I've never used it myself, but my .02 ;-)

The tile may be well-priced due to HD's immense buying capability--thus being able to pass that savings on to you.

Just a FYI:
Sarah Richardson--HGTV's Sarah's Hse has used HD tile on past shows.

I've used about a dozen or more different HD or Lowes tiles and trim tiles over the years and they are great. If you buy them by the box, you will likely encounter some that are chipped or broken. HD & Lowes allow returns of those broken tiles for refund or exchange with no problems. It's a great way to get to get a quality floor or countertop at an affordable price if you're a DIY'er--IMHO. Good luck!

Most of the tile at HD or other big box stores is exactly the same as tile that you might order from a smaller tile company. I believe that they order large quantities of what they feel will be popular styles to carry in stock. Their special order prices are probably not any better than a small tile shop.

I'll significantly disagree with terriks on that statement above. It's not just a quality discount, much like fabric from Joanne's. The tiles are first run, which means that the color is harder to match in the future (so buy extra, quite a bit) and often run on lesser quality materials which can mean that a finish will wear earlier or that the tiles can break easier.

When it comes to stones, you get badly if at all gauged tiles as well.

Personally, given that the cost of tiles is normally not as bad as the effort and cost of install, I'd buy one, then go compare it apples to apples at a quality tile shop. You'll see the difference likely. If the difference does not matter to you...no biggie, but if it does, than you should up that portion of your budget.

I purchased subways from HD for the last house and then went to a local tile store. Theirs were obviously better quality when held side by side.

hi there. I am new to this forum. I used home depot subway tiles in my basement bathroom, and they were great. I also used small tiles from the floor from there and large ceramic tiles for the basement entry. It all turned out well and they have been down for 4 years with no problem and they get lots of wear. Hope this helps.

I purchased a "travertine look" porcelain tile by the box from HD for our jack and jill bathroom update. A 12x12 and a smaller size (can't remember the size) along with matching decorative glass tiles. We hired a professional who installed the floor and a tub/shower surround. It's my kids bathroom. I'm totally pleased. If you're staying within a budget, splurge on the accent tiles. There are fantastic tile experts on the bath forum (billvincent comes to mind) who could weigh in on your particular choice if you're still in doubt.

The previous owners updated the kitchen. They laid granite tile from HD on the floor and the countertop. I absolutely love them and they have worn very well. I think it would be fine.

You have to be extra careful with their slate though - I know I was looking at it and desparately want it, but the one they carry doesn't seem to be the harder/smoother type, so it would DEFINITELY need sealed MULTIPLE times to alleviate any staining or damage.

If I were buying a man-made tile, it would not bother me to buy at HD. However, for natural stone tiles, I would not. IME the quality is just not there.

I used tile in my previous house from HD. The sizes of each tile may be off a little because they are not rectified. It's not very noticeable once they are grouted. I don't feel there is a need to be hesitant about buying tiles from HD.

Have you checked out any of the clearance sections in your local tile store? Sometimes you can get great close-outs.

I am just about to complete a 3400 sq ft tile installation in my home with HD porcelain tiles. It was a learning experience.

First of all - order an additional 5 percent above what ever your installer recommends ordering. We encountered entire cases of snapped tiles. HD was great about refunding my money but it could have been disastrous had I not ordered enough tile to account for breakage.

Secondly - verify how the tile is shipped. Mine were individually shrink-wrapped. Most of the time, removing the plastic was 5 second effort, other times it is a 5 minute effort per tile. If one tile has a problem like this, the entire case does. You can do the math. Some of the tiles were appaarently wrapped hot and the plastic melted onto them. I strong suggest DO NOT purchase tile that has a plastic coating from MS International.

The tiles are beautiful and are quite sturdy.

swan