Style Selections Porcelain Tile

Style Selections Mesa Beige 12-in x 24-in Matte Porcelain Stone look Large format Floor and Wall Tile ( 1.94-sq ft Piece )

  • Life expectancy of 60+ years, lowest life of building cost over other flooring options
  • No VOCs, great for allergy sufferers, made with natural, eco friendly ingredients
  • Available in a variety of sizes, recommended to purchase 10% extra for cuts or replacements

Style Selections Carrara Fresca 13-in x 13-in Matte Porcelain Marble Look Floor and Wall Tile (1.17-sq. ft/ Piece)

  • Matte finish marble look porcelain floor tile
  • This contemporary design is an easy way to add interest and style perfect for a back splash, wall or floor design
  • White and gray color palette with a larger number of pattern variations provides less repetition for a realistic stone look

Style Selections Mesa Beige 12-in x 12-in Glazed Porcelain Stone Look Floor and Wall Tile (0.96-sq. ft/ Piece)

  • Life expectancy of 60+ years, lowest life of building cost over other flooring options
  • No VOCs, great for allergy sufferers, made with natural, eco friendly ingredients
  • Available in a variety of sizes, recommended to purchase 10% extra for cuts or replacements

Discovering Beauty and Durability in Every Tile

As a home renovation enthusiast who has spent countless hours researching, installing, and living with various flooring options, I’ve developed a particular appreciation for porcelain tile. Today, I want to share my comprehensive experience with one specific brand that continues to impress both professionals and homeowners alike: Style Selections porcelain tile. Whether you’re embarking on your first renovation journey or you’re a seasoned DIYer looking for your next great flooring solution, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this versatile and stunning option.

What Exactly Is Style Selections Porcelain Tile?

Style Selections is Lowe’s house brand of home improvement and décor products, encompassing everything from lighting fixtures to flooring solutions. Among their diverse offerings, the porcelain tile collection stands out for its exceptional quality-to-price ratio.

Porcelain tile itself is a specific type of ceramic tile made from fine porcelain clay and fired at extremely high temperatures. This manufacturing process results in a denser, less porous, and more durable product compared to standard ceramic tiles. What makes Style Selections porcelain tile particularly noteworthy is the balance it strikes between affordable pricing and impressive performance characteristics.

The collection features tiles manufactured using advanced technology that allows for incredibly realistic replications of natural materials like marble, slate, wood, and concrete, without the associated maintenance concerns or higher price points of these authentic materials. This means you can achieve the look of luxurious Carrara marble or rustic hardwood with the practical benefits of porcelain.

The Impressive Durability of Style Selections Porcelain Tile

If you’re considering a flooring investment, durability likely tops your list of priorities. This is where Style Selections porcelain tile truly excels, offering exceptional longevity even in the most demanding environments. As someone who installed these tiles in my kitchen three years ago, I can attest to their remarkable resilience against daily wear and tear.

The secret lies in the manufacturing process. Style Selections porcelain tiles are fired at temperatures exceeding 2300°F (1260°C), creating an incredibly dense material with a water absorption rate of less than 0.5%. This density translates to remarkable hardness—typically ranking between 7 and 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, which is comparable to granite and harder than many knife blades!

What does this mean for your home? In practical terms, these tiles resist:

  • Scratching from furniture, pet claws, and daily activities
  • Chipping and cracking even when heavy objects are dropped
  • Staining from spills that would permanently mark other flooring types
  • Fading when exposed to direct sunlight over years of use
  • Damage from moisture in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms

I’ve been particularly impressed with how my kitchen tiles have maintained their appearance despite constant foot traffic, occasional dropped cooking utensils, and the occasional spilled glass of red wine. The surface remains virtually unchanged from the day of installation, which is remarkable considering the beating kitchen floors typically take.

For families with children and pets, this durability factor cannot be overstated. These tiles will likely outlast many other elements of your home, making them not just a purchase but a worthwhile investment in your property.

Where to Purchase Style Selections Porcelain Tile

As a house brand, Style Selections porcelain tiles are exclusively available through Lowe’s home improvement stores. You can find them at any of their physical retail locations across the country or through their online store. This exclusivity has both advantages and limitations.

On the positive side, Lowe’s extensive retail network means most consumers have convenient access to view these tiles in person before purchasing. The in-store displays typically feature sample boards and sometimes even larger installation examples that help visualize how the tiles might look in your space. Nothing quite compares to seeing and touching tile samples in person when making such a significant design decision.

The online shopping experience offers comprehensive product specifications, customer reviews, and often more detailed photographs of the tiles, including close-ups of texture and installed examples. When I was selecting tiles for my bathroom renovation, I found it helpful to first browse options online to narrow down my choices, then visit the store to see my favorites in person.

One shopping tip I’ve learned: Lowe’s regularly runs promotions on flooring products, so timing your purchase might save you considerably. Their major sales typically align with holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday. If your project timeline allows for some flexibility, watching for these sales events can stretch your renovation budget further.

The Cost Factor: Style Selections Porcelain Tile Pricing

Budget considerations inevitably influence our home improvement decisions, and here’s where Style Selections offers a compelling advantage. Depending on the specific design, size, and finish, Style Selections porcelain tiles typically range from $1.50 to $5 per square foot. This pricing structure positions them firmly in the affordable to mid-range category, significantly undercutting many designer tile brands that can run $10-20 per square foot for similar aesthetics.

To put this in perspective, tiling a standard 100-square-foot kitchen floor might cost approximately $150-500 just for the tile material with Style Selections, whereas premium brands could run $1,000-2,000 for the same area. This cost efficiency doesn’t necessarily indicate inferior quality—rather, it reflects the advantages of a house brand’s streamlined distribution and marketing approach.

Beyond the tiles themselves, your complete project budget should account for:

  • Underlayment materials (if needed)
  • Mortar or adhesive
  • Grout
  • Sealer (for the grout, though the tiles themselves typically don’t require sealing)
  • Tools (tile cutter, spacers, trowels, etc.)
  • Professional installation if you’re not tackling the project yourself

When I renovated my master bathroom, I spent approximately $650 on Style Selections porcelain tiles for a 120-square-foot space, choosing their marble-look option that retailed for about $4.25 per square foot. The comparable look from a premium brand would have easily doubled or tripled my material costs, without necessarily providing proportionately better performance.

Installation Insights: How to Install Style Selections Porcelain Tile

Having installed Style Selections porcelain tiles in multiple rooms of my home, I can share some practical insights about the process. While professional installation ensures optimal results, particularly for complex layouts or large spaces, many moderately skilled DIYers can successfully tackle this project with proper preparation and patience.

The installation process follows these general steps:

  1. Preparation is crucial. Ensure your subfloor is clean, level, and structurally sound. For concrete subfloors, fill any cracks or holes with a patching compound. For wood subfloors, you’ll likely need to install cement backer board to provide a stable, rigid surface.
  2. Plan your layout carefully. Measure your space and determine the optimal tile arrangement to minimize awkward cuts and maximize visual appeal. I always recommend dry-laying some tiles with spacers to visualize the pattern before committing to adhesive.
  3. Apply mortar correctly. Use a notched trowel appropriate for your tile size to create consistent ridges in the mortar. This ensures proper adhesion and prevents air pockets beneath the tiles.
  4. Set tiles with precision. Work in small sections, placing tiles firmly into the mortar with a slight twisting motion to ensure good contact. Use spacers to maintain consistent grout lines.
  5. Cut tiles as needed. A quality wet saw yields the cleanest cuts for porcelain, which is harder than ceramic and can chip with manual cutters. Investing in or renting a good wet saw makes a significant difference in the finished look.
  6. Allow proper drying time. This is where patience becomes essential—rushing to grout before the mortar has adequately cured can compromise the installation integrity.
  7. Apply grout methodically. Use a rubber float to work grout into the joints at a 45-degree angle, then clean excess from the tile surface before it dries. Multiple cleaning passes are typically necessary for a pristine finish.
  8. Seal grout lines after the recommended curing period (typically 72 hours). While Style Selections porcelain tiles don’t require sealing, the grout does benefit from this protection against staining.

One installation challenge specific to Style Selections porcelain tiles is their density, which can make cutting more demanding than with standard ceramic tiles. I learned this lesson when installing my kitchen backsplash—the porcelain required a higher-quality wet saw blade than I initially used, resulting in some chipped edges on my first few cuts. Upgrading to a diamond blade designed specifically for porcelain resolved this issue immediately.

Waterproof Properties: A Key Benefit

One of the most significant advantages of Style Selections porcelain tile is its exceptional water resistance. With a water absorption rate of less than 0.5%, these tiles are practically waterproof, making them ideal for moisture-prone areas like bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and entryways.

This water resistance provides practical benefits beyond just preventing damage to the tiles themselves. It creates a moisture barrier that helps protect your subfloor from water penetration, potentially preventing costly structural issues down the line. In my guest bathroom, which experiences heavy use from visitors, the porcelain tile flooring has effectively contained numerous water splashes and minor overflow incidents without any sign of moisture damage to the underlying structure.

It’s worth noting that while the tiles themselves resist water admirably, the grout between them is more vulnerable unless properly sealed. I recommend using a high-quality grout sealer and reapplying it annually in high-moisture areas to maintain the waterproof integrity of the entire floor system.

Outdoor Applications: Can Style Selections Porcelain Tile Brave the Elements?

Many homeowners wonder whether these tiles can extend beyond interior spaces to patios, porches, and other outdoor living areas. The answer is yes—with some important caveats and considerations.

Select lines within the Style Selections porcelain tile collection are rated for outdoor use, specifically those designated as “frost-resistant” or “exterior grade.” These particular tiles have been formulated and tested to withstand freezing temperatures without cracking or deteriorating. When shopping, look specifically for this outdoor rating, as not all Style Selections porcelain tiles are suitable for exterior applications.

For outdoor installations in regions that experience freezing temperatures, proper installation becomes even more critical. The tiles must be installed with appropriate drainage considerations, freeze-thaw rated adhesives, and expansion joints to accommodate seasonal movement. When I extended my kitchen’s porcelain tile out to my covered patio, I ensured the outdoor-rated tiles were installed with a slight slope away from the house to prevent water pooling, and I used a mortar specifically formulated for exterior applications.

The outdoor-rated Style Selections porcelain tiles have performed admirably through three Minnesota winters on my patio, with no signs of cracking or deterioration despite temperature swings from -30°F to 95°F throughout the year. This resilience has convinced me of their suitability for outdoor spaces, provided the correct products are selected and proper installation methods are followed.

Available Sizes: Finding the Perfect Dimensions

Style Selections offers porcelain tiles in a variety of sizes to accommodate different design preferences and installation locations. The most commonly available dimensions include:

  • Standard square formats: 12″×12″, 18″×18″, and 24″×24″
  • Rectangular formats: 6″×24″, 8″×36″, and 12″×24″
  • Mosaic sheets: Typically 12″×12″ sheets containing smaller individual tiles
  • Specialty trim pieces: Bullnose edges, corner pieces, and decorative liners

This size diversity allows for creative installation patterns beyond basic grid layouts. Herringbone arrangements using rectangular tiles create dynamic movement across floors, while large-format squares can make smaller spaces appear more expansive by minimizing grout lines.

In my own home, I used 24″×24″ tiles in the main living areas to create a seamless, expansive look, while opting for 12″×24″ rectangular tiles in a staggered pattern for the hallway to visually elongate the space. For the shower floor, smaller 2″×2″ mosaic sheets provided better slip resistance and accommodated the necessary slope toward the drain.

When selecting tile sizes, consider both aesthetic preferences and practical factors like room dimensions and subfloor characteristics. Larger tiles generally require more perfectly level subfloors, as they’re less forgiving of minor variations that smaller tiles can more easily accommodate.

Design and Color Variety: Expressing Your Style

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Style Selections porcelain tile collection is its vast range of design options. The brand has embraced advanced digital printing technology to create remarkably realistic simulations of natural materials alongside contemporary abstract patterns.

The collection includes convincing interpretations of:

  • Marble varieties from classic Carrara to dramatic high-contrast options
  • Natural stone looks including slate, travertine, and limestone
  • Wood-look tiles in various species, finishes, and plank widths
  • Concrete and industrial-inspired designs
  • Subtle patterns and textures for contemporary minimalist spaces
  • Bold geometric and encaustic-inspired decorative options

Color options span the full spectrum from cool whites and grays to warm beiges and browns, with accent colors available in certain design lines. This diversity means you’ll likely find options that coordinate beautifully with your existing décor or provide the perfect foundation for a complete design refresh.

What particularly impressed me was the depth and variation within each tile design. The marble-look tiles I selected for my bathroom feature subtle veining that varies from tile to tile, avoiding the repetitive pattern that often betrays less sophisticated faux-marble products. Similarly, the wood-look planks in my den show natural-looking knots and grain variations that guests have mistaken for actual hardwood.

Cleaning and Maintenance: Keeping Your Tiles Beautiful

One of the greatest advantages of Style Selections porcelain tile is its minimal maintenance requirements. The non-porous surface resists staining and doesn’t harbor bacteria or allergens, making it an exceptionally hygienic flooring choice.

For routine cleaning, I’ve found that simple sweeping or vacuuming (with a hard floor attachment) followed by damp mopping with warm water is usually sufficient. For more thorough cleaning, a mild pH-neutral cleaner specifically formulated for tile works best. Avoid acidic cleaners like vinegar, which can potentially damage grout over time, and stay away from oil-based cleaning products that might leave a residue.

A few practical maintenance tips I’ve discovered through experience:

  • Clean spills promptly, especially potentially staining substances like red wine, coffee, or tomato sauce. While the porcelain itself resists staining, prolonged exposure can affect grout.
  • For textured tiles, occasional deep cleaning with a soft brush helps remove debris from the surface texture.
  • Consider using furniture pads under heavy pieces to prevent scratching, though this is less crucial with porcelain than with softer flooring materials.
  • Re-seal grout lines annually in high-traffic or moisture-prone areas to maintain their appearance and water resistance.
  • For stubborn spots, a paste of baking soda and water applied briefly can help lift the stain without damaging the tile surface.

Unlike natural stone or hardwood, Style Selections porcelain tiles don’t require periodic refinishing or resealing of the tile surface itself, making them among the lowest-maintenance flooring options available. This has been particularly valuable in my household with two large dogs and frequent entertaining—quick cleanup rather than specialized care is all that’s needed to keep the floors looking their best.

Slip Resistance: Safety Considerations

Safety concerns often arise when considering tile flooring, particularly regarding potential slipperiness when wet. Style Selections addresses this through varying surface textures across their porcelain tile collection. Their offerings range from high-polish options ideal for walls or low-traffic areas to textured finishes specifically designed for improved traction in bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways.

For areas prone to moisture, look for Style Selections tiles labeled with higher slip-resistance ratings or those specifically marketed for bathroom or shower use. These typically feature subtle surface texturing that provides additional grip underfoot while maintaining an attractive appearance.

In my home, I selected a slightly textured finish for the bathroom floors that provides reassuring traction even when wet, while choosing a smoother finish for the kitchen that still offers adequate grip but is easier to clean thoroughly. For the shower floor, I opted for small mosaic tiles where the numerous grout lines provide additional traction.

It’s worth noting that even textured porcelain can become slippery when coated with soap, oils, or certain cleaning products, so proper cleaning practices remain important for safety regardless of the specific tile chosen.

Porcelain vs. Ceramic: Understanding the Difference

While shopping for tile, you’ll inevitably encounter both ceramic and porcelain options, sometimes with confusing or overlapping terminology. The distinction is worth understanding, as it directly affects performance and suitability for different applications.

Both ceramic and porcelain tiles are made from clay materials fired in kilns, but porcelain is manufactured using finer clays and fired at significantly higher temperatures (typically 2300°F or higher, compared to around 1800°F for ceramic). This creates several key differences:

  1. Density and water absorption: Porcelain is denser and less porous, with water absorption rates below 0.5%, while ceramic typically absorbs 3-7% of its weight in water. This makes Style Selections porcelain tile more suitable for moisture-prone areas.
  2. Durability: The greater density of porcelain translates to superior hardness and chip resistance. My kitchen’s porcelain tiles have withstood dropped pots and pans without damage, where ceramic might have chipped.
  3. Through-body composition: Many porcelain tiles feature “through-body” coloration, meaning the color runs throughout the tile rather than just on the surface. If chipped, the damage is less visible than with ceramic tiles that have only a surface glaze of color.
  4. Temperature resistance: Porcelain’s higher firing temperature results in better resistance to both heat and freezing conditions, making it more versatile for various applications.
  5. Weight: Porcelain is typically heavier than ceramic, which can affect installation considerations, particularly for wall applications.

Style Selections porcelain tiles capitalize on these advantages while maintaining competitive pricing closer to ceramic than to premium porcelain brands. This value proposition is one of the main reasons I’ve chosen their products for multiple rooms in my home.

Shower Applications: Creating a Waterproof Oasis

The bathroom, particularly the shower area, presents some of the most challenging conditions for flooring materials. Constant moisture exposure, temperature fluctuations, and daily use demand exceptional performance. Style Selections porcelain tiles are ideally suited for shower installations, provided proper waterproofing techniques are employed during installation.

When I renovated my master bathroom shower, I selected Style Selections porcelain tile for both the walls and floor, using larger format tiles (12″×24″) for the walls and smaller mosaic tiles (2″×2″) for the floor. The installation process required additional steps beyond standard floor tiling:

  1. Installation of a proper waterproofing membrane system beneath the tiles
  2. Careful sealing around all penetrations (shower valve, showerhead, etc.)
  3. Appropriate slope of the shower floor toward the drain
  4. Use of waterproof, mold-resistant grout
  5. Application of grout sealer after curing

After two years of daily use, the shower installation remains flawless, with no water penetration issues, grout deterioration, or tile damage. The porcelain’s imperviousness to water has proven particularly valuable in this demanding environment, and the tiles continue to look as fresh as the day they were installed.

For shower applications, I recommend selecting Style Selections porcelain tiles with texture or smaller formats for floor areas to improve slip resistance, while larger formats work beautifully on vertical surfaces where water runs off naturally.

High-Traffic Area Performance: Standing Up to Daily Life

Households with children, pets, or frequent entertaining put flooring to the ultimate test. My experience with Style Selections porcelain tile in high-traffic areas has demonstrated its exceptional resilience under these demanding conditions.

The hallway connecting our kitchen to the garage entrance sees perhaps the heaviest use in our home—muddy boots, rolling luggage, pet traffic, and grocery deliveries create constant abrasion and impact challenges. After three years, the porcelain tiles in this area show virtually no signs of wear beyond some minor grout discoloration that responds well to deep cleaning.

This durability stems from several factors:

  • The exceptional hardness of porcelain (often 7-9 on the Mohs scale) resists scratching
  • The through-body coloration of many styles means minor surface abrasions remain invisible
  • The dense, non-porous surface prevents stain penetration
  • The rigid material resists indentation from heavy furniture or dropped objects

For homeowners concerned about longevity in busy spaces, Style Selections porcelain tiles offer peace of mind that few other flooring options can match. While the initial installation may require more effort than some alternatives like vinyl or laminate, the long-term performance in high-traffic areas more than compensates for this investment of time and energy.

Thickness Considerations: Understanding the Specifications

The thickness of porcelain tile affects its suitable applications, installation requirements, and overall durability. Style Selections porcelain tiles typically range from approximately 8mm to 12mm (about 5/16″ to 1/2″) in thickness, with specific measurements varying by product line and intended use.

Floor tiles generally feature thicker profiles (10-12mm) to withstand foot traffic and furniture weight, while wall tiles may be thinner (8-10mm) to reduce weight load on vertical surfaces. The wood-look plank tiles I installed in my den measure approximately 10mm thick, providing excellent durability while maintaining a profile that transitioned smoothly to adjacent flooring without requiring special transition strips.

When selecting tiles, consider how the thickness might affect:

  • Transitions to other flooring materials
  • Door clearances in existing spaces
  • Subfloor preparation requirements
  • Weight considerations for upper-floor installations
  • Cutting difficulty during installation

Most Style Selections porcelain tiles come clearly labeled with thickness specifications, allowing for proper planning before purchase. I’ve found their standard thicknesses work well for typical residential applications without requiring specialized installation techniques beyond standard tiling practices.

Sealing Requirements: Low-Maintenance Beauty

Unlike natural stone tiles that require regular sealing to prevent staining and moisture absorption, Style Selections porcelain tiles themselves typically do not need sealing. Their extremely low porosity naturally resists liquid penetration, making sealers unnecessary for the tile surface.

However, the grout between tiles is more porous and benefits from sealing to prevent staining and moisture issues. I recommend applying a high-quality grout sealer after installation and reapplying annually in high-moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens. This minimal maintenance requirement represents a significant advantage over more demanding natural materials.

During my bathroom renovation, I selected a medium-gray grout that complements the marble-look tiles while being more forgiving of minor discoloration than white grout would be. Even with this practical color choice, I still apply grout sealer yearly to maintain its fresh appearance and water resistance.

The low maintenance requirements of Style Selections porcelain tile make it particularly appealing for busy households or rental properties where elaborate care routines would be impractical. This “install and enjoy” quality has been one of the most appreciated aspects of my tile selections across multiple spaces in my home.

Brand Comparisons: How Style Selections Stacks Up

As a house brand, Style Selections naturally invites comparison to both budget-friendly alternatives and premium competitors. Having researched extensively before my various tiling projects, I can offer some context on how these tiles compare in the broader market.

Compared to budget tile options like basic ceramic tiles or the lowest-priced big-box store alternatives, Style Selections porcelain offers noticeably superior:

  • Density and durability
  • Design sophistication and realism
  • Consistency in sizing and coloration
  • Selection variety

When compared to premium porcelain brands that may cost 2-3 times more per square foot, Style Selections holds its own remarkably well in:

  • Technical performance (water resistance, hardness)
  • Overall appearance and design options
  • Durability under normal residential use

Where premium brands may edge ahead is in:

  • Cutting-edge design innovations
  • The absolute highest resolution printing for natural material replications
  • Extremely large format options
  • Specialty finishes and textures
  • Precision rectification (extremely straight edges for minimal grout lines)

For most homeowners seeking quality porcelain tile without premium pricing, Style Selections occupies a sweet spot of value and performance. The difference between Style Selections and tiles costing twice as much is often subtle enough that only industry professionals might notice, while the performance advantages over basic ceramic tiles are immediately apparent in daily use.

Customer Experiences: Real-World Reviews

Beyond my personal experience with Style Selections porcelain tile, I’ve researched hundreds of customer reviews to gain broader perspective on these products. The consensus generally reflects my own findings, with most reviewers highlighting:

Positive feedback frequently mentions:

  • Excellent value for the quality received
  • Durability in family homes with children and pets
  • Water resistance in bathrooms and kitchens
  • Visual appeal and realistic simulation of natural materials
  • Ease of cleaning and maintenance

Critical comments typically center around:

  • Occasional issues with color consistency between production batches
  • Challenges cutting the dense porcelain without specialized tools
  • Limited availability of matching trim pieces in some design lines
  • Some styles being discontinued before projects can be completed

The overall sentiment across review platforms averages between 4.2-4.6 out of 5 stars, indicating strong customer satisfaction, particularly when accounting for the value-conscious pricing. When negative reviews do appear, they often relate to installation challenges rather than product defects, underscoring the importance of proper preparation and technique (or professional installation for those without tiling experience).

Installation Over Existing Flooring: Renovation Shortcuts

One common question among renovators is whether Style Selections porcelain tiles can be installed over existing flooring, potentially saving the time and expense of removal. The answer depends entirely on the current flooring condition and type.

Based on industry standards and my own renovation experiences, here are the guidelines:

Potentially suitable existing floors for overlay:

  • Well-bonded sheet vinyl or vinyl tile (if flat and in good condition)
  • Ceramic or porcelain tile (if solidly attached and level)
  • Cement or concrete (after proper preparation)

Problematic base layers that typically require removal:

  • Cushioned vinyl flooring
  • Multiple layers of existing flooring
  • Damaged or uneven surfaces
  • Hardwood (generally not recommended due to moisture concerns)
  • Carpet and carpet padding

When I renovated my guest bathroom, I was able to successfully install Style Selections porcelain tile directly over the existing ceramic tile after thoroughly cleaning the surface, filling any chips or cracks with thinset, and using a high-quality modified thinset mortar designed for tile-over-tile applications. This saved considerable demolition work while still resulting in a beautiful, durable new floor.

The key considerations for overlay installations include:

  • Height transitions to adjacent rooms
  • Door clearances that may be affected by the added height
  • Subfloor stability and condition
  • Total height of all flooring layers

For most residential applications, working with a maximum finished floor height of 1/2″ to 3/4″ above adjacent flooring will allow for manageable transitions. Beyond this, removal of existing flooring often becomes the more practical approach despite the additional labor involved.

Warranty Protection: Understanding Your Coverage

Style Selections porcelain tiles typically come with a manufacturer’s warranty that varies by specific product line. Most residential-use tiles carry a warranty ranging from 10 years to limited lifetime coverage against manufacturing defects. These warranties generally cover issues like:

  • Premature wear under normal use conditions
  • Manufacturing defects affecting performance
  • Significant color fading not caused by improper cleaning

It’s important to note that these warranties typically do not cover:

  • Damage from improper installation
  • Issues resulting from inadequate subfloor preparation
  • Normal wear and tear
  • Damage from improper cleaning methods or chemicals
  • Chips or cracks from impacts

To maintain warranty coverage, keep your purchase receipt and product information, and follow recommended installation and maintenance guidelines. When I purchased tiles for my kitchen renovation, I stored the product information and receipt in a dedicated home improvement folder, which proved valuable when I needed to order additional tiles for an unexpected layout change.

The warranty on Style Selections porcelain tile provides reasonable protection for a product in this price range, though as with most flooring warranties, the coverage focuses primarily on manufacturing defects rather than guaranteeing performance under all possible conditions.

Conclusion: Is Style Selections Porcelain Tile Right for Your Project?

After living with Style Selections porcelain tile in multiple rooms of my home for several years, I can confidently recommend it for most residential applications. The combination of durability, water resistance, design variety, and value pricing makes it an excellent choice for homeowners seeking quality without premium pricing.

These tiles particularly excel in:

  • High-moisture areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways
  • Homes with children and pets where durability is paramount
  • Spaces where low maintenance is a priority
  • Applications where the look of natural materials is desired without their inherent care requirements

The few limitations—primarily the need for proper installation techniques and tools—are outweighed by the long-term benefits of a flooring solution that will likely outlast many other elements of your home. For DIY enthusiasts willing to learn proper installation methods or homeowners working with professional installers, Style Selections porcelain tile offers an exceptional balance of beauty, performance, and value.

As with any significant home improvement decision, I recommend viewing samples in person, researching specific product lines thoroughly, and planning your installation carefully. With proper selection and installation, Style Selections porcelain tile can transform your spaces with enduring beauty that stands up to the demands of real life.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *