Horizon Tile & Stone: What to Know Before You Buy

Horizon Tile & Stone carries tile, stone, and related materials for floors, walls, and outdoor spaces

Horizon Tile & Stone is a building materials supplier in South Carolina that stocks ceramic tile, porcelain tile, natural stone (including granite, marble, and slate), and complementary products like grout, adhesive, and trim pieces. The business serves both homeowners doing renovation work and contractors managing larger projects. They carry materials for interior applications like kitchen backsplashes and bathroom walls, as well as outdoor installations such as patios and pool surrounds.

The store operates as a retail location where you can see and handle samples before ordering, which matters because tile and stone vary significantly in color, texture, finish, and durability depending on the material and grade. Visiting in person lets you compare options under different lighting and assess how a particular stone's veining or a tile's glaze will work in your actual space.

Key Takeaways

• Horizon Tile & Stone stocks both manufactured tile (ceramic and porcelain) and natural stone materials, each with different costs, durability, and maintenance needs.
• Visiting the showroom allows you to examine samples, compare colors and finishes, and get a sense of scale before committing to a large order.
• Staff can advise on material suitability for specific rooms and conditions—for example, which stones hold up to kitchen use versus which work better in low-traffic areas.
• The store supplies not just the finished tile or stone but also the adhesives, grouts, and trim pieces needed to complete an installation.

Tile options: ceramic, porcelain, and specialty products

Ceramic tile is made from clay that is fired in a kiln, resulting in a porous material that is less dense than porcelain. Ceramic tile is typically less expensive, comes in a wide range of colors and decorative patterns, and works well for walls and moderate-traffic floors. It does require sealing in wet areas and can chip or crack if subjected to heavy impact or freezing temperatures. Porcelain tile is fired at higher temperatures, making it denser, less porous, and more durable than ceramic. Porcelain costs more but resists staining, moisture, and wear better, making it a common choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor spaces.

Specialty tiles include glass tile (often used for decorative accents or backsplashes), mosaic tiles (small pieces arranged in patterns), and large-format tiles (which create fewer grout lines and a more seamless look). Each type has different installation requirements and visual effects. Horizon Tile & Stone's inventory will vary by location and season, so asking what is currently in stock helps you plan around availability.

Natural stone: granite, marble, slate, and other materials

Natural stone is quarried and cut into slabs or tiles, and each piece is unique in color, veining, and texture. Granite is a hard, igneous rock that resists scratching and heat, making it popular for kitchen countertops and high-traffic floors. Marble is softer and more porous than granite, which gives it an elegant appearance but also means it stains more easily and requires regular sealing. Slate is a metamorphic rock that splits naturally into flat sheets, offering a rustic, textured surface often used for flooring and outdoor applications.

Other natural stones available through tile suppliers include limestone, travertine, and soapstone, each with distinct characteristics. Limestone is softer and more porous, travertine has natural pitting and a warm tone, and soapstone is dense and dark but requires mineral oil maintenance. Natural stone typically costs more than manufactured tile and demands more upkeep, but it adds visual warmth and uniqueness to a space. The showroom lets you see how different stones look in various finishes—polished, honed, or tumbled—which changes their appearance and slip resistance.

Adhesives, grout, and installation supplies

Beyond the tile or stone itself, a complete installation requires thin-set mortar (the adhesive that bonds tile to the substrate), grout (which fills the spaces between tiles), and sometimes primer or sealant. Thin-set comes in different formulations—some are premixed, others are powder that you mix with water—and the right choice depends on the substrate (drywall, cement board, concrete) and the tile type. Grout also comes in varieties: unsanded grout for narrow grout lines (typically under 1/8 inch) and sanded grout for wider lines. Epoxy grout is more stain-resistant and durable than cement-based grout but costs more and is harder to work with.

Horizon Tile & Stone stocks these supporting materials so you can get everything needed for a project in one place. Staff can recommend which products work together and match the specific tile or stone you have chosen. If you are hiring a contractor, they may have preferences or bring their own materials, but knowing what is available helps you understand the scope and cost of your project.

Visiting the showroom and planning your project

When you visit Horizon Tile & Stone, bring measurements of the space you are tiling, photos of the room, and information about the substrate (what the tile will be installed on—concrete, wood, drywall, etc.). If you are replacing existing tile or stone, a sample of the current material or a photo can help staff suggest compatible or complementary options. Lighting matters: tile and stone look different under natural light, fluorescent light, and warm incandescent light, so if possible, view samples in the actual room where they will be installed, or ask about taking a sample home.

Staff can discuss durability, maintenance, and cost trade-offs. For example, a polished marble floor is beautiful but requires regular sealing and can scratch; a porcelain tile that mimics marble offers similar aesthetics with less maintenance. Understanding these differences before you order prevents costly mistakes. If you are working with a contractor, some will visit the showroom with you to confirm selections and discuss installation details.

Cost considerations and budgeting

Tile and stone prices vary widely based on material, size, finish, and origin. Basic ceramic tile may cost a few dollars per square foot, while high-end natural stone or specialty imported tile can run significantly more. Large-format tiles and natural stone slabs typically cost more per square foot than smaller tiles, though they may reduce labor costs because fewer pieces need to be cut and installed. Grout, adhesive, and trim pieces add to the total, as does any substrate preparation (like installing cement board or leveling a floor).

Getting a clear picture of total cost requires knowing the square footage of the area to be tiled, the material you have chosen, and the cost of installation labor if you are hiring a contractor. Horizon Tile & Stone can provide pricing on materials; contractors or installers will quote labor separately. Comparing options at the showroom—such as a mid-range porcelain tile versus a premium natural stone—helps you make informed decisions about where to invest in your project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take home samples to see how they look in my space?

Many tile and stone suppliers allow you to take samples home, though policies vary. Ask the staff at Horizon Tile & Stone whether samples are available for the specific materials you are considering. Seeing a sample in your actual lighting and next to your existing finishes is one of the best ways to make sure a choice will work.

What is the difference between sealed and unsealed stone?

Natural stone is porous and can absorb liquids, which can cause staining or damage. Sealing creates a protective barrier on the surface. Some stone comes pre-sealed from the supplier, while other stone requires sealing after installation. The staff can explain which materials in their inventory are sealed and which will need maintenance after installation.

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

Tile installation is a skilled trade that requires proper substrate preparation, the right tools, and experience with layout and grouting. Small projects like a backsplash are more forgiving than large floors or walls. If you are new to tile work, consulting with a professional or taking a class before starting can save time and materials. Horizon Tile & Stone staff may be able to recommend local installers.

What maintenance does natural stone require?

Most natural stone needs regular sealing (typically every one to three years, depending on the stone and use) to protect against stains and moisture. Marble and limestone are softer and more porous than granite and slate, so they require more frequent sealing and careful cleaning. The showroom can explain the specific maintenance needs of any stone you are considering.

How do I know what size tile to choose for my space?

Larger tiles create fewer grout lines and can make a small space feel bigger, but they require a very flat substrate and more precise installation. Smaller tiles are more forgiving of uneven surfaces and offer more design flexibility. The room's size, the substrate condition, and your aesthetic preference all factor in. Staff at the showroom can discuss these trade-offs with you.