Servais Tile & Stone

Family owned since 1974

Servais Tile and Stone

Member Spotlight: – Featured in TileLetter Magazine

The industry’s leading tile installation magazine

This article is from TileLetter.
View the article here.

Servais Tile & Stone Inc. celebrates its 50th anniversary as a second-generation tile contractor

October 1, 2024
By Amanda Mourelatos

Troy Servais Servais Tile & Stone Inc. Rushford, Minn.

Second-generation tile contractor Servais Tile & Stone of Rushford, Minn., is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The company was originally founded in 1974 by Dennis Servais under the name Servais Tile Company in La Crosse, Wis. Servais “established many lasting relationships with local architects and general contractors that continue today,” said Troy Servais, Dennis’ son and the current head of the company.

Dennis Servais (l.) started the family business in La Crosse, Wis., in 1974. Today, his son Troy (r.) runs the company, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

Troy began working under his father when he was a teenager. He absorbed everything his father had to teach him and his passion bloomed. Troy respected the hard work that came from the trade and, after graduating college, he started his career in the tile industry. When Dennis retired, Troy took over and continued work in the La Crosse area, eventually renaming the company and moving it to Rushford. Today the company works on both commercial and residential projects, including remodels and new construction. Servais is experienced in working with gauged porcelain tile panels and this sets the company apart from other contractors in their area. In addition, Servais is a stone fabricator, which allows the company to customize granite, quartz and marble pieces for countertops, backsplashes and more.

An impressive bathroom model on the second floor of a residence using large, thin porcelain tile offered some challenges. Advance planning and great care was necessary for successfully transporting the panels up the stairs. “We are firm believers in continued training and education through the NTCA and knowledge of GPTP obtained from advanced training was a necessity for this project,” Troy said. “Another must was the use of proper equipment for handling the panels in a safe and efficient manner.”

The contractor has developed a solid reputation over the past 50 years and has continued to flourish due to its professional team, quality results and foundational relationships with contractors and architects in their area. One of the company’s specialties is large commercial jobs, including those in healthcare, food service and education. In addition, Servais relishes their unique residential opportunities such as fireplaces, kitchens, walk-in showers, and more.

“Servais Tile & Stone is a proud member of the National Tile Contractors Association, abiding by the most current and accurate tile installation standards and methods available,” Troy Servais said. A member for five year, Servais was introduced to NTCA by NTCA Executive Director Bart Bettiga.

NTCA’s greatest value, to Troy Servais, is the networking and educational opportunities NTCA has to offer. He is also appreciative of programs such as Emerging Leaders, “…which one of our employees participated in the first year it was offered,” he said. Troy also anticipates some of his installers will gain their Certified Tile Installer credentials in the near future.

This project at a local college started off with floor flatness on an elevated slab that was far from acceptable. Servais used a flowable hydraulic cement underlayment, and full-coverage crack-isolation membrane for possible in-plane cracking. “Since floor flatness is a continuing battle, we try to overcome this challenge by discussing expectations and solutions in advance with the contractors,” Troy said.

Two of the biggest challenges for Troy are scheduling and manpower. He said, “Scheduling is a constant battle, but being upfront with contractors and customers about the timeframe for their projects is helpful. Everyone appreciates open and honest communication.” Fortunately, the Servais team is full of “incredible tile installers that have been with us for many years.” And to help fortify their team, the company is always on the lookout for additional experienced contractors to help manage their workload, especially since 2024 and 2025 are shaping up to be busy up until the first half of next year.

One of Troy’s greatest joys is the continuing relationships and compliments from customers to contractors. “Of course, seeing the quality work that our installers do is the best part,” he said.

The Servais team is proud of its trade and has taken thoughtful measures to educate the youth in their area about the tile trade and being a tradesperson in general.

“Knowing that there is going to be a continued shortage of tradesmen in our country’s future, we have gone into our area’s classrooms to expose our youth to the tile industry through classroom demonstrations and job fairs,” Troy said. “We also contribute annually to a trade scholarship at our local high school, hoping to encourage graduates to go into a trade of any kind.

“Being part of the NTCA, and attending trade conferences where we have learned so much, has made us aware of the importance of recruiting for our industry for the long-term,” Servais concluded.

Servais Tile & Stone – on trend service

From the Fillmore County Journal January 31, 2022, article by by Wanda Hanson.

Jennifer and Troy Servais pose in front of the 5’ by 10’ GPTP tile on display in their showroom.
Photo by Wanda Hanson

Troy and Jennifer Servais remodeled their offices and showroom in February in an effort to improve the flow of business at Servais Tile and Stone, Rushford. Of course, they did all the finishing work themselves. The result? A gorgeous showroom that showcases the multitude of products and services offered at Servais Tile!

Servais Tile Company was originally begun by Dennis Servais (Troy’s father) in 1974. Dennis worked with local architects and contractors and had his tile display on a wall of his garage. Troy took over the company in 1999, changing its name to Servais Tile & Stone and adding granite and stone fabrication.

Troy noted that 8”square tile was the largest tile when he first began working with his father. When 12” tile came out in the 1980s, it was considered huge! Now 12” by 24” tile is standard, but Troy tends to use 24” by 48” and 18”by 36” tiles himself.

One wall of the new showroom is a display of GPTP (Glazed Porcelain Tile Panels). These panels are 5’ by 10’ which provides a smooth surface with fewer grout lines. Servais recently installed this at the La Crosse Fire Station.

Distributors contact Servais to send him to training on new products so they can ensure that they have trained installers available. Recently he was sent to Crossville, Tenn., for a session on GPTP.

Troy tries to keep ahead of the trends. He emphasized that he wants to do different “stuff”; he likes their work to stand out. Troy shared a new veneer slate tile with a resin backing that he recently got in. The slate tile can be used to wrap curved surfaces such as a column and can be back lit in an area like a bar for a unique lighting touch.

A current trend is to use Italian-made tile. While the supply chain has affected the arrival of Italian tile, some Italian companies have been starting up factories in the U.S. which has eased the effect of the supply chain.

Another popular trend is the use of ledgerstone, stacked natural stone which is used for focal walls and fireplaces. Mosaic tiles with a unique 3-D effect, and penny rounds (small round tiles the size of pennies) are other new trends. Wood-look tiles and a wide variety of unique subway tiles are also available.

The showroom displays the plethora of tiles, stone and other products available from Servais Tile & Stone, including the variety of flooring.
Photo by Wanda Hanson

Most residential jobs done by Servais Tile & Stone include kitchen countertops, backsplashes, and/or bathtub conversions to walk-in showers with no curbs. Servais enjoys doing residential jobs. He observed, “That’s where we get a chance to shine!” Commercial jobs usually have the specific tile to be used already pre-specified.

Granite, quartz, and marble are the most popular countertops. These materials provide easy cleanup; they are sanitary and don’t harbor bacteria.

Servais Tile & Stone also offers a commercial line of LVP (luxury vinyl plank) flooring as well. LVP provides a warmer feel and helps with acoustics.

The showroom is open by appointment so the Servaises can provide assistance to the customers. Troy tries to make sure that all of what they show in their showroom is readily available; he wants to avoid frustrations for the customers.

Five-foot by ten-foot GPTP (Gauged Porcelain Tile Panels) installed in a shower.
Photo submitted

Customers are able to use a “visualizer” on the company website to see their tiles and products they are considering in their own homes. Servais Tile & Stone also has a presence on Facebook and Instagram.

The company has grown over the years; now there are a total of nine employees in addition to Troy and Jennifer. Troy commented appreciatively, “Much of our success can be attributed to the dedicated, loyal, skilled craftsmen that we have on our crew. Our employees range from apprentices to journeyman tile setters that have been with us for more than 20 years.”

Recent jobs have included hospitals, a dorm at UWL, the La Crosse YMCA, Gundersen Clinic, and the new Winona Nursery building. Jobs are usually within four hours of Rushford, but they have gone as far as Apache Junction, Arizona. They tiled KwikTrips in Duluth, Appleton, northern Wisconsin, and Mankato.

Troy calls the addition of his wife Jennifer to the business in customer service and the office the best ever. The couple enjoys the flexibility of the business, but acknowledged it can be challenging.

The biggest challenges are in scheduling; because they are dependent on other trades completing their portion of a job, there can be holdups. As a result, there are times when they need to move to a different job site to keep the employees busy.

Troy has no regrets about going into the business; however, he does advise new business owners to be conscious of the fact that the business will occupy a lot of their time; it’s a commitment. Servais is part of the Chamber of Commerce and donates to area fundraisers. Troy and Jen enjoy raising their kids and trips to Nashville; in addition, Jen enjoys shopping and Troy loves hunting.

Together Troy and Jen enthusiastically continue to try their best to keep on the cutting edge of trends in the industry; if you want a new, distinctive look to your home, make an appointment to meet with Servais Tile & Stone to look at all the options available.

Bathroom Remodel

A letter from our customer

“The process started with an inspiration picture after many, many, many Google searches. But, after that gorgeous picture, how should we go about making it happen? The fixtures were not standard, our shower size was not standard, and — above all — the tile would be the art of the entire bathroom. We had no idea who made tile like we saw in the picture, who could procure it, or who could install it like craftsmen.

Enter Servais Tile & Stone.

We showed our inspiration picture to Troy & Jen, and the collaborative process began. They helped us with design choices for color, finish, and tile size. They found *amazing* 5’x10’ tile (yes, that’s FEET, not inches). They helped us choose the coordinating tile for the tile art centerpiece, shower walls, pebble shower floor, and bathroom floor. 

Tile choices were one thing. In the shower, we also wanted a massive floating bench and niche—with motion-sensitive lights. The team at Servais Tile figured out how to construct the floating bench, including custom metal fabrication to make sure it doesn’t move at all. They also recommended an electrician, Graf Electric, who would work with us for the in-shower motion sensitive lights. Servais Tile also recommended someone who could install the new shower glass wall.

Finally, with the design and planning work done, demolition began. The bathroom was taken down to the studs. New waterproofing was put in to make it as tight as a drum. There was a lot of construction debris, but this team laid down drop cloths and vacuumed up after themselves every day. *Every day.* 

Jesse, our primary installer, is definitely a craftsman who cares about his work. He put in tile mop boards and lined up the grout lines with the floor grout lines perfectly. He carefully cut the holes for our plumbing fixtures and matched grain lines in the tile perfectly. He chose grout colors that completely blend in. He fixed drywall where holes were made.  He showed up every day on time—even some weekend days to make sure we kept to the schedule.

Did I mention that the team cleaned up after themselves every day?

The product speaks for itself. The bathroom is not massive, but it is beautiful, elegant, clean, and modern. It looks like nothing we’ve seen before—and surpassed our original inspiration picture. 

People ask us these questions “but where did you find tile like that?” Servais Tile found it for us. “How did you even know what kind of tile to look for? You don’t see that at Menards.” Servais Tile found it for us. “How did you do the in-shower lights?” Servais Tile found someone who could do it for us. “But can an actual grown up sit on that floating bench?” Servais Tile tested it with grown men jumping on it, so yes. “How did you know all 4 of these tile types would work?” It’s always nerve-wracking, but Servais Tile gave us practical advice the whole way. “This is pretty clean for a construction zone.” Servais Tile cleaned up every day.

We could not be more pleased with the fit, finish, and look of our bathroom. It is one-of-a-kind. Not only that, but I was additionally pleased when the entire project came in very close to the original budget. Troy, Jen, Jesse and the rest of the team were indispensable — I cannot recommend them enough.”

~Ina F

Shower Before – Outside
Shower Before – Inside

Written by Servais Tile & Stone, Inc.

About the Project

What started out as a website inquiry about repairing shower grout evolved into a beautiful project that was as memorable for us as it was for the homeowner.

Ina initially contacted us through our website about failing grout in their shower but upon inspection it was clear the problem was more involved than this. After deciding a new shower was needed, Ina presented us with a brilliant, unique photo she found online that was the inspiration for she and her husband, Steve’s, master bathroom remodel. Her photo gave us the perfect opportunity to introduce Gauged Porcelain Tile Panels (GPTP). As Ina described, these GPTP are 5 foot by 10 foot pieces of porcelain tile that are very thin, only 6 mm thick! Gauged Porcelain Tile Panels are relatively new to the tile industry so we love it when we get to use them.

GPTP offer many great things, one of which is an impressive visual unlike any other on the market.

Ranging in color and style from neutral with soft undertones, to vibrant shades and elegant patterns, it’s easy to fall in love with their look. They have been growing in popularity and are becoming the tile of choice for many commercial and hospitality areas, restaurants and residences across the globe. GPTP can be used for flooring, countertops, walls, wet areas and also for exterior applications. These large panels mean very few grout joints, which gives the seamless look Ina and Steve were after. An added bonus is that with fewer grout joints, cleaning is much easier than that of standard tile. After having lived with failing grout joints in their existing shower, the idea of tile with very few joints was definitely appealing to Ina and Steve.

After a brief discussion about GPTP, they became the obvious tile choice for Ina and Steve’s shower and we were honored to be entrusted with their remodel project. Their wish was to have a focal wall in the shower that was visible as you walked into the room. They wanted a seamless look that was stunning, yet functional and that fit the space they had to work with. We selected the GPTP colors that gave the combination and design they were after, and coordinating the floor tile and pebbles fell into place. In a collaborative effort we are no stranger to, we worked on the overall shower layout with a plumber, electrician and glass company to make sure all Ina and Steve’s wishes were feasible. With these decisions made, we shifted our focus to the floating bench the couple desired.

Fabricated Steel Bench

In a typical shower, we wouldn’t hesitate to build out a section for a bench or add a seat to a shower corner, but this project was different. We had to have a floating bench that met many requirements. For one, the bench had to span the full length of the shower with minimal deflection to avoid cracking. It had to be sturdy enough to be sat on, but not interfere with the beauty of the focal wall. To accommodate the strength and resilience needed for the bench, we had a local machine shop fabricate a steel frame that we knew would withstand virtually anything. In order to make the bench blend into the wall, we decided to tile it with the same Gauged Porcelain Tile Panels, knowing detailed layout would be essential.

With these decisions all made, the project got under way and demo began. Construction sites are inevitably dirty and we take many precautions to control the dust and keep the worksites tidy and safe. Ina’s reference to Jesse cleaning up every day is no exception to what we do on any job. Our installers have a great work ethic and take pride in their craft. Having a clean job site is an expectation they fully appreciate as well. Once demo of Ina and Steve’s bathroom was complete, the new bathroom floor tile was laid and the plans for the Gauged Porcelain wall tile installation took shape.

Before Glass Install
During the Remodel

Gauged Porcelain Tile Panels require special equipment and handling due to their delicate nature. We have several installers that have received manufacturers training and certification for the installation of GPTP.

Transporting these large panels safely can be challenging but our experienced team is creative with problem solving. Ina and Steve’s home required some careful maneuvering and planning, especially since their bathroom is on a second level, but the entire process was smooth. The GPTP were installed, the bench and niche were successfully finished to accommodate the lighting, and Ina and Steve’s vision that started with an inspiration picture was finally realized.

Taking a customer’s dream and making it a reality requires many considerations. Demolition, coordination with other specialty contractors, waterproofing, leveling of floors and walls, and making appropriate tile selections are all key to a beautiful end product. Having been a tile contractor for almost 25 years, every job is rewarding in its own way. Working with wonderful customers like Ina and Steve and having a skilled team to execute their vision is exceptionally fulfilling and memorable for all of us. We are honored to have been part of this stunning Gauged Porcelain Tile Panel bathroom remodel!

Final Project

Custom and one-of-a-kind vanity

We are very creative and love new challenges. One vision we had in mind for this bathroom remodel was to create a vanity made completely of Stone. Using Granite for the entire piece, we designed and assembled several sections to complete this bathroom with a custom, one-of-a-kind vanity. For anyone looking for something unique, Servais Tile & Stone can help create and deliver!