The Work Beneath the Finish.

01

Substrate Preparation

The substrate must be structurally sound, clean, flat, and free of excessive deflection before any tile work begins. Flatness tolerances and surface preparation requirements vary by substrate type and tile format. Concrete, cement board, gypsum board, and existing tile each require different evaluation and preparation approaches. Maison Tile Co evaluates substrates during preconstruction and documents conditions before mobilization.

02

Waterproofing & Membranes

Wet areas require a continuous, properly sloped waterproofing membrane installed to the correct height and integrated with drains, curbs, and penetrations. Membrane type — sheet, liquid-applied, or foam — is selected based on the substrate, exposure, and project specification. Flood testing is performed before tile installation in applicable areas.

03

Mortar Beds

A properly floated mortar bed provides a stable, level, and bondable surface for tile installation. Mortar beds are used where substrate conditions require leveling, where slopes must be established, or where the specification requires a traditional installation method. Bed thickness, reinforcement, and curing time are determined by the application and tile format.

04

Setting Materials

Setting material selection is determined by the substrate, tile type, format, exposure, and project specification. Large-format tile, porcelain, glass, natural stone, and quarry tile each have specific setting material requirements. Thinset mortar, medium-bed mortar, epoxy mortar, and organic adhesive are not interchangeable. Maison Tile Co selects and documents setting materials based on the project specification and manufacturer requirements.

05

Grout

Grout selection — sanded, unsanded, epoxy, or urethane — is based on joint width, exposure, chemical resistance requirements, and the project specification. Joint width must be consistent and appropriate for the tile format and installation method. Grout is not a structural element; it fills the joint and protects the setting material. Curing and sealing requirements vary by grout type and exposure.

06

Movement Joints

Movement joints are required at all changes of plane, at structural joints, at perimeters, and at intervals determined by the TCNA and the project engineer. Eliminating or reducing movement joints is a common cause of tile failure. Movement joints must be installed through the full depth of the tile assembly and filled with a compressible sealant — not grout. Maison Tile Co reviews movement joint requirements during preconstruction and coordinates with the GC and architect.

07

Large-Format Tile

Large-format tile requires a flatter substrate, a higher-coverage setting material, and back-buttering to achieve adequate bond. Lippage tolerances are tighter and must be addressed through substrate preparation rather than shimming. Layout planning is critical — large-format tile amplifies substrate defects and installation errors that would be less visible at smaller formats.

08

Natural Stone

Natural stone requires setting materials and grouts that are compatible with the stone type. Certain stones — particularly calcareous materials — are sensitive to acidic cleaners and incompatible setting materials. Resin-backed stone, thin stone, and gauged stone panels each have specific installation requirements. Maison Tile Co reviews stone type and specification requirements before mobilization.

09

Mosaics

Mosaic tile — glass, ceramic, porcelain, or stone — requires a setting material appropriate for the tile type and a substrate that is flat enough to prevent lippage across the sheet. Back-mounted, face-mounted, and paper-mounted mosaics each have different installation sequences. Grout joint width and setting material selection are determined by the mosaic type and the project specification.

10

Heated Floors

Radiant heat systems installed beneath tile require setting materials rated for thermal cycling. The heating element must be embedded in a compatible mortar bed or setting material, and the system must be tested before and after tile installation. Maison Tile Co coordinates with the mechanical contractor and reviews the system specification before installation.

11

Exterior & Freeze-Thaw

Exterior tile installations are subject to freeze-thaw cycling, thermal expansion, and moisture exposure that interior installations are not. Tile selection, setting material, grout, and movement joint design must all account for exterior exposure. Impervious tile, exterior-rated setting materials, and properly designed movement joints are required. Maison Tile Co reviews exterior specifications carefully — exterior failures are expensive and difficult to repair.

12

Cleaning & Protection

Tile and grout must be cleaned and protected during and after installation. Cleaning methods and products must be appropriate for the tile and grout type — the wrong cleaner can damage the surface or the joint. Sealers are required for certain grout types and natural stone. Maison Tile Co provides maintenance and care instructions as part of the closeout package.