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Lowes vs Home Depot For Tile Installation: Which Is The Best For You?

Between Lowes and Home Depot tile installation, it can be tricky to choose one if you don’t know them. But don’t you worry about it because I have done the hard work and provided some important facts below.  

By the time you finish going through this short write-up about Lowes vs Home Depot tile installation, you will have an idea. So, continue reading to know which one will best suit your purposes.

Does Home Depot Install Tiles? (Backsplash, Bathroom, Patio & more)

The answer is yes; Home Depot offers multiple tiles installation services via independent installers. They have the materials, great ideas and professionals to install tiles in any part of your property. 

Does Lowes Install Tiles? (Backsplash, Bathroom, Patio & more)

Yes, Lowes too offer tile installation services. In fact, we have written a dedicated article about Lowes’ tile installation services. Read more about it here:

Lowes Tile Installation Cost per Square Foot – Tile Installation 101

So, whether you need floor or wall tiling in your main living room, bathroom, patio, kitchen, or any area, both Home Depot and Lowes will do the job as per your request. All you have to do is select the material and design, and the experts will measure the space and set the tiles.


Who Has Better Tiles – Home Depot or Lowe’s?

From what I have noticed so far, Lowe’s and Home Depot both have similar tiles. Porcelain, Ceramic, Natural stone and Glass are the four common materials that you can find in both brands. All four either have a matte or a glossy appearance.

The four types of tiles also come in various colors and patterns. They are all stunning and can transform any wall or floor of any area. But we all have different preferences, so it’s a good thing that there are so many to choose from. 

Whether you like plain, square, oval, hexagonal, rectangular or octagonal shapes, they are all available. So, you can make your pick as per requirements and preference.

lowes vs home depot tile installation

What Is a Good Price for Tile Installation?

The rate for tile installation depends on several factors, such as 

  • Brand
  • Type of material and design 
  • Size of space to be covered 
  • Location of installation (wall, backsplashes, floor, outdoors, etc.)
  • Prep work
  • Labor charges 

If you plan to install the tiles yourself, it’s again an entirely different matter. It may be cheaper, but you should have the tools and skills for the job. If not, it’s best to ask a service provider to install the tiles.

The average total rate for floor tile installation can be anywhere between $886 and $2,855, with the national average at $1,833. It’s costlier for walls, backsplashes, countertops and bathrooms. 

The installation cost will also depend on whether a tiler charge per square foot or by the hour. Before buying or asking for services, you should consider all the factors mentioned above and see what fits your budget.

Does Lowe’s or Home Depot Cut Tile?

First of all, let’s talk about Lowe’s and see if they offer the service. 

If you have purchased the tile from Lowes and show them the receipt, they will cut it according to your measurements. However, it’s against store policy to cut tiles purchased elsewhere.

The store has professionals and the tools for cutting the tile, and it’s free of charge. If you are planning a DIY, it’s best to let the experts cut the tiles to your preferred size. However, Lowe’s can only make straight-line cuts on tiles.

Lowe’s cut tile for customers, but what about Home Depot?

Home Depot doesn’t offer tile cutting services in any of their stores as it’s against the company policy. However, the company rents out tile cutters which you can hire for 

  • 4 hours 
  • 24 hours
  • 1 week
  • 4 weeks

You have to pay a deposit, fees, and a late fine if you don’t return the tools on time. On the other hand, you can simply purchase a suitable tile cutter if you are apt at handling it.

How Much Does It Cost to Install a 12 X 12 Tile from Home Depot?

Home Depot provides various types of installation services, including tiling. Its basic rate for a 12×12 tile installation service is $5.50 without adding the cost of the tile and other materials. The services include

  • Moving of furniture
  • Carpet removal
  • Floating floor removal
  • Shoe or quarter round install
  • Moderate subfloor prep (up to ¼”)

There is an additional fee for removing nailed or glued flooring, prepping large areas, and filling large cracks.

How Much Does It Cost to Install a 12 X 12 Tile from Lowes? 

On the other hand, Lowe’s rate for a 12×12 tile installation service is $5.75 without including the price of the tile and other materials. 

Can you return tiles to Home Depot or Lowe’s?

If you are not satisfied with the tiles, you can return them by following the necessary steps. Both Home Depot and Lowe’s accept the returned products, provided you have a purchase receipt and a valid ID.

If you like the tiles, but they arrived broken or damaged, both companies will provide you with undamaged ones in exchange. They will also refund the money if you simply want to return the goods. It may take a while for the money to arrive in your account unless they refund it in cash.

However, it’s important to read the return rules and policies in advance to avoid misunderstandings.

Home Depot Tile Installation Review

Customers have many positive things to say about Home Depot’s products. They offer quality, variety and reasonable rates. I can choose from many designs and materials according to my budget and preference.

However, there are mixed reactions when it comes to tile installation. While many customers are happy with the finished work, others find the service unsatisfactory. 

From what I have learned so far, Home Depot needs to gear up if they want 100% positive reviews from customers. Most of the time, they provide installation through independent tilers. 

So, they can do a thorough check on the professionals and service providers before they send them to a client’s house. Incompetent workers can cause problems, and customers certainly won’t be happy.

Lowe’s Tile Installation Review

When it’s about quality, pricing and variety, Lowes has similarities with Home Depot. I can afford many of the tiles and select from numerous patterns, materials and colors. 

But regarding tile installation, customers have similar views for Lowe’s as they have with Home Depot. Some say they have had the best experience and are satisfied with the job.

However, I also learned that many are unhappy, especially with the tilers who came to install the tiles. 

What I understand now is though the materials and costs are reasonable, both Lowe’s and Home Depot can do with better installation service providers. 

Lowe’s Tile Installation Process

  1. Select your tile flooring
  2. Schedule an appointment for measurement
  3. Get a quote
  4. Have the tiles installed

Home Depot Tile Installation Process

  1. Select your tile flooring
  2. Schedule an appointment for measurement
  3. Get a personalized quote
  4. Complete the purchase
  5. Get the new flooring installed

It seems that both have similar process for tile installation. If necessary, the installers also do prep work like removing furniture, filling gaps, removing old flooring, etc.

Is Home Depot or Lowes tile any good?

Both brands have different types of tiles at different prices. So, you can find both cheap and top-quality tiles at Home Depot and Lowes. If you consider the rates, their products are suitable for most homeowners who don’t have a high budget.

Is Lowes or Home Depot Better for Flooring?

This is a tricky question because both have received similar reviews from customers. The verdict is split as some loved the service for both brands while others did not.

Who Is Cheaper for Installation Lowe’s or Home Depot?

It appears that Home Depot offers a little cheaper option than Lowe’s for tile installation.

Wrapping Up

Both Home Depot and Lowe’s appear to offer similar products, services and options except in a few cases.

For example, Lowe’s offers a tile cutting service, but HD doesn’t. On the other hand, Home Depot charges a slightly lower fee for tile installation per square foot than Lowes. 

But when it comes to installation services, there are complaints from customers for both brands. One positive aspect about Lowe’s is that I may get refunds for unsatisfactory services, as seen from some reviews. 

Since I noticed both positive and negative aspects from customers, I can’t recommend either one to be above the other. Both are reasonably good and can get your job done at affordable rates.