If you’re like a lot of our clients you may be wondering where designers shop for tile. This is a question we’re asked SO often we’ve decided to write a blog about it! So here we are, eager to share where *you* can shop for tile (and, of course, how we can help!). 
First off, YES, you can shop at a Big Box Store!
Marble Hex Backsplash Tile from Lowes
If you’re wondering if it’s okay to shop at places like Home Depot, Lowes, or Floor & Decor, the answer is YES! We don’t source there very often for our clients because of con #1 below, but it’s a great resource for DIYers and folks on a budget!
What are the pros & cons of shopping the Big Box Stores?
- Pro #1 – These stores often have very reasonable prices! ‘Nuff said.
- Pro #2 – They are convenient! There’s likely a big box store in your area with long open hours that allow you to shop on weekends and evenings. Yay!
- Pro #3 – If you’re in a hurry you can literally buy it when you see it and start install the same day.
- Possible Con #1 – What you see is what you get. You might need 100sf of tile but if they only have 50sf on the floor, you might be making a day trip to all the stores in your area to try to find more. You’ll need to be patient and resourceful.
- Possible Con #2 – The customer service at these stores can be great, but it can also be… mmm…. not so great. You might find yourself talking to someone with little experience or knowledge about the product, so the research part is often largely on you. (But we can help! Keep reading!)
- Possible Con #3 – To keep prices low big box stores sometimes sacrifice quality control, meaning you might get several boxes of the “same” tile, only to find out there is a shade variation from box to box, or find that half the tile in a box is broken. The great news is that the big box stores tend to have generous return policies, but it’s a real pain to return heavy boxes of tile, plus you may find you can’t get your hands on more of the same tile (see con #1 above).
If you want to dive deeper into the pros & possible cons? Check out our blog post focused on the pros and cons of shopping at Floor & Decor!
If designers aren’t shopping the big box stores, where *are* they shopping?
Soooo many tile options in the CFM showroom!
We’re shopping at tile showrooms like Contract Furnishings Mart (known commonly as CFM), Seattle Tile in Georgetown, and Art Tile Co. in Roosevelt! Unlike brand-specific showrooms (the kind you’ll find around the Seattle Design Center like Bedrosians, or Architectural Surfaces) these tile showrooms have tile from across many brands and styles.
And the great news is that they aren’t just for designers – you can shop there too!
Why are tile showrooms our go-to when shopping for tile?
- Pro #1 – The folks who work in showrooms are often very knowledgeable about the brands and products, and can help you confirm how much of the tile is available and when you can get it – important if you’re trying to meet contractor deadlines!
- Pro #2 – You’re supporting a local business by shopping in the showroom and these showrooms often carry local brands – a real win-win!
- Pro #3 – The selection tends to be more varied than at the big box stores (though you might still have to dig deeper if you’re looking for really unique tile – see the shopping online options listed below).
- Possible Con #1 – Well… “the selection can’t be beat” means it might feel overwhelming to even step in a showroom. Some showrooms have enough staff to help guide your decisions, but don’t expect them to spend hours holding your hand if it’s all a bit too much (keep reading – we’re more than happy to hold your hand through the overwhelm!!)
- Possible Con #2 – Unlike the cash-and-carry options at big box store, showrooms don’t tend to stock tile. That means you’ll likely be waiting a week for your tile for “local stock,” and commonly 2 to 3 weeks. Special order tile, especially if it’s crossing international borders, could be many weeks and occasionally months out, so *always* check on product availability with the folks behind the desk! Nothing’s worse than falling in love with a “special order” tile when you’re contractor needs it within the month!
- Possible Con #3 – Unlike the big box stores, most tile showrooms either don’t accept returns, or charge a hefty restocking fee. Be sure to calculate your tile quantities carefully!
Shopping online for tile – it’s not as crazy as you might think! How pretty is this HexArt Zen Ice Rosa Hexagon Tile from TileBar?
Rather shop in your pajamas?
Oh the wonders of the internet! Between online tile stores like TileBar or platforms like Wayfair and AllModern that sell a wide variety of brands, there’s oodles of tile to choose from! Plus if you fall in love with an amazing tile maker like Motawi or Lili but don’t live near a retailer that sells them – you can view their whole collection online!
What are pros & cons with shopping for tile online?
- Pro #1 – Options, options, endless options!
- Pro #2 – The convenience factor, obviously. Really, who doesn’t love shopping for tile online at 11pm with a glass of wine in hand? That’s not just us, right??
- Possible Con #1 – Seeing tile online just isn’t the same as seeing the tile in person. The color, scale, and texture might be quite different than how it appears on your screen! (So always always alwayyys order samples!!)
- Possible Con #2 – All those endless options can feel really overwhelming. You might find yourself frustrated if you want to talk with an expert about how one tile will go with another, or talk through the pros & cons of a tile’s color, material, or shape for your design style and functional needs. Did you know that not all tile is suitable for use on the floor?
So, how can we help?
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again – we can help! We’re literally experts at helping you narrow down what you’re looking for, pairing great wall tile with great floor tile, making sure it meets the needs of your installation, and even pairing that tile with a perfect paint, cabinet, and counter color!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the tile options (or just want a second opinion on selections you’ve already made), we can work with you locally through our Quick Action Service and virtually through our Design Helpline Service! Whether you’re shopping in a big box store, a designer showroom, or online, we’d love to bring our expertise to your search!!
Want more? Here’s our blog detailing pros and cons of different tile types and our another about what your tiler wishes you knew!
Hope this helps you launch your search into the world of tile – we’d can’t wait to find out what you choose!
May your home always be happy!
