness verification, leveling, membrane installation, and Clean Slate removal of old materials.
Why Choose ATR for Commercial Tile
ANSI A108.02 Standards
Substrate flatness, mortar coverage, and lippage tolerances installed to the published standard, not the shortcut.
Clean Slate Substrate Prep
Chemical removal of existing coatings and adhesives — no grinding dust in your occupied facility.
Membrane Systems
Sheet, liquid-applied, and peel-and-stick waterproofing and crack isolation per TCNA Handbook.
Wet-Area Expertise
Showers, steam rooms, pool surrounds, and commercial kitchens — installed with flood-tested membrane systems.
Industries We Serve With Tile
Frequently Asked Questions
In many cases, yes. Tile can be installed over existing tile, terrazzo, or concrete if the existing surface is structurally sound and well-bonded. We assess the existing floor for hollow spots, delamination, and flatness. If removal is required, the Clean Slate Process handles it without grinding dust.
Every tile project includes substrate assessment, flatness verification, and surface preparation. If leveling is required, we install cementitious underlayment to bring the substrate within ANSI tolerances. If existing coatings or adhesives need removal, we use the Clean Slate Process. If waterproofing is required, we install the membrane system.
We install waterproofing membrane systems per the membrane manufacturer's specification and TCNA Handbook guidelines. Options include sheet membranes (bonded to the substrate before tile) and liquid-applied membranes (rolled or sprayed). Flood testing is performed where specified to verify membrane integrity before tile is set.
Yes — see our dedicated Large Format Tile service page. Large-format tile (12x24 and larger) requires tighter substrate flatness, specific lippage-free setting standards, and anti-fracture membranes. Our crews are equipped and trained for panels up to 48x96 inches and beyond.
ATR provides a 2-year workmanship warranty on tile installation covering adhesion, grout integrity, and waterproofing membrane performance. Tile and grout manufacturers provide separate material warranties.
The Right Tile, on the Right Substrate, With the Right Crew
Include tile spec, substrate type, sq ft, and project schedule. We respond within one business day with a detailed scope.