Tile Installation Process: What to Expect from Start to Finish

Understanding what happens during tile installation helps you prepare your home, set realistic expectations, and recognize quality work when you see it. Professional tile installation is far more complex than simply sticking tiles to a floor—it’s a multi-phase process requiring expertise, precision, and attention to detail at every step.

This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire tile installation process from initial consultation through final cleanup, explaining what happens during each phase and why it matters for long-term performance.

Before Installation Begins

Phase 1: Free In-Home Consultation and Measurement

Your tile project begins long before the first tile is set. Professional installers evaluate your space, discuss your needs, and provide accurate estimates based on real conditions—not guesswork.

What Happens During Your Consultation:

Initial Contact You schedule a consultation by phone or online at a time convenient for your schedule. Leicester Flooring offers flexible appointment times including evenings and weekends to accommodate busy Asheville homeowners.

The Visit A flooring specialist arrives at your home with measuring tools, sample materials, and photo references. The consultation typically takes 30-60 minutes depending on project scope.

Space Evaluation The specialist examines:

  • Room dimensions and layout
  • Existing flooring condition
  • Substrate type (concrete, wood subfloor, existing tile)
  • Structural concerns (floor flex, movement, damage)
  • Moisture issues (especially in basements and bathrooms)
  • Access and logistics (stairs, tight doorways, parking)

Substrate Assessment This is the most critical part of the consultation. The specialist evaluates:

  • Concrete floors: Flatness, cracks, moisture levels, surface condition
  • Wood subfloors: Thickness, joist spacing, bounce/flex, squeaks, water damage
  • Existing tile: Adhesion, hollow spots, substrate beneath
  • Levelness: Using levels and straightedges to check flatness

Substrate issues discovered now prevent surprises later. Professional installers identify problems during consultation, not halfway through installation.

Discussion of Your Needs The specialist asks about:

  • Intended use (high-traffic kitchen, guest bathroom, master shower)
  • Style preferences (modern, traditional, rustic)
  • Color and material preferences
  • Budget considerations
  • Timeline requirements
  • Functional needs (slip-resistance, easy cleaning, durability)

Design Guidance Based on your space and preferences, the specialist recommends:

  • Tile types suitable for your application (ceramic, porcelain, natural stone)
  • Size and format options
  • Layout patterns (straight-lay, diagonal, herringbone)
  • Grout color considerations
  • Accent and border opportunities

Measuring Precise measurements determine material quantities:

  • Square footage calculations
  • Cut and waste factors (typically 10% overage)
  • Linear measurements for transitions and trim
  • Heights and clearances

Estimate Presentation Before leaving, the specialist provides:

  • Detailed written estimate breaking down materials and labor
  • Timeline from start to completion
  • Payment schedule
  • Warranty information
  • Next steps to move forward

No Obligation Quality installers never pressure you. Leicester Flooring’s consultations are completely free with no obligation—even if you decide not to proceed.

Phase 2: Tile Selection and Design Planning

Once you’re ready to move forward, it’s time to choose your tile and finalize design details.

Showroom Visit Visit Leicester Flooring’s Asheville or Hendersonville showroom to see and touch tile samples in person. Photos never capture texture, color variation, and finish accurately—you need to experience tile physically.

Material Selection Our non-commissioned staff guides you through:

Tile Type Selection

  • Ceramic tile: Affordable, versatile, excellent for most residential applications
  • Porcelain tile: Premium durability, waterproof, ideal for wet areas and high-traffic zones
  • Natural stone: Marble, travertine, slate for luxury aesthetics
  • Specialty tiles: Glass, mosaic, metal accents

Size and Format

  • Standard sizes: 12×12, 13×13, 18×18 squares
  • Plank formats: 6×24, 6×36, 9×48 wood-look tiles
  • Large-format: 24×24, 12×24, 24×48 for modern aesthetics
  • Mosaics: 2×2 and smaller for shower floors and accents
  • Mixed sizes for custom patterns

Color and Finish

  • Light colors make small spaces feel larger
  • Dark colors hide dirt but show water spots
  • Matte finishes provide slip resistance
  • Polished finishes offer elegant shine
  • Textured surfaces add depth and character

Grout Selection

  • Grout color dramatically affects tile appearance
  • Matching grout creates seamless look
  • Contrasting grout emphasizes tile pattern
  • White/light grout requires more maintenance
  • Darker grout hides dirt and staining

Layout Pattern Planning The design team helps you visualize different layout options:

Straight-Lay (Grid Pattern)

  • Simplest, most economical installation
  • Clean, classic appearance
  • Works in any space
  • Fastest installation

Diagonal

  • Tiles set at 45-degree angle
  • Makes rooms appear larger
  • More visual interest than straight-lay
  • 10-15% more labor

Brick/Offset Pattern

  • Each row offset by half tile width
  • Popular for subway tile backsplashes
  • Creates horizontal emphasis
  • Traditional or modern depending on tile choice

Herringbone

  • Zigzag pattern using rectangular tiles
  • High visual impact
  • Sophisticated, timeless look
  • 20-30% additional labor

Chevron

  • Similar to herringbone but tiles cut to create “V” shape
  • Bold, modern aesthetic
  • Requires precise cutting
  • 25-35% additional labor

Custom Patterns

  • Mixing tile sizes and colors
  • Decorative borders and accents
  • Medallions and inlays
  • Quoted individually based on complexity

Room Visualizer Leicester Flooring’s room visualizer lets you upload photos of your actual space and see how different tiles will look before purchasing—eliminating guesswork and buyer’s remorse.

Final Decisions Before ordering materials, confirm:

  • Tile selection with product numbers
  • Quantity including 10% overage
  • Grout type and color
  • Layout pattern
  • Any accent tiles or trim pieces
  • Timeline for material delivery
  • Installation start date

Material Ordering Once selections are finalized, materials are ordered from manufacturers. Standard tiles typically arrive in 3-7 days; specialty or custom tiles may take 2-4 weeks.

Pre-Installation Preparation While waiting for materials, prepare your home:

  • Clear the room of furniture, rugs, and decor
  • Remove items from cabinets and shelves if needed
  • Clear breakables and valuables
  • Arrange alternative bathroom access if tiling your only bathroom
  • Plan for 2-5 days of disruption depending on project scope

During Installation: The Critical Work

Phase 3: Substrate Preparation and Waterproofing

This phase is invisible once tile is installed, but it determines whether your tile lasts 3 years or 30 years. Professional installers never rush substrate preparation.

Day 1: Removal and Demolition (If Needed)

Old Flooring Removal If existing flooring must be removed:

  • Old tile: Jackhammer or scraper breaks tile into manageable pieces; dusty, noisy work typically takes 4-8 hours for average bathroom
  • Vinyl/linoleum: Scraped up; glued-down vinyl is labor-intensive; adhesive residue must be completely removed
  • Carpet: Pulled up with padding; tack strips removed; staples extracted; usually quick (1-2 hours)
  • Hardwood: Pried up or cut out; subfloor beneath often needs repair or replacement

Disposal Old materials are loaded into trucks or dumpsters. Professional installers haul away all debris—you shouldn’t have to deal with disposal.

Initial Substrate Exposure With old flooring removed, the true substrate condition becomes visible. This is when hidden problems are discovered:

  • Water damage in bathroom subfloors
  • Rot around toilets or under old vinyl
  • Cracked or deteriorating concrete
  • Undersized joists causing floor flex
  • Settling or structural movement

Professional installers document issues with photos and contact you immediately if additional work is needed before proceeding.

Substrate Cleaning The exposed substrate is thoroughly cleaned:

  • Vacuuming all dust and debris
  • Scraping adhesive residue
  • Wire-brushing concrete surfaces
  • Removing oil, grease, or contaminants
  • Creating clean surface for proper adhesion

Day 1-2: Substrate Repair and Preparation

Concrete Substrate Preparation For concrete slabs and floors:

Crack Repair

  • Hairline cracks: Filled with flexible crack-isolation membrane
  • Wider cracks: Routed out, cleaned, and filled with epoxy or polyurethane repair compounds
  • Structural cracks: May require professional concrete repair before proceeding

Leveling

  • Self-leveling compound poured to create perfectly flat surface
  • Troweled smooth and allowed to cure (4-24 hours depending on product)
  • Critical for large-format tile (requires flatness within 1/16″ over 10 feet)
  • Standard tile tolerates 1/8″ variation over 10 feet

Moisture Testing

  • Calcium chloride tests or moisture meters check for excessive concrete moisture
  • High moisture requires extended cure time or moisture mitigation systems
  • Prevents adhesive failure and tile problems

Priming

  • Primer applied to improve thinset adhesion
  • Especially important on smooth or dense concrete
  • Allowed to dry per manufacturer specifications

Wood Subfloor Preparation For wood-framed floors (most Asheville homes):

Structural Assessment

  • Joist spacing checked (should be 16″ on center maximum for tile)
  • Bounce and flex tested (excessive movement cracks tiles and grout)
  • Subfloor thickness verified (minimum 1-1/8″ combined thickness)

Reinforcement (If Needed)

  • Additional joists sistered alongside existing joists
  • Plywood added to increase subfloor thickness
  • Screws added to eliminate squeaks and movement

Cement Backerboard Installation

  • 1/2″ or 5/8″ cement backerboard cut to fit room dimensions
  • Installed over wood subfloor with thin layer of thinset for adhesion
  • Screwed down every 8″ to prevent movement
  • Seams taped with fiberglass mesh tape
  • Entire surface provides rigid, stable base for tile

Why Backerboard Matters Wood subfloors expand, contract, and flex with humidity and traffic. Tile is rigid and cracks under this movement. Cement backerboard creates a stable intermediate layer preventing wood movement from reaching the tile.

Skipping backerboard is the #1 DIY tile mistake. Tiles may look fine initially but crack within 1-3 years as the wood substrate moves beneath them.

Day 2-3: Waterproofing (For Wet Areas)

Bathrooms, laundry rooms, and any area with water exposure require comprehensive waterproofing. This work happens BEFORE tile installation and is completely hidden once tile is set—but it’s absolutely critical.

Bathroom Floor Waterproofing

  • Schluter DITRA membrane: Orange dimpled plastic sheet that decouples tile from substrate while providing waterproof barrier
  • RedGard liquid membrane: Painted-on rubber-like coating creating waterproof surface
  • Sheet membranes: Rolled out and bonded to substrate with thinset

Waterproof membrane extends:

  • Across entire bathroom floor
  • Up walls minimum 6 inches (preferably to curb height)
  • Sealed around toilet flange
  • Sealed at tub/shower interfaces
  • Overlapped at seams with complete sealing

Shower Waterproofing System Showers require complete waterproofing—ceiling to floor, wall to wall:

Shower Pan Construction

  • Pre-slope layer directing water to drain (1/4″ per foot minimum)
  • Waterproof liner or pan system (PVC, vinyl, or modern systems like Schluter KERDI)
  • Shower drain properly integrated with waterproofing
  • Weep holes unobstructed for drainage
  • Second slope layer over waterproofing

Wall Waterproofing

  • Cement backerboard installed on studs
  • Complete waterproofing system applied over backerboard
  • Schluter KERDI membrane: Most common professional system; fabric-backed waterproof sheet applied with thinset
  • RedGard or similar: Painted/rolled liquid waterproofing
  • Corners and seams receive multiple layers

Waterproof Niches

  • Factory-made waterproof niches (Schluter, Noble Company, Tile Redi)
  • Never cut into studs to create niches (common leak point)
  • Properly integrated with wall waterproofing system
  • Multiple shelves available

Valve and Fixture Integration

  • Shower valve bodies sealed with waterproofing collars
  • Pipes penetrating walls sealed completely
  • Mixing valves and diverters waterproofed around escutcheons

Testing Professional installers test shower pans before tiling:

  • Drain plugged
  • Pan filled with water 2-3 inches deep
  • Allowed to sit 24 hours
  • Checked for leaks or water loss

Finding problems at this stage costs $50 in materials and time. Finding them after tile installation costs $3,000-8,000 in demolition and reinstallation.

Cure Time Most waterproofing products require cure time before tile installation:

  • Liquid membranes: 24 hours minimum
  • Sheet membranes: Can tile immediately in most cases
  • Shower pan mortar: 24-72 hours depending on thickness

Professional installers follow manufacturer curing specifications exactly—rushing causes waterproofing failure.

Inspection This is the last chance to see substrate and waterproofing before tile covers everything. Some installers offer walkthrough at this point so homeowners can see the quality of unseen work and ask questions.

Phase 4: Expert Tile Installation

With substrate properly prepared and waterproofed, tile installation can finally begin. This is the visible part of the project homeowners focus on, but it only succeeds if previous phases were done correctly.

Day 3-4: Layout and Tile Setting

Layout Planning Before setting a single tile, professional installers plan the entire layout:

Establishing Reference Lines

  • Finding center of room (or visual center if room is irregular)
  • Snapping chalk lines creating reference grid
  • Planning starting point to minimize cuts and create balanced appearance
  • Dry-laying tiles to verify layout before mixing thinset

Planning Cuts

  • Ensuring perimeter tiles are at least half-width (narrow slivers look bad)
  • Planning cuts around fixtures (toilets, vanities, cabinets)
  • Deciding where cuts will be least visible
  • Calculating material needs accounting for cut tiles

Pattern Alignment

  • Ensuring grout lines align throughout space
  • Planning transitions between rooms
  • Coordinating patterns with doorways and focal points
  • Checking alignment from multiple viewing angles

Tile Sorting Natural stone and some ceramic/porcelain have color variation. Professional installers:

  • Open multiple boxes and mix tiles
  • Distribute color variation evenly
  • Set aside heavily varied tiles for less visible areas
  • Ensure consistent appearance

Mixing Thinset Mortar

  • Correct thinset type for tile and substrate
  • Mixed to manufacturer-specified consistency (like peanut butter)
  • Small batches to prevent premature hardening
  • Clean mixing tools between batches

Thinset Application Proper thinset application is critical for tile adhesion and longevity:

Trowel Selection

  • Trowel notch size based on tile size:
    • Small tiles (up to 8×8): 1/4″×1/4″ square notch
    • Medium tiles (8×16): 1/4″×3/8″ square notch
    • Large tiles (12×24+): 1/2″×1/2″ square notch or larger
  • Wrong trowel size causes inadequate coverage

Troweling Technique

  • Thinset spread on substrate in one direction
  • Trowel held at 45-degree angle creating consistent ridges
  • Combing in straight lines (not swirling)
  • Covering area that can be tiled before thinset skins over (15-20 minutes typically)

Back-Buttering Large-format tiles and natural stone require back-buttering:

  • Thin layer of thinset applied to back of tile
  • Flattened with straight trowel edge
  • Ensures 95%+ coverage (industry standard)
  • Prevents hollow spots that crack under pressure

Setting Tiles Each tile is:

  • Pressed firmly into thinset
  • Twisted slightly to fully embed in mortar
  • Checked for level with adjacent tiles
  • Adjusted immediately if needed

Tile Leveling Systems Modern professional installation uses leveling systems preventing lippage:

  • Clips inserted under tile edges
  • Caps tightened over clips
  • Pulls adjacent tiles to exact same height
  • Removed after thinset cures
  • Creates perfectly level surface

Without leveling systems, minor height differences (lippage) create:

  • Trip hazards
  • Uneven appearance
  • Premature wear on high spots
  • Difficulty cleaning

Spacers

  • Plastic spacers maintain consistent grout joints
  • Common widths: 1/16″, 1/8″, 3/16″, 1/4″
  • Smaller joints for rectified tile, larger for natural variation
  • Removed before grouting

Checking Alignment Throughout installation, installers constantly verify:

  • Level across tiles
  • Grout joint consistency
  • Pattern alignment
  • Distance from walls
  • Tile adhesion (tap test listening for hollow sounds)

Cutting Tiles Professional tile cutting requires skill and proper tools:

Wet Saw Cutting

  • Diamond blade wet saw for straight cuts
  • Water cooling prevents chipping and overheating
  • Precise measurements and careful cutting
  • Back-cutting technique reduces chipping on visible edges

Specialty Cuts

  • Notches around pipes: Combination of saw cuts and nippers
  • Curves: Tile nippers or angle grinder with diamond blade
  • Outlets and fixtures: Hole saws and diamond core bits
  • Irregular angles: Careful measuring and cutting

Expansion Joints In large areas or where tile meets other materials:

  • Gaps left for expansion and contraction
  • Prevent cracking from temperature changes
  • Filled with flexible caulk (not grout)
  • Required every 20-25 feet in large installations

Curing After tiles are set:

  • No foot traffic for 24 hours minimum
  • Thinset cures 24-48 hours before grouting
  • Some thinsets require longer cure time
  • Rushing to grout causes tiles to shift

Day 4-5: Grouting and Finishing

Once thinset has fully cured, grouting completes the installation.

Grout Preparation

  • Removing spacers from between tiles
  • Cleaning tile surface of any thinset residue
  • Ensuring joints are clean and deep enough
  • Sealing natural stone before grouting (prevents grout staining porous stone)

Grout Mixing

  • Correct grout type:
    • Sanded grout: For joints 1/8″ and wider; provides strength
    • Unsanded grout: For joints under 1/8″; prevents scratching
    • Epoxy grout: Premium option; stain-proof but more expensive
  • Mixed to manufacturer-specified consistency
  • Slaked (rested) 10 minutes then remixed
  • Small batches (grout has limited working time)

Grout Application

  • Grout spread diagonally across tiles
  • Rubber float forces grout deep into joints
  • Multiple passes ensuring complete filling
  • Excess grout scraped from surface

Grout Tooling

  • Joints shaped with grout strike tool or margin trowel
  • Consistent depth and profile
  • Creates smooth, finished appearance
  • Done before grout sets (15-30 minutes depending on conditions)

Initial Cleaning

  • Damp sponge removes grout haze from tile surface
  • Sponge rinsed frequently in clean water
  • Light circular motion avoiding pulling grout from joints
  • Multiple passes until tiles are clean

Haze Removal

  • Grout haze appears as tiles dry
  • Buffed with clean, dry cloth
  • May require multiple buffing sessions
  • Stubborn haze removed with haze remover products

Caulking Flexible caulk (color-matched to grout) applied at:

  • Tile-to-tub/shower interfaces
  • Tile-to-wall corners (inside corners in showers)
  • Expansion joints
  • Any location requiring flexibility rather than rigid grout

Final Sealing (If Needed)

  • Natural stone sealed with penetrating sealer protecting from stains
  • Applied after grout cures (72 hours typically)
  • Multiple coats for porous stone
  • Grout sealer optional depending on grout type and application

Phase 5: Final Inspection and Cleanup

Final Walkthrough Before considering the job complete, installers conduct thorough walkthrough with you:

Quality Inspection

  • Checking all tiles are level and firmly adhered
  • Verifying grout joints are consistent and complete
  • Ensuring cuts are clean and properly placed
  • Confirming caulk is smooth and complete
  • Testing that everything meets quality standards

Education and Care Instructions Professional installers explain:

  • When you can walk on tile (usually 24 hours after grouting)
  • When you can use shower/tub (72 hours minimum)
  • Cleaning and maintenance recommendations
  • Products to use and avoid
  • When to reseal (if applicable)
  • Warranty coverage and claims process

Addressing Concerns

  • Answering any questions about the installation
  • Addressing any concerns you have
  • Making minor adjustments if needed
  • Ensuring your complete satisfaction

Final Cleanup Professional installation includes thorough cleanup:

  • All installation materials removed
  • Dust and debris cleaned from work area
  • Adjacent rooms cleaned where dust traveled
  • Protective coverings removed
  • Tools and equipment packed up
  • Final sweep/vacuum of work area

Leftover Materials

  • Extra tiles provided for future repairs (typically 1-2 boxes)
  • Grout and caulk color information documented
  • Product information and care instructions left with you

Final Payment

  • Final payment processed upon your satisfaction
  • Warranty paperwork provided
  • Installation photos taken for records
  • Your contact information saved for follow-up

After Installation: The First Weeks

Cure Time and Usage Guidelines

First 24 Hours

  • No foot traffic on newly installed tile
  • Keep room temperature stable (60-80°F)
  • Maintain moderate humidity (not too dry, not too humid)
  • Keep pets and children away from work area

24-48 Hours

  • Light foot traffic permitted
  • Walk carefully, no running or heavy use
  • No furniture or appliances moved back yet
  • Grout continues curing

72 Hours (3 Days)

  • Normal foot traffic resumes
  • Can begin moving furniture back (use furniture pads)
  • Showers and tubs can be used
  • Still avoid heavy impacts or extreme stress

First Week

  • Normal use permitted
  • Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning
  • Grout reaching full strength
  • Monitor for any issues and report to installer

Two Weeks

  • Full cure complete
  • Can apply grout sealer if recommended
  • Return to normal household activities
  • Floor ready for heavy use

Initial Cleaning and Maintenance

First Cleaning (After 72 Hours)

  • Sweep or vacuum to remove dust
  • Damp mop with pH-neutral cleaner
  • Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage new grout
  • Don’t use excessive water

Ongoing Maintenance Follow proper care and maintenance practices:

  • Regular sweeping or vacuuming
  • Damp mopping with appropriate cleaner
  • Immediate cleanup of spills
  • Periodic resealing (natural stone and grout)

What’s Normal

  • Slight grout color variations
  • Minor color variations in natural stone
  • Very subtle differences in tile height (under 1/32″)

What’s Not Normal (Call Installer)

  • Hollow-sounding tiles when tapped
  • Cracks in tiles or grout
  • Tiles coming loose
  • Water leaking around fixtures
  • Significant lippage (1/16″ or more height difference)

Warranty Period

Your installation warranty begins when work is completed. Keep:

  • Warranty documentation
  • Installer contact information
  • Product information and specifications
  • Care and maintenance instructions
  • Photos of completed installation

If any issues develop, contact your installer immediately. Most problems—if they occur—appear within the first year and are covered under quality installation warranties.

Special Considerations for Different Spaces

Bathroom Tile Installation Timeline

Small Bathroom Floor (50-75 sq ft)

  • Day 1: Remove old flooring, substrate prep (4-6 hours)
  • Day 2: Waterproofing, begin tile installation (6-8 hours)
  • Day 3: Complete tile installation, grouting (4-6 hours)
  • Total: 2-3 working days, 4-5 calendar days including cure time

Full Bathroom with Shower

  • Day 1: Demo and removal (4-6 hours)
  • Day 2-3: Shower pan, substrate prep, backerboard installation (12-16 hours)
  • Day 4-5: Waterproofing shower and floor (8-12 hours)
  • Day 6-7: Floor tile installation (8-12 hours)
  • Day 8-9: Shower wall tile installation (12-16 hours)
  • Day 10: Grouting and finishing (6-8 hours)
  • Total: 7-10 working days, 10-14 calendar days with cure time

Kitchen Backsplash Installation Timeline

Standard Kitchen Backsplash (30-40 sq ft)

  • Day 1 Morning: Surface prep, layout planning (2 hours)
  • Day 1 Afternoon: Tile installation (4-6 hours)
  • Day 2: Grouting, caulking, cleanup (3-4 hours)
  • Total: 1-2 working days, 3-4 calendar days with cure time

Kitchen Floor Installation Timeline

Medium Kitchen Floor (150-200 sq ft)

  • Day 1: Remove old flooring, substrate prep (6-8 hours)
  • Day 2: Continue substrate work if needed, begin tile installation (6-8 hours)
  • Day 3: Complete tile installation (6-8 hours)
  • Day 4: Grouting, sealing, cleanup (4-6 hours)
  • Total: 3-4 working days, 5-7 calendar days with cure time

Large-Format Tile Installation Timeline

Large-format tile requires extra time for perfect substrate preparation and careful installation:

  • Substrate work: 25-40% longer (must be perfectly flat)
  • Installation: 15-25% longer (tiles are heavier and require more precise setting)
  • Overall project: Add 1-2 days to standard timelines

Natural Stone Installation Timeline

Natural stone adds time for:

  • Sorting tiles by color/pattern variation
  • Pre-sealing (before grouting)
  • Extra careful cutting (more expensive materials)
  • Post-grouting sealing
  • Overall project: Add 1-2 days to standard timelines

What Can Go Wrong (And How Professionals Prevent It)

Common Installation Problems

Cracked Tiles

  • Cause: Substrate flex, hollow spots under tile, impact after installation
  • Prevention: Proper substrate reinforcement, adequate thinset coverage, cure time before use
  • Professional approach: Thorough substrate evaluation and preparation

Lippage (Uneven Tiles)

  • Cause: Uneven substrate, improper thinset application, tile warpage
  • Prevention: Flat substrate, tile leveling systems, careful setting technique
  • Professional approach: Leicester Flooring uses leveling systems on all installations

Hollow-Sounding Tiles

  • Cause: Inadequate thinset coverage (less than 80-85%)
  • Prevention: Proper trowel size, back-buttering large tiles, complete coverage
  • Professional approach: Following manufacturer specifications exactly

Grout Cracking

  • Cause: Substrate movement, inadequate grout joints, wrong grout type
  • Prevention: Stable substrate, proper joint width, appropriate grout selection
  • Professional approach: Eliminating substrate flex before tiling

Water Damage

  • Cause: Inadequate waterproofing, improper installation around fixtures
  • Prevention: Complete waterproofing systems, proper integration with drains and valves
  • Professional approach: Redundant waterproofing layers, testing before tiling

Tiles Coming Loose

  • Cause: Poor thinset adhesion, contaminated substrate, thinset skinning over
  • Prevention: Clean substrate, proper thinset mixing, working within open time
  • Professional approach: Systematic substrate cleaning and preparation

How Leicester Flooring Ensures Quality

Our tile installation process includes multiple quality control checkpoints:

Before Installation

  • Thorough substrate evaluation during consultation
  • Written scope of work with potential issues identified
  • Honest assessments with no surprises mid-project

During Installation

  • Experienced installers following proven methods
  • Systematic approach to substrate preparation
  • Professional-grade materials and tools
  • Tile leveling systems on every installation
  • Continuous quality checking throughout process

After Installation

  • Detailed walkthrough with homeowner
  • Education on care and maintenance
  • Documentation of products and methods
  • Lifetime installation warranty
  • Follow-up to ensure satisfaction

Preparing Your Home for Tile Installation

Before Installation Begins

One Week Before

  • Confirm installation start date
  • Arrange alternative bathroom access if needed
  • Purchase cleaning supplies and maintenance products
  • Plan for 2-5 days of disruption

Three Days Before

  • Begin clearing room of furniture and belongings
  • Remove pictures and wall hangings (vibration during demo)
  • Clear breakables and valuables from adjacent rooms
  • Plan alternative meal preparation if kitchen is being tiled

Day Before Installation

  • Complete room clearing
  • Cover adjacent rooms and hallways with plastic if concerned about dust
  • Move cars from driveway if installer needs parking
  • Secure pets in safe area away from work zone
  • Brief family members on what to expect

Installation Day Morning

  • Clear path from entrance to work area
  • Provide installer access to bathroom and water
  • Show installer where to work
  • Discuss any last-minute questions
  • Be available for questions but don’t hover

Living Through Installation

Noise and Dust Tile installation is disruptive:

  • Removal: Very noisy and dusty (jackhammering, scraping)
  • Substrate prep: Moderate noise (cutting backerboard, mixing)
  • Tile installation: Moderate noise (cutting tiles with wet saw)
  • Grouting: Minimal noise and disruption

Professional installers minimize dust with:

  • Plastic barriers sealing work area
  • HEPA vacuum systems
  • Wet cutting methods
  • Immediate cleanup

Access and Privacy

  • Installers need clear path to work area
  • Bathroom access essential
  • Water access required
  • Adult should be home during installation

Daily Routine Changes

  • Plan alternative bathroom access
  • Prepare simple meals if kitchen unavailable
  • Keep children and pets away from work area
  • Maintain flexible schedule for installer questions

Communication

  • Expect brief daily updates on progress
  • Installers should notify you of any issues immediately
  • Don’t hesitate to ask questions
  • Report concerns right away rather than waiting

Summary

Professional tile installation is a systematic 5-phase process: consultation and measurement, tile selection and design planning, substrate preparation and waterproofing, expert tile installation, and grouting with final inspection. The entire process for a typical bathroom takes 2-3 working days (4-5 calendar days with cure time), while full bathroom renovations take 7-10 working days.

Proper substrate preparation and waterproofing—often taking as long as visible tile installation—determine long-term performance. Professional installers never rush these critical unseen phases, ensuring your tile looks beautiful and performs flawlessly for decades.

Leicester Flooring’s systematic installation process, backed by 50+ years of experience and a lifetime installation warranty, delivers the quality results Asheville homeowners deserve. Schedule your free consultation to begin your tile installation project.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does tile installation take?

Tile installation timelines vary by project size and complexity. Small bathroom floors take 2-3 working days (4-5 calendar days with cure time). Kitchen backsplashes take 1-2 days. Full bathroom renovations with shower tile take 7-10 working days. Large kitchen floors take 3-4 days. Complex projects with extensive substrate repair or intricate patterns take longer. Leicester Flooring provides specific timelines during your free consultation based on your project details.

When can I walk on tile after installation?

Wait minimum 24 hours after tile installation before light foot traffic. Thinset needs this time to achieve initial cure. For normal foot traffic, wait 48 hours. Before moving heavy furniture, wait 72 hours (3 days) for thinset to reach adequate strength. For showers and tubs, wait 72 hours after grouting to allow complete grout cure. Using tile too soon risks shifting tiles and damaging grout joints.

What is substrate preparation and why does it take so long?

Substrate is the surface beneath your tile—the foundation determining long-term performance. Preparation includes removing old flooring, repairing damage, ensuring structural stability, leveling uneven areas, installing cement backerboard over wood, and applying waterproofing in wet areas. This work takes 30-50% of total installation time because it must be done meticulously. Rushed substrate work causes 80% of tile failures: cracked tiles, loose tiles, and grout problems.

Do I need to leave my home during tile installation?

Most homeowners stay home during tile installation, though you may want to leave during noisy demolition phases. You’ll need alternative bathroom access if tiling your only bathroom—stay with family, use gym facilities, or rent portable toilets for major renovations. Kitchen installations require alternative meal preparation. The work area is off-limits but the rest of your home remains accessible. Professional installers minimize disruption and contain dust.

What does tile installation mess/dust look like?

Tile removal creates significant dust despite best containment efforts. Expect fine dust in work area and some migration to adjacent spaces. Cutting tiles with wet saws minimizes dust but creates moisture. Professional installers use plastic barriers, HEPA vacuums, and immediate cleanup to minimize mess. The work area looks like a construction zone during installation but is thoroughly cleaned before completion. Leicester Flooring protects your home and leaves it cleaner than we found it.

Should I be home during tile installation?

An adult should be home during tile installation to answer questions, approve work, and address unexpected issues. You don’t need to watch constantly—installers work independently. Be available for brief check-ins, especially during substrate evaluation (when hidden problems are discovered) and final walkthrough. Some homeowners stay home entire time; others leave during noisy phases. Discuss your preferences during scheduling.

What if installers find unexpected problems during installation?

Unexpected substrate damage, plumbing issues, or structural concerns are discovered on about 20-30% of bathroom renovations, especially in older Asheville homes. Professional installers stop work immediately, document problems with photos, explain the situation clearly, provide repair options with costs, and get your approval before proceeding. Most unexpected issues add 10-30% to project cost. Leicester Flooring communicates honestly and works within your budget to solve problems.

How long until I can use my shower after tile installation?

Wait minimum 72 hours (3 days) after grouting before using a tiled shower. Grout needs this time to cure adequately. Waterproofing systems also require cure time—some products need 24-48 hours before tiling even begins. Using showers too soon allows water penetration before waterproofing and grout fully cure, potentially causing long-term damage. Professional installers provide specific timeline based on products used. Plan alternative bathing access during this period.