What Custom Tile & Interiors Stores Offer and How to Use Them

Custom Tile & Interiors is a specialty retailer for tile, flooring, and interior finishes

Custom Tile & Interiors is a building supply store focused on tile, stone, wood flooring, and related interior materials. Unlike general hardware stores, these shops stock a deeper range of tile styles, colors, and finishes—from ceramic and porcelain to natural stone—and employ staff trained to help you match materials to your project and space. They typically carry complementary products like grout, adhesives, trim pieces, and installation tools.

The store serves both homeowners doing renovations and contractors managing larger jobs. If you're replacing a bathroom floor, updating a kitchen backsplash, or installing new tile throughout a home, this is where you'll find the materials and guidance that general building supply chains may not stock in the same depth.

Key Takeaways

• Custom Tile & Interiors stores carry a wider selection of tile, stone, and flooring options than general hardware retailers, with staff trained to help you choose materials for your specific project.
• You can bring photos, measurements, or samples of your existing space to get recommendations that match your design and budget.
• These stores often stock installation supplies—grout, thinset, sealers, and trim—so you can buy everything needed for one project in one place.
• Many locations offer design consultation, either in-store or by appointment, to help you plan layouts and finishes before you purchase.
• Pricing and inventory vary by location, so visiting or calling ahead ensures the specific tile or stone you want is in stock.

Types of Tile and Flooring Materials You'll Find

Custom Tile & Interiors stores stock several categories of tile. Ceramic tile is durable, affordable, and comes in countless colors and patterns—common for kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. Porcelain tile is denser and less porous than ceramic, making it better for wet areas and high-traffic zones. Natural stone—marble, granite, slate, limestone—offers unique appearance but requires more maintenance and sealing.

Flooring options extend beyond tile. Many locations carry luxury vinyl plank (LVP), which mimics wood or stone at a lower cost and is waterproof; engineered hardwood, which is more stable than solid hardwood in humid or temperature-changing rooms; and laminate, an economical option for dry areas. Some stores also stock cork and bamboo for customers seeking sustainable materials.

Backsplash and accent tiles—small format, decorative, or specialty shapes—are usually displayed separately. Trim pieces like bullnose, pencil edge, and corner pieces help finish edges and transitions between materials.

How to Prepare Before You Visit

Bring measurements of the space you're tiling. Measure length and width in feet and inches, and note the total square footage. If the area has obstacles—windows, doorways, fixtures—sketch a rough layout or take photos. This helps staff recommend the right quantity and suggest layouts that minimize waste.

Collect samples or photos of your existing décor, cabinet color, wall paint, or countertop material. If you're matching or coordinating with something already in your home, bring a physical sample if possible—lighting in a store differs from home lighting, and colors can look different in each setting.

Set a budget range before you go. Tile prices vary widely depending on material and origin. Knowing whether you're looking at budget, mid-range, or premium options helps staff narrow recommendations and keeps the conversation focused.

What Installation Supplies Are Available

Thinset mortar (also called thinset adhesive) bonds tile to the substrate and comes in different formulations for different tile types and locations. Grout fills the gaps between tiles and comes in sanded and unsanded varieties, plus epoxy or urethane options for specialized applications. Grout sealer protects porous grout from staining and moisture.

Stores also stock tile spacers to maintain even gaps, tile saws or cutting tools for rent or purchase, grout floats, notched trowels, and sponges for cleanup. Many carry waterproofing membranes for wet areas like showers, and uncoupling mats to prevent cracks in tile over wood subfloors.

Staff can advise which products work together—for example, which grout sealer is compatible with which grout type, or whether your substrate requires a primer before thinset application. This guidance helps avoid costly mistakes during installation.

Design Consultation and Custom Ordering

Many Custom Tile & Interiors locations offer in-store design consultation at no charge. You can discuss color schemes, layout patterns (running bond, herringbone, subway, mosaic), and how different tiles will look together. Some stores have sample boards or digital tools to visualize combinations before you commit to a purchase.

If the store doesn't have a specific tile in stock, staff can often special-order it. Lead times vary—some orders arrive in weeks, others take longer depending on the supplier and whether the tile is imported. Ask about lead time and any minimum order quantities before ordering.

For larger projects or commercial work, some locations offer project-specific pricing or contractor discounts. If you're a contractor or managing a substantial renovation, ask whether volume pricing is available.

Pricing, Inventory, and Location Variations

Custom Tile & Interiors has multiple locations across South Carolina, and each store's inventory, pricing, and staff expertise can differ. A location in a larger city may stock more specialty and imported tiles than a smaller-town branch. Pricing for the same tile can vary slightly between locations due to local market conditions and stock levels.

Before making a long drive or committing to a large purchase, call ahead to confirm the specific tile, color, or size you want is in stock. Many stores allow you to reserve items or place holds. Online inventory tools, where available, let you check stock before visiting.

Seasonal demand affects availability—popular colors or styles may sell out during peak renovation seasons (spring and early summer in South Carolina). If you're working on a timeline, ordering early reduces the risk of delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return or exchange tile if I change my mind?

Return and exchange policies vary by location and whether the tile has been opened or cut. Most stores accept returns of unopened, unused tile within a set timeframe (often 30 days). Once tile is cut or installed, it typically cannot be returned. Ask about the specific policy before you purchase, and keep your receipt.

Do I need to hire a professional installer, or can I install tile myself?

That depends on your skill level and the project scope. Small backsplash projects are often manageable for DIYers; large floor installations or wet areas like showers require more precision and knowledge of waterproofing. Staff at Custom Tile & Interiors can point you toward installation guides or recommend local installers if you prefer professional help.

What's the difference between sanded and unsanded grout?

Sanded grout contains sand and is used for grout lines wider than 1/8 inch; it's stronger and less likely to crack. Unsanded grout is smoother and used for narrow grout lines (1/8 inch or less) because sand would be visible and could scratch polished tile. Staff can recommend which type suits your tile and grout line width.

How do I know if a tile is suitable for my bathroom or kitchen?

Porcelain and glazed ceramic tiles are water-resistant and appropriate for wet areas. Natural stone like marble is porous and requires sealing. Staff can advise based on where you're installing—shower walls, bathroom floors, kitchen counters, or backsplashes each have different moisture and durability needs.

Can the store help me figure out how much tile I need?

Yes. Bring your measurements, and staff will calculate square footage and recommend a quantity that accounts for waste (typically 10 to 15 percent extra for cuts and breakage). Having accurate measurements before you visit makes this process quick and helps you avoid buying too much or too little.