When it comes time to purchase new tile for your floors, walls, kitchen, or bathrooms, Floor & Decor and The Tile Shop are two of the most popular home improvement stores specifically focused on tiles. But which retailer is the better option for your next tile project?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare Floor & Decor and The Tile Shop to reveal the pros, cons, selection, prices, services, and more. Use this advice to determine which tile store is the best fit to provide quality tile at affordable prices.
By the end, you’ll know how to decide between Floor & Decor Vs. The Tile Shop for your needs. Let’s dive in!
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Floor & Decor | The Tile Shop |
| Pricing | Very low everyday prices, frequent sales. | Higher everyday prices for premium tiles. |
| Selection | Wide range of affordable tile. Trendy styles. | Broader selection of high-end designer tile. |
| Experience | Warehouse layout for self-service. Can be crowded. | Showroom design with displays. More personalized service. |
| Services | Limited cutting/install services. Not available at all stores. | Professional tile cutting and full install services. |
| Returns | 30-day returns on unopened boxes. | 30-day returns with restocking fee. 1-year product warranties. |
| Purchase Options | Online, in-store, all major cards accepted. | Online, in-store, financing plans available. |
| Locations | 150+ stores in 33 states. | 145+ showrooms in 31 states. |
Overview of Floor & Decor and The Tile Shop
First, here’s a brief background on each tile retailer:
Floor & Decor
- Founded in 2000, based in Atlanta, GA
- Over 150 warehouse-format stores across 33 states
- Carries all types of tile plus flooring, tools, and accessories
- Focuses on affordability with simplified shopping
The Tile Shop
- Founded in 1985, based in Plymouth, MN
- Around 145 retail showroom stores in 31 states
- Specializes in premium tiles and natural stone
- Provides design services and tile samples
Also Read: Comparison Between Floor & Décor And Lumber Liquidators
Key Differences Between Floor & Decor And The Tile Shop
While both stores offer a wide array of tiles, Floor & Decor focuses more on budget-friendly pricing in a warehouse setting compared to The Tile Shop’s emphasis on high-end tile with showrooms. Keep these key differences in mind as we compare the retailers.
1. Pricing and Affordability
One of the biggest factors for most shoppers is finding affordable prices on quality tile. Here’s how the stores compare:
Floor & Decor
- Brands itself as a low-cost leader for tile
- Runs frequent sales to offer discounted tile
- Has lower everyday prices compared to other retailers
- Bulk pricing available on large orders
The Tile Shop
- Higher everyday pricing due to premium products
- Occasional sales and clearance deals
- Typical prices 20-40% higher than Floor & Decor
- No additional bulk order discounts
Floor & Decor clearly comes out on top for price-conscious shoppers looking to save. You’ll pay substantially less for quality tile.
2. Product Selection and Variety
The variety and styles of available tile make a difference too:
Floor & Decor
- Wide in-stock selection of ceramic, porcelain, stone
- Trendy styles perfect for DIYers
- Budget-friendly brands and exclusives
- Inventory differs based on location
The Tile Shop
- Extraordinary variety of premium ceramic, porcelain, stone
- Natural stone tiles are a specialty
- Many unique artisan-style and mosaic tiles
- Showrooms display products sold online
The Tile Shop offers a noticeably wider range of unique, high-end tile styles and designer brands – but for a price premium.
3. In-Store Shopping Experience
To pick out the perfect tile, the in-person shopping experience is key:
Floor & Decor
- Warehouse layout with towering displays
- Products organized by type for self-service
- Some locations have design centers
- Can be crowded on weekends
The Tile Shop
- Showroom design with vignette displays
- Tile organized by style for easy browsing
- Design counters offer one-on-one guidance
- More personalized customer service
The Tile Shop provides a more curated, personalized showroom experience. Floor & Decor has a more utilitarian warehouse setup requiring self-service.
4. Cutting and Installation Services
Getting your tile cut and installed makes projects much easier:
Floor & Decor
- Some stores offer tile cutting services
- Installation can be arranged through store
- Not available at all locations
The Tile Shop
- Professional tile cutting services available
- Can provide full-service installation
- Specialized plumbing services as well
The Tile Shop emphasizes professional installation and design services to complement their upscale tile. Floor & Decor’s more limited services match their discount warehouse model.
5. Return Policy and Warranties
Protecting your investment is important if issues arise:
Floor & Decor
- Standard 30-day return policy
- Accepts unopened boxes of tile
- No additional warranties on tile
The Tile Shop
- 30-day return policy with restocking fee
- 1-year product warranty covers defects
- Can purchase extended warranties
The Tile Shop provides more protection with 1-year warranties and the option of extended warranties on tile. Floor & Decor just has a standard 30-day return policy.
6. Purchasing and Payment Options
More ways to buy tile and pay can provide convenience:
Floor & Decor
- Order in-store or online for delivery
- Pay with all major credit cards
- Also accept bank transfers and cash
The Tile Shop
- Purchase online for delivery or in stores
- Accepts credit, debit, bank transfer
- Payment financing available
Both stores offer standard payment methods. The Tile Shop adds financing plans to spread out payments interest-free over time.
7. Availability and Locations
Being able to shop in person makes selecting tile easier:
Floor & Decor
- 150+ warehouse locations across 33 states
- Stores concentrated in southeast, midwest, west
- Use store locator to find nearest location
The Tile Shop
- Around 145 showrooms in 31 states
- Locations in most metro areas coast-to-coast
- Enter zip code online to find closest store
The Tile Shop and Floor & Decor have similar nationwide reach, with convenient locations for many buyers.
Watch This Revies Video:
8. Key Takeaways
To summarize the key differences:
- Floor & Decor offers far lower prices
- The Tile Shop has a wider selection of premium tile
- Floor & Decor follows a warehouse model
- The Tile Shop provides a showroom experience
- More limited services at Floor & Decor
- Expanded services like install at The Tile Shop
- The Tile Shop provides product warranties
So which tile retailer comes out on top?
Recommendation: Floor & Decor for Affordability, Tile Shop for High-End Tile
Based on this comparison, we recommend:
Floor & Decor for the best value and prices
If you want quality tile at unbeatable prices, Floor & Decor can’t be matched. Shop here if you want to save money but still have lots of style options.
The Tile Shop for premium designer tiles and service
If budget is less of a factor and you want truly unique, high-end designer tile, The Tile Shop is worth the higher prices. You’ll get exceptional service and warranties too.
To summarize:
- Floor & Decor is best for price-conscious shoppers
- The Tile Shop is ideal for premium tile with installation
Check out both stores to find the right tiles for your project within your budget. Use Floor & Decor for savings or The Tile Shop for luxury tiles and service.
Also Read: Comparison Between Floor & Decor And Home Depot
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For more details, here are answers to some common questions:
Floor & Decor focuses on keeping costs low through warehouse stores, affordable private label brands, and bulk pricing so they can offer tile at unbeatable prices.
Some Floor & Decor locations offer tile cutting services, but not all. Call your nearest store to check availability or use an independent contractor.
Floor & Decor is best known for having the lowest prices on all kinds of stylish, high-quality tile while providing a warehouse store experience.
Yes, The Tile Shop showrooms feature numerous displays with fully tiled vignettes to showcase their products and help inspire design ideas.
The Final Takeaway
Floor & Decor and The Tile Shop both offer great options for your next tile project. Figure out your budget, style, and service needs. Floor & Decor provides savings on tile and accessories with a warehouse setup. For premium designer tiles with enhanced services, check out The Tile Shop.
With the right tile choice from either retailer, you can beautifully transform the look of your home’s floors and walls. Use this comparison to decide where to find the ideal tiles guaranteed to elevate your space. Happy tile hunting!