Style Selections Tile

Transforming Spaces Without Breaking the Bank

When it comes to home renovation, few elements make as dramatic an impact as tile. It can transform a dull bathroom into a spa-like retreat or elevate a kitchen from functional to fabulous. Among the myriad of options available to today’s homeowners, Style Selections tile has emerged as a popular choice for those seeking the perfect balance between quality, aesthetics, and affordability.

As someone who has spent countless hours researching and installing various flooring options (and made plenty of mistakes along the way), I’ve developed a particular appreciation for products that deliver genuine value. Style Selections has consistently impressed me with its versatility and accessibility—but is it right for your project? Let’s dive deep into everything you need to know about this increasingly popular tile brand.

What Exactly Is Style Selections Tile?

Style Selections isn’t just another tile brand—it’s a private label brand exclusively sold through Lowe’s home improvement stores. Created to offer homeowners and DIY enthusiasts access to stylish, quality tile options without the premium price tags of specialty tile shops, Style Selections has carved out a significant niche in the home improvement market.

The brand encompasses a wide range of tile products, from ceramic and porcelain to luxury vinyl and natural stone options. What makes Style Selections particularly appealing is its ability to mimic high-end materials at a fraction of the cost. Want the look of Italian marble without the maintenance headaches or budget-busting price? Style Selections likely has an option that will tick those boxes.

I remember walking into Lowe’s a few years back, completely overwhelmed by a bathroom renovation. The sales associate directed me toward the Style Selections display, and I was genuinely surprised by the quality and variety available. That initial experience sparked my interest in learning more about this accessible yet impressive line of products.

Where to Purchase Style Selections Tile

As mentioned, Style Selections is Lowe’s exclusive house brand, meaning your shopping options are somewhat limited. You’ll find these tiles at any Lowe’s home improvement store across the country, as well as on their website. While this exclusivity might seem restrictive compared to brands available through multiple retailers, it actually offers some distinct advantages.

For starters, Lowe’s frequently runs promotions on their house brands, including Style Selections. If you’re flexible with your renovation timeline, you can often score significant discounts by shopping during these promotional periods. Additionally, the consolidated availability means that product information, customer reviews, and installation advice are all conveniently gathered in one place.

I’ve found that the in-store displays at Lowe’s do an excellent job of showcasing how different Style Selections tiles look in actual room settings. This visualization can be incredibly helpful when trying to imagine how a particular tile might look in your own space. Many locations also offer sample tiles that you can take home to test in your lighting conditions and alongside your existing décor.

Material Matters: What Are Style Selections Tiles Made From?

Style Selections offers tiles crafted from various materials, each with its own set of characteristics, benefits, and ideal applications:

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic represents a significant portion of the Style Selections line. These tiles are made from clay that’s been fired at high temperatures, resulting in a durable, water-resistant product that’s perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and other moisture-prone areas. Style Selections ceramic tiles are available in both glazed and unglazed options, with the glazed varieties offering superior stain resistance.

Porcelain Tile

A step up from standard ceramic, Style Selections porcelain tiles are denser, less porous, and more durable. This makes them an excellent choice for high-traffic areas and outdoor applications (where freeze-thaw conditions aren’t extreme). The porcelain options in the Style Selections line include some impressive wood-look and stone-look tiles that achieve remarkable realism.

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)

For those seeking extreme durability combined with easy installation, Style Selections’ luxury vinyl tile options deserve consideration. These tiles provide excellent water resistance and a softer, warmer feel underfoot compared to ceramic or porcelain. The photographic layer in these tiles can convincingly mimic natural materials, all while offering superior scratch and dent resistance.

Natural Stone Tile

While less extensive than their ceramic and porcelain selections, Style Selections does offer some natural stone options, primarily in marble and travertine. These provide authentic natural beauty but require more maintenance and careful installation than their manufactured counterparts.

During my kitchen backsplash project, I originally had my heart set on natural marble. However, after considering the maintenance requirements and cost, I opted for a Style Selections porcelain tile with a marble-look finish. Two years later, I’m still thrilled with the decision—the backsplash looks luxurious but has required zero maintenance beyond regular cleaning.

Durability: Can Style Selections Handle High-Traffic Areas?

A critical consideration for any tile purchase is durability—particularly if you’re installing in high-traffic areas like entryways, kitchens, or busy bathrooms. Style Selections tiles offer impressive durability for their price point, though performance does vary somewhat by material type.

The porcelain options in the Style Selections line stand out as the most durable, with excellent resistance to scratches, chips, and stains. Many are rated for commercial applications, making them more than sufficient for even the busiest household environments. I’ve had Style Selections porcelain in my entryway for over three years now, and despite heavy foot traffic, pet claws, and occasional dropped items, the tiles show virtually no signs of wear.

The ceramic options, while still quite durable, aren’t quite as resistant to physical damage as porcelain. However, they’re more than adequate for most residential applications, including bathrooms and kitchen backsplashes. The luxury vinyl tiles, meanwhile, offer excellent resilience against impacts and a bit more “give” underfoot, which can be an advantage in areas where you stand for long periods.

When evaluating durability, pay attention to the PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) rating on ceramic and porcelain tiles. Style Selections typically offers products in the PEI III-V range, with V being the most durable. For high-traffic areas, look for tiles rated IV or V.

Style & Design: Finding Your Perfect Aesthetic

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Style Selections is the sheer variety of designs, colors, and finishes available. Whether your taste runs to sleek modern minimalism or warm rustic charm, you’ll likely find options that complement your vision.

Timeless Classics

Style Selections excels at producing reliable, classic options that won’t quickly look dated. Their subway tiles, hexagonal mosaics, and simple square formats in neutral tones form the backbone of their collection, providing excellent versatility across various design styles.

Trend-Forward Options

Despite being a value brand, Style Selections stays remarkably current with design trends. Recent years have seen the introduction of large-format tiles, bold geometrics, encaustic-inspired patterns, and realistic wood-look options that reflect contemporary design preferences.

Specialty Finishes

Beyond basic colors and patterns, Style Selections offers a range of specialty finishes, including:

• Matte and honed surfaces for a subtle, contemporary look
• High-gloss finishes that reflect light and make spaces appear larger
• Textured options that provide visual interest and improved slip resistance
• Metallic accents and iridescent glazes for decorative applications

I particularly appreciate their wood-look porcelain tiles, which have come a long way in recent years. The latest offerings feature realistic grain patterns, textured surfaces, and color variations that convincingly mimic natural hardwood—all while providing the durability and water resistance of porcelain.

For my basement renovation, I selected a Style Selections wood-look porcelain in a weathered gray tone. Visitors regularly mistake it for real wood flooring, and it has performed flawlessly despite the occasionally damp conditions that would have damaged actual hardwood.

Budget Considerations: What Will Style Selections Cost You?

One of the brand’s most compelling attributes is its price point. Style Selections tile typically ranges from $0.89 to $4.99 per square foot, positioning it firmly in the budget to mid-range category. This represents a significant saving compared to specialty tile brands, which often start at $8-10 per square foot and can climb well above $20 for premium options.

The ceramic options generally occupy the lower end of the price spectrum, with basic white subway tiles often available below $1 per square foot during sales. The porcelain and luxury vinyl options tend to fall in the $2-5 range, with the most elaborate designs and larger formats commanding the higher prices.

Natural stone selections within the Style Selections line typically run $3-5 per square foot, representing excellent value compared to specialty stone tile, which often costs three to five times as much.

Of course, the total project cost involves more than just the tile itself. You’ll need to factor in:

• Underlayment materials
• Mortar or adhesive
• Grout
• Sealer (for natural stone and some porous ceramics)
• Tools (if you’re installing yourself)
• Installation labor (if hiring professionals)

Even with these additional costs, Style Selections remains an economical choice. My recent bathroom renovation using Style Selections porcelain tile cost approximately $3.50 per square foot for materials, compared to the $12-15 per square foot quoted for similar-looking tile from a specialty store.

Ideal Applications: Kitchens, Bathrooms, and Beyond

Kitchen Applications

Style Selections tiles perform admirably in kitchen environments, offering options for:

• Flooring: The porcelain and luxury vinyl options are particularly well-suited to kitchen floors, providing excellent durability and stain resistance.
• Backsplashes: The ceramic and glass mosaic options offer splash protection with decorative flair.
• Countertops: While less common, some of the porcelain options can be used for countertop applications when properly installed.

For my own kitchen renovation, I chose Style Selections’ marble-look porcelain for the backsplash and complemented it with their ceramic mosaic tile as an accent above the range. The combination has proven both beautiful and practical, resisting cooking splatter and cleaning up easily.

Bathroom Applications

Perhaps no room benefits more from quality tile than the bathroom, and Style Selections offers solutions for every bathroom surface:

• Shower surrounds: Their porcelain and ceramic options provide excellent water resistance for shower walls.
• Flooring: Textured styles provide safer footing in wet areas.
• Accent walls: Decorative options can create stunning focal points.
• Tub surrounds: Waterproof options protect against splash damage.

The bathroom is where I’ve had the most experience with Style Selections. I’ve used their tiles in three bathroom renovations, and all have performed exceptionally well in terms of water resistance, cleaning ease, and long-term appearance.

Other Applications

Beyond kitchens and bathrooms, Style Selections tiles work well for:

• Entryways and mudrooms
• Laundry rooms
• Sunrooms
• Basement floors
• Fireplace surrounds
• Outdoor patios (select frost-resistant options only)

Size Options: From Tiny Mosaics to Large Format

The Style Selections line covers an impressive range of size options to suit various applications and aesthetic preferences:

• Mosaic tiles (typically 1″×1″ to 2″×2″ pieces mounted on mesh backing)
• Small format (4″×4″, 3″×6″, etc.)
• Standard format (6″×6″, 8″×8″, 12″×12″)
• Rectangular formats (3″×6″, 4″×12″, 6″×24″, etc.)
• Large format (16″×16″, 12″×24″, 24″×24″)

The availability of larger formats is notable for a value brand, as these sizes have traditionally been found only in premium tile lines. Large-format tiles create fewer grout lines, resulting in a cleaner, more contemporary look and easier maintenance. However, they do require more precise installation and generally flat subfloors.

I recently installed 12″×24″ Style Selections porcelain tiles in a client’s living room, and the result was a sleek, modern look that belied the modest cost of the materials. The larger format elevated the whole design and created a seamless, expansive feel in the space.

Water Resistance: Performance in Wet Environments

Water resistance is a critical factor when selecting tile, particularly for bathrooms, kitchens, and other moisture-prone areas. How does Style Selections measure up?

The porcelain options in the Style Selections line offer excellent water resistance, with absorption rates typically below 0.5%. This makes them virtually impervious to water damage and suitable for even the wettest environments, including shower floors.

The ceramic tiles vary more in their water resistance. Glazed ceramic options provide good surface water resistance, though the tile body itself can absorb some moisture if exposed over time. Unglazed ceramic should be sealed in wet locations to prevent staining and water absorption.

Luxury vinyl tile options are inherently waterproof and make excellent choices for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements where moisture intrusion is a concern.

Natural stone options in the Style Selections line require sealing to achieve adequate water resistance, as most natural stones are naturally porous. With proper sealing and maintenance, however, they can perform well even in bathrooms.

In my experience renovating a particularly challenging basement bathroom with moisture issues, the Style Selections porcelain floor tile has proven to be completely unaffected by the occasionally damp conditions, maintaining its appearance perfectly over several years.

Installation: DIY-Friendly or Professional Territory?

Installation requirements vary significantly across the Style Selections range. Some options are quite DIY-friendly, while others demand professional skills and tools.

Ceramic and Porcelain Installation

Traditional ceramic and porcelain tiles require:

1. Careful substrate preparation (flat, clean, and appropriate for tile)
2. Proper mortar selection based on tile type and location
3. Correct trowel technique for even mortar distribution
4. Precise tile placement and leveling
5. Appropriate grout selection and application
6. Sealing (for some products)

While many homeowners successfully install ceramic and porcelain tile themselves, the learning curve can be steep, particularly for first-timers or complex patterns. Small errors in installation can lead to lippage (uneven tile edges), cracked tiles, or grout problems down the line.

Luxury Vinyl Tile Installation

Style Selections’ luxury vinyl tiles are generally much more DIY-friendly:

1. Some options come with peel-and-stick backing for straightforward installation
2. Click-lock floating systems require no adhesive
3. Limited tools needed (typically just a utility knife and straight edge)
4. Less critical substrate preparation (though still important)
5. No grouting required for many styles

For my guest bathroom, I opted to install Style Selections ceramic wall tile myself but hired a professional for the more complex porcelain floor tile installation. The wall tile proved manageable with research and care, but watching the professional handle the floor installation confirmed that some aspects of tile work benefit greatly from experienced hands.

Outdoor Applications: Weathering the Elements

Not all Style Selections tiles are appropriate for outdoor use, but the brand does offer options specifically rated for exterior applications. Look for:

• Frost-resistant porcelain tiles (crucial for climates with freezing temperatures)
• Textured surfaces for slip resistance when wet
• UV-stable colors that won’t fade in sunlight

Style Selections’ outdoor-rated porcelain tiles can work well for:

• Covered porches
• Patios in moderate climates
• Pool decks (with proper slip-resistant ratings)
• Outdoor kitchens

My experience with Style Selections in outdoor applications is limited to a covered front porch in a moderate climate, where porcelain tile has performed admirably for several years with no signs of weather damage or fading.

Grout Selection: Finding the Perfect Complement

The right grout can make or break a tile installation, both aesthetically and functionally. With Style Selections tile, you have several grout options to consider:

Traditional Cement-Based Grout

Most affordable and widely available, traditional cement grout works well with most Style Selections tiles but requires sealing and more maintenance.

Sanded vs. Unsanded

• Sanded grout is best for joints wider than 1/8″
• Unsanded works better for narrower joints and with tiles that scratch easily

Epoxy Grout

More expensive but offers superior stain resistance and doesn’t require sealing. Ideal for wet areas and kitchens.

Pre-Mixed Grout

Convenient for DIYers but typically more expensive than mix-it-yourself options.

Color Selection

• Matching grout (same color as tile) creates a seamless look
• Contrasting grout highlights the tile pattern and individual pieces
• Neutral grout (beige, gray) hides dirt better than white

When installing my kitchen backsplash with Style Selections ceramic subway tiles, I opted for a light gray grout rather than white. This slightly contrasting choice defined the classic subway pattern while hiding inevitable cooking splatters and discoloration—a practical decision I’ve never regretted.

Maintenance and Cleaning: Keeping Your Tiles Looking New

One of the major advantages of tile flooring is its relatively easy maintenance, but specific care requirements vary by material:

Ceramic and Porcelain

For glazed ceramic and porcelain Style Selections tiles:

1. Regular sweeping or vacuuming to remove abrasive particles
2. Mopping with mild detergent and warm water
3. Avoiding acidic or harsh chemical cleaners that can damage grout
4. Prompt cleanup of spills to prevent staining (more important with lighter colors)

Luxury Vinyl

Style Selections vinyl tiles require minimal maintenance:

1. Sweeping or vacuuming regularly
2. Damp mopping as needed
3. Avoiding harsh scrubbing tools that might scratch the surface

Natural Stone

For Style Selections natural stone options:

1. Using only pH-neutral cleaners specifically formulated for natural stone
2. Reapplying sealer periodically (typically annually)
3. Immediate cleanup of acidic spills (wine, citrus juice, etc.) to prevent etching
4. Avoiding abrasive cleaning tools

In my own home, I’ve found that a simple routine of weekly sweeping and occasional mopping with a mild cleaner has kept my Style Selections porcelain floors looking nearly new after years of use. The minimal maintenance requirement has been one of the most satisfying aspects of choosing these tiles.

The Verdict: What Reviewers Say About Style Selections

Consumer and professional reviews of Style Selections tiles generally acknowledge their excellent value proposition, though opinions vary by specific product line.

Positive Feedback Highlights:

• Price point consistently praised as exceptional for the quality
• Visual appeal often compared favorably to much more expensive alternatives
• Durability receives high marks, particularly for the porcelain options
• Variety of designs and sizes appreciated by consumers seeking specific aesthetics
• Availability and convenience of shopping at Lowe’s

Common Criticisms:

• Some reports of inconsistent quality control between production batches
• Limited selection compared to specialty tile shops
• Installation materials (especially mortar and grout) sold alongside the tile sometimes receive lower ratings than the tiles themselves
• Some wood-look styles criticized as less realistic than premium competitors

As with many home improvement products, installation quality dramatically affects satisfaction levels. Many negative reviews trace back to installation issues rather than inherent product defects.

In my personal and professional experience, Style Selections tiles largely deliver on their promise of affordable quality. The key is selecting the right product for your specific application and ensuring proper installation.

Color Options: From Subtle Neutrals to Bold Statements

Style Selections offers a comprehensive color palette across their various product lines:

Neutrals and Earth Tones

The brand excels at versatile neutrals that work in virtually any design scheme:

• Whites and creams (from bright white to warm ivory)
• Grays (cool to warm tones, light to dark)
• Beiges and tans
• Brown tones (from light honey to deep chocolate)

Statement Colors

For more design-forward spaces, Style Selections includes:

• Blues (from subtle pale blue to navy)
• Greens (sage, mint, and forest tones)
• Dramatic blacks
• Occasional seasonal color trends (terra cotta, mustard, etc.)

Color Consistency

One consideration with value-priced tile is color consistency between production runs. Style Selections generally maintains good color matching, but for large projects, it’s advisable to purchase all tiles at once from the same batch when possible.

For my dining room renovation, I selected a warm gray porcelain tile from Style Selections that beautifully complemented both the warm wood tones of my furniture and the cooler gray paint colors on the walls. The versatility of their neutral options has made coordinating design elements much simpler than anticipated.

Shopping Strategy: Finding Deals and Clearance Options

Strategic shopping can significantly reduce your project costs when working with Style Selections tile:

Regular Sales Cycles

Lowe’s typically runs tile promotions several times annually, often coinciding with:

• Spring renovation season (March-May)
• Fall home improvement period (September-October)
• Holiday sales events

Clearance Opportunities

End-of-season and discontinued styles often appear in clearance sections at deeply discounted prices. These can represent exceptional value but come with caveats:

• Limited quantity (buy extra to account for breakage and future repairs)
• Discontinued matching trim pieces
• Potentially older stock

Online vs. In-Store

While Lowe’s website offers convenience, in-store shopping provides advantages for tile selection:

• Ability to see true colors and textures
• Access to knowledgeable staff
• Opportunity to check actual stock versus website inventory
• Reduced risk of shipping damage

I’ve had particular success shopping Style Selections clearance sections. My guest bathroom features a stunning marble-look porcelain that I purchased at nearly 70% off retail because it was being discontinued. The savings allowed me to upgrade other elements of the bathroom while maintaining my overall budget.

Warranty Coverage: What’s Protected?

Style Selections tiles typically come with limited warranty coverage, though terms vary by specific product line:

• Most ceramic and porcelain options include a 1-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects
• Luxury vinyl products often feature longer warranties (5-25 years depending on the specific line)
• Coverage generally applies only to the original purchaser
• Installation-related issues are typically excluded
• Proof of purchase is required for warranty claims

It’s worth noting that quality ceramic and porcelain tiles generally last decades when properly installed, often outlasting the relatively short warranty periods. The warranty primarily protects against manufacturing defects rather than long-term performance.

I’ve never personally needed to make a warranty claim on Style Selections products, which speaks to their general reliability. However, I always recommend retaining receipt information and product packaging details for any flooring purchase, just in case.

Brand Comparisons: How Does Style Selections Stack Up?

To provide context for Style Selections’ place in the market, let’s compare it to several competing brands:

Vs. Home Depot’s TrafficMaster and StyleSelections

These house brands occupy similar price points and quality tiers. Style Selections often offers more design variety, while TrafficMaster may have more budget-focused options.

Vs. DalTile

As one of the largest U.S. tile manufacturers, DalTile offers more comprehensive selections and often better quality control, but at significantly higher price points for comparable styles.

Vs. Emser

Emser represents a step up in both quality and price, with more exclusive designs and specialized options, but can cost 2-3 times more than similar Style Selections products.

Vs. Luxury Brands (Ann Sacks, Walker Zanger)

Premium brands offer exclusive designs, exceptional quality control, and often hand-crafted elements. However, they typically cost 5-10 times more than Style Selections for similar basic styles.

In my professional opinion, Style Selections occupies a sweet spot for many homeowners—offering 80-90% of the aesthetic appeal and performance of premium brands at 30-40% of the cost. The value proposition is particularly strong for larger projects where material costs can quickly escalate.

Technical Specifications: Understanding Thickness and Physical Properties

For those diving deeper into technical considerations, here’s what to know about Style Selections specifications:

Thickness Variations

• Ceramic wall tiles: Typically 1/4″ to 5/16″ thick
• Porcelain floor tiles: Usually 3/8″ to 1/2″ thick
• Luxury vinyl tiles: Generally 1/8″ to 1/4″ thick
• Mosaic tiles: Vary considerably but often thinner than field tiles

Technical Ratings to Consider

• PEI rating (wear resistance): Most Style Selections floor tiles rate III-V
• COF (coefficient of friction): Look for ratings ≥0.42 for floor applications
• Water absorption: Porcelain options typically <0.5%
• Frost resistance: Only select outdoor-rated products offer this

Understanding these specifications helps ensure you select appropriate products for specific applications. For instance, a Style Selections porcelain with a PEI V rating and high COF would be ideal for a busy entryway, while such specifications would be unnecessary for a shower wall.

Customization: Cutting and Shaping Style Selections Tile

The ability to cut and customize tile is essential for most installations. How do Style Selections tiles perform in this regard?

Ceramic Options

Style Selections ceramic tiles generally cut cleanly with:

• Manual snap cutters for straight cuts
• Wet saws for more complex cuts
• Nippers for small notches and curves

Porcelain Considerations

The denser porcelain options require:

• Wet saws for most cuts (manual cutters often struggle with porcelain)
• Diamond hole saws for drilling
• More patience and precision due to porcelain’s hardness

Luxury Vinyl Flexibility

Style Selections vinyl tiles offer the easiest customization:

• Cut cleanly with utility knives
• Can often be scored and snapped
• Some can be cut with scissors for intricate shapes

During my bathroom renovation, I found Style Selections ceramic wall tiles cut predictably and cleanly with a basic manual snap cutter. However, the porcelain floor tiles required a wet saw for acceptable results—an important consideration for DIYers determining what tools they’ll need.

Conclusion: Is Style Selections Tile Right for Your Project?

After this comprehensive exploration of Style Selections tile, we return to the essential question: Is it the right choice for your home?

For budget-conscious homeowners seeking attractive, serviceable tile options, Style Selections offers an appealing value proposition. The brand successfully balances affordability with quality, providing options that look far more expensive than their modest price tags would suggest.

Style Selections particularly excels for:

• First-time homeowners working with limited budgets
• Investment property renovations requiring durability without premium pricing
• Large-scale projects where material costs significantly impact overall budgets
• DIY enthusiasts seeking accessible materials with reasonable forgiveness for installation learning curves

The brand may be less ideal for:

• Ultra-luxury designs requiring exclusive patterns or artisanal finishes
• Applications demanding the absolute highest technical specifications
• Homeowners who prioritize exclusive, unique materials

In my years working with various tile products, I’ve developed an appreciation for finding the right balance between cost and quality. Style Selections consistently delivers solid performance where it matters most while allowing budget flexibility for other aspects of renovation projects.

Whether you’re retiling a guest bathroom, creating a kitchen backsplash, or undertaking a complete home flooring renovation, Style Selections deserves consideration as a practical, attractive option that allows you to achieve impressive results without excessive expenditure.

Remember that successful tile projects rely on three key elements: quality materials, proper installation, and appropriate maintenance. With Style Selections providing cost-effective quality, the rest is in your hands. Happy tiling!