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The longstanding collaboration between NTCA Five-Star Contractor J&R Tile and Santikos Entertainment reached new heights with the comprehensive renovation of the Silverado Theatre—the sixth major Santikos movie and entertainment center competed together in the San Antonio area. As a rare-to-find tile contractor that offers installation and repair services for projects small and large, J&R Tile brought precision, speed, and deep technical expertise to every stage of this entertainment venue transformation.
For the Silverado project, J&R Tile Owner Erin Albrecht reached out to partner TEC® Specialty Products, seeking guidance from National Technical Manager Heather Ruhl and Digital Technical Manager Chris Kain on specific products for the Silverado challenge. Together they developed a system-warrantied installation materials’ plan for Silverado’s more than 15,000 sq. ft. of mostly large-format porcelain tile. Albrecht noted that she appreciates that TEC tech support is always available for consultation and willing to be on-site whenever needed.
High-End Tile Design, Floor Prep Challenge
The Silverado renovation included unusually upscale finishes for a movie theatre such as unique large-format tiles, custom-fabricated gauged porcelain slabs, and intricate tile designs that brought a modern aesthetic throughout the concession areas, bar, restrooms and new VIP spaces. Working with the designers, J&R ensured cost efficiency and quality by sourcing all tile from partner Emser Tile, who also distributes TEC® setting materials.
Demolition took the theatre interior down to the original slab. Given the enormous scale of the tile work, J&R owned the critical path for the three month renovation timeline, skillfully coordinating with other trades to keep the project moving smoothly while maintaining dust/debris control to minimize contamination of tile substrates.
For J&R, the biggest floor preparation challenge came after removal of existing 2’x3′ concrete columns, which left large floor voids. J&R filled these “craters” with concrete, then leveled the surfaces to standard flatness of ⅛” in 10’ using TEC® Fast-Set Deep Patch — designed for deep fills, leveling from featheredge up to 1.5” in one application or 5” with proper aggregate and walkable in just one hour. Wet and dry area tile prep continued with J&R’s go-to product TEC® HydraFlex™ Waterproofing Crack Isolation Membrane, which stops in-plane cracks up to 1/8″ or up to 1⁄4″ wide at the subfloor from reaching the tile. HydraFlex also served to isolate minor substrate cracks in non-wet areas following TCNA Method F-125.
Elegant Tile Installations Throughout
With prep complete, J&R tackled Silverado’s extensive large-format tile installation. The largest flooring expanse received 24″x48″ grey marble-look porcelain, inlaid with striking 8″x40″ Espresso Chevron tiles. In the restrooms, 24″x48″ black marble-look tiles covered floors and walls, while 63”x126” 6mm Expanse Arabescato white gauged porcelain slabs (GPS) with striking gray veining were used in wet zones. Walls in the concessions areas featured 12″x35″ Artwork Glossy White Dimensional tiles, and the VIP bowling area added depth with 13″x36″ White Linear Dimensional pieces.
To bond these varied and demanding tiles, J&R relied on TEC® TotalFlex® 150 Universal Polymer-Modified Mortarwhich can be used for floors, walls and ceilings and for any application – interior, exterior or submerged. TotalFlex 150 provided smooth easy troweling, robust non-sag/non-slump performance and ultra-long open time (up to 60 minutes), saving J&R significant installation time.
Standout Tile Installation Challenges
The project’s most complex installation involved the giant 63″x126″ Expanse Arabescato and Venato white GPS, set to ANSI A108.19 Standards. Used in the restrooms wet areas, the Arabescato slabs delivered a seamless, luxury aesthetic – but installation required tight coordination with other trades, and extensive planning and communication to maneuver the delicate panels safely through Silverado’s tight workspaces. J&R’s team developed mobile prep stations to install the GPS efficiently and effectively. J&R Vice President of Operations Triniti Vigil noted that TEC TotalFlex 150 was also key to simplifying the slab installation: “It’s super easy troweling, quick grab, and extra-long open time really helped streamline our process.”
The Silverado’s standout architectural feature was in the bar and concession areas where the Venato slabs were custom-cut into hundreds of geometric pieces to create dramatic patterns. Each piece was painstakingly outlined with customized black metal trim, adding more complexity. J&R’s expert craftsmanship and the micro adjustments facilitated by TotalFlex 150 mortar’s long open time, ensured each angular tile was placed to plan and perfection. To finish the area’s high-end aesthetic, 6″x12″ Azul Glossy tiles were installed vertically over the bar.
J&R faced further challenges from the restrooms’ 1000 sq. ft. of old 4”x4” tile existed. Instead of costly demolition, the team took a smarter route by priming the old tile with TEC® Multipurpose Primer, adhering foam board with TotalFlex 150 to create a tile-ready substrate, and then installing the new tile over the old, again with TotalFlex 150.
Finishes for the Tile
To finish, J&R grouted with TEC® AccuColor® Premium Grout creating 1/8” grout joints complying with ANSI A118.7 Standards. AccuColor Grout is specifically formulated to provide highly wear-resistant and color consistent joints, especially important for Silverado Theatre’s high traffic areas. TEC® AccuColor® 100% Siliconized Caulk was installed per TCNA EJ-171 at all movement joint locations to protect the tile.
From the meticulous prep work to the precision installation of intricate tile designs, the J&R Tile team demonstrated expert craftsmanship, innovative problem-solving, and seamless coordination to achieve flawless tile execution for Silverado Theatre’s stunning renovation. Thanks to the collaboration between J&R Tile, TEC®, and Emser Tile, Santikos’ latest entertainment center now boasts bold, beautiful surfaces built to last, elevate its aesthetic and designed for public enjoyment.
Written by Chris Kain, TEC Specialty Products
