Professional Tile Installers in West Asheville, NC | Leicester Flooring
West Asheville has become one of the most vibrant and sought-after neighborhoods in Western North Carolina, known for its historic bungalows, creative community, and ongoing home renovations. If you’re planning a tile installation project in West Asheville, you need installers who understand the unique character of the area’s homes and the specific challenges that come with working in older construction.
Leicester Flooring has been serving West Asheville homeowners since 1971, bringing 50+ years of tile installation expertise to every project. Our experienced installers know how to work with the historic homes that define this neighborhood while incorporating modern tile designs that respect the area’s eclectic, artistic character.
Why West Asheville Homes Need Experienced Tile Installers
Understanding Historic Home Construction
Many West Asheville homes were built in the early 1900s, featuring original hardwood floors, plaster walls, and unique architectural details. When installing tile in these historic properties, professional installers must account for several critical factors.
Substrate conditions: Older subfloors may require reinforcement or leveling before tile installation can begin. Wood subfloors common in vintage homes need proper preparation to support the weight and rigidity requirements of ceramic or porcelain tile. Our installers evaluate substrate integrity during every free in-home consultation, identifying potential issues before installation begins.
Structural considerations: Historic homes may have settled over decades, creating uneven floors or walls. We develop installation plans that address these structural realities while maintaining the home’s character. This expertise comes from five decades of working in West Asheville’s distinctive housing stock.
Preservation of original features: West Asheville homeowners often want to preserve original woodwork, moldings, and architectural details. Our tile installation team works carefully around these features, ensuring your new bathroom tile or kitchen backsplash enhances rather than compromises your home’s historic integrity.
Matching Tile Styles to West Asheville Aesthetics
West Asheville’s design aesthetic blends vintage charm with contemporary creativity. Popular tile styles in the neighborhood reflect this unique character:
Subway tile with colored grout: Classic white subway tile remains popular for bathrooms and kitchens, often paired with bold grout colors that reflect West Asheville’s artistic spirit. Our professional installation ensures perfectly straight lines and consistent grout joints that make this simple tile pattern look exceptional. Browse our tile product selection to see available subway tile options.
Patterned cement tile: Decorative cement tiles with geometric or floral patterns work beautifully in West Asheville bungalows, adding personality to entryways, bathrooms, and kitchen floors. These specialty tiles require experienced installers who understand proper layout and sealing techniques—skills our team has refined over decades of work.
Wood-look porcelain tile: Many homeowners choose wood-look porcelain tile to match existing hardwood floors while adding water-resistant surfaces in bathrooms and kitchens. Leicester Flooring carries realistic wood-look options from Shaw, Mohawk, and Emser Tile that complement West Asheville’s craftsman-style homes.
Natural stone accents: Marble, travertine, and slate accent tiles complement the natural, organic aesthetic many West Asheville homeowners prefer. Our installers have extensive experience with natural stone installation, including proper sealing and maintenance education. See examples in our tile inspiration gallery.
Leicester Flooring’s West Asheville Tile Installation Projects
Over five decades serving Asheville, we’ve completed hundreds of tile installations in West Asheville homes. Our project portfolio demonstrates our expertise across diverse applications:
Bathroom renovations: From vintage clawfoot tub surrounds to modern walk-in showers, we’ve transformed West Asheville bathrooms with durable, beautiful tile installations. Our waterproofing expertise ensures these installations last for decades, even in the humid conditions common to Western North Carolina. Learn more about our bathroom tile installation services.
Kitchen backsplashes: We’ve installed countless kitchen backsplashes in West Asheville, ranging from classic subway tile to elaborate mosaic designs. Our installers understand how to coordinate tile with existing cabinetry and countertops, creating cohesive designs that enhance your kitchen’s functionality and appeal. Explore kitchen flooring ideas to see how tile complements different cabinet styles.
Entryway and mudroom floors: West Asheville homes need durable, easy-to-clean surfaces in high-traffic entry areas. We install slip-resistant tile that handles muddy boots and wet weather while maintaining the home’s aesthetic character. Porcelain tile works particularly well for these applications, offering superior durability and low maintenance.
Historic bathroom restorations: Several West Asheville homeowners have trusted us with sensitive bathroom restorations that required matching original tile patterns or creating period-appropriate designs. This specialized work demands both technical skill and historical knowledge—qualities our experienced installers bring to every project.
What Makes Leicester Flooring the Right Choice for West Asheville
Convenient Asheville Location
Our Asheville showroom on New Leicester Highway sits just minutes from West Asheville, making it easy for homeowners to visit, see tile samples in person, and consult with our design team. This proximity also means faster response times for measurements, consultations, and installation scheduling.
Understanding of Local Building Characteristics
Working in West Asheville for 50+ years has given our team deep knowledge of the neighborhood’s construction styles. We know which homes likely have wood subfloors, where structural settling commonly occurs, and how to approach installations in buildings with unique floor plans or configurations. This local expertise prevents surprises and ensures smooth project completion.
Lifetime Installation Warranty
Every tile installation in West Asheville comes with Leicester Flooring’s lifetime installation warranty. This comprehensive coverage protects against installation defects, lippage issues, and structural problems related to workmanship. Combined with manufacturer product warranties on the tile itself, you receive complete protection for your investment. Details about our warranty coverage are available through our flooring services page.
American-Made Tile Products
We exclusively carry American-made flooring products, including tile from Shaw, Mohawk, and other trusted manufacturers. This commitment to domestic manufacturing ensures quality materials and supports American jobs—values that resonate with many West Asheville residents who prioritize ethical consumption.
The Tile Installation Process for West Asheville Homes
Understanding what to expect during tile installation helps West Asheville homeowners prepare for their projects:
Step 1: Free In-Home Consultation Our process begins with a complimentary in-home visit where we measure your space, evaluate substrate conditions, and discuss your design preferences. During this consultation, we identify any challenges specific to your home’s construction and explain how we’ll address them. Schedule your free measurement to begin.
Step 2: Tile Selection Visit our Asheville showroom to see hundreds of tile options, including ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone. Our design team helps you select tiles that match your aesthetic preferences while meeting the practical requirements of your installation location. We can also coordinate tile selection with existing hardwood, laminate, or vinyl flooring in adjacent rooms.
Step 3: Substrate Preparation Proper substrate preparation is critical for long-lasting tile installations. Our installers repair damaged subfloors, ensure level surfaces, and install appropriate underlayment or backerboard. In West Asheville’s older homes, this step often requires additional attention to address settling, moisture, or structural issues.
Step 4: Professional Installation Our experienced installers set tile with precision, maintaining consistent spacing, proper layout, and level surfaces. We use professional-grade thinset and follow manufacturer specifications for each tile type. Waterproofing membranes are installed in all wet areas, including bathrooms and shower surrounds.
Step 5: Grouting and Sealing After tile installation, we apply grout in your selected color, ensuring consistent joints and proper coverage. Natural stone tiles receive appropriate sealing to protect against staining and moisture. We provide detailed tile care and maintenance instructions before completing your project.
Tile Installation Cost in West Asheville
Understanding tile installation costs helps West Asheville homeowners budget effectively for their projects. Several factors influence final pricing:
Tile type: Ceramic tile installations typically cost $5-8 per square foot installed, porcelain tile ranges from $8-12 per square foot, and natural stone installations average $10-15 per square foot. These ranges include both materials and professional installation with our lifetime warranty.
Substrate condition: Homes requiring extensive substrate repair or leveling will have higher installation costs. Our free in-home consultation provides accurate estimates based on your specific situation.
Pattern complexity: Simple patterns like straight-lay or brick-lay cost less to install than diagonal layouts, herringbone patterns, or intricate mosaics. We provide detailed quotes that reflect your chosen design.
Room type: Bathroom tile installations requiring waterproofing, shower pan installation, or complex layouts around fixtures generally cost more than straightforward kitchen backsplashes or entryway floors.
Leicester Flooring offers flexible financing options through Synchrony Financial, making professional tile installation accessible for West Asheville homeowners at various budget levels.
Why Professional Tile Installation Matters in West Asheville
Many West Asheville homeowners consider DIY tile installation to save money. However, professional installation provides significant advantages:
Avoiding costly mistakes: Common DIY errors include improper substrate preparation, inadequate waterproofing, lippage (uneven tile surfaces), and grout failures. These mistakes often require complete reinstallation, ultimately costing more than professional installation would have initially.
Specialized tools and expertise: Professional tile installation requires wet saws, leveling systems, proper trowels, and other specialized equipment. Our installers also bring decades of experience handling unexpected situations that arise during installation.
Warranty protection: Many tile manufacturers require professional installation to maintain product warranties. DIY installations may void these warranties, leaving you unprotected if tile defects appear. Our lifetime installation warranty provides additional protection for West Asheville homeowners.
Time efficiency: Professional installers complete tile projects 3-5 times faster than DIY efforts, minimizing disruption to your daily life and reducing the time bathrooms or kitchens remain out of service.
Popular Tile Installation Projects in West Asheville
Certain tile installation projects are particularly common in West Asheville’s housing market:
Bathroom floor tile: Replacing outdated linoleum or vinyl with durable, water-resistant tile transforms West Asheville bathrooms. Porcelain tile offers excellent performance in these wet environments, with styles ranging from classic white subway to contemporary large-format planks.
Kitchen backsplashes: Protecting walls behind stoves and sinks with tile backsplashes is one of the most popular home improvement projects in West Asheville. From simple subway tile to decorative patterns, backsplashes add both function and visual interest to kitchens.
Shower tile installations: Complete shower renovations with floor-to-ceiling tile create spa-like bathrooms in West Asheville bungalows. These projects require expert waterproofing and precise installation to prevent leaks and ensure decades of performance.
Entryway tile: Replacing worn carpeting or damaged hardwood in entryways with durable tile creates low-maintenance surfaces that handle West Asheville’s muddy winters and humid summers. Slip-resistant porcelain tile works particularly well for these high-traffic areas.
Scheduling Your West Asheville Tile Installation
Leicester Flooring makes it easy for West Asheville homeowners to start their tile installation projects:
Flexible scheduling: We offer installation scheduling that accommodates your timeline, with many projects completed in 2-5 days depending on scope and complexity.
Minimal disruption: Our professional installers work efficiently and respectfully in your home, protecting adjacent areas and maintaining clean work sites throughout the project.
Clear communication: From initial consultation through project completion, we keep West Asheville homeowners informed about progress, timelines, and any adjustments needed during installation.
Post-installation support: After completing your tile installation, we provide comprehensive care instructions and remain available to answer questions about maintenance and long-term care.
Contact Leicester Flooring for West Asheville Tile Installation
Ready to transform your West Asheville home with professional tile installation? Contact Leicester Flooring to schedule your free in-home consultation. Call our Asheville showroom at (828) 348-4846 or schedule an appointment online.
Visit our showroom at 119 New Leicester Highway in Asheville to see hundreds of tile options and discuss your project with our experienced design team. We’re open Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tile Installation in West Asheville
How long does tile installation take in a West Asheville home?
Timeline varies by project size and complexity. A typical bathroom floor takes 2-3 days, kitchen backsplashes require 1 day, and full shower installations take 4-5 days. This includes substrate preparation, installation, grouting, and cure time before use.
Can you install tile over existing flooring in older West Asheville homes?
In some cases, yes—but it depends on substrate condition and existing floor type. We evaluate this during your free in-home consultation, determining whether existing floors can support new tile or if removal is necessary for proper installation.
Do you offer same-day estimates in West Asheville?
Yes, we can often schedule same-day or next-day in-home measurements for West Asheville residents. Our proximity to the neighborhood allows for quick response times.
What tile styles work best in West Asheville bungalows?
Subway tile, cement tile patterns, wood-look porcelain, and natural stone all work beautifully in West Asheville homes. The best choice depends on your home’s specific style, your design preferences, and the installation location. Our design team helps you select tiles that enhance your home’s character.
Is tile installation covered by Leicester Flooring’s warranty?
Yes, every tile installation in West Asheville comes with our lifetime installation warranty covering workmanship and installation defects. This is in addition to manufacturer product warranties on the tile itself.