The Tile Store in Chattanooga: Where to Buy and Install Countertops
The Tile Store is a retail and installation operation specializing in tile, stone, and solid-surface countertops for kitchens and bathrooms across the greater Chattanooga area. The business stocks inventory on-site and handles both material sales and professional installation, positioning it as a one-stop option rather than a showroom-only retailer or a contractor who sources materials separately.
What The Tile Store actually is
The Tile Store operates as a combined supplier and installer, meaning customers can select materials in the showroom and contract the same company for fabrication and installation. This model differs meaningfully from big-box retailers (Home Depot, Lowe's) that sell tile and countertop materials but typically do not install, and from independent contractors who source from multiple suppliers and may take longer to deliver consistent pricing and timeline information. The business carries ceramic tile, porcelain, natural stone (granite, marble, quartz), and engineered quartz in stock and can special-order additional options.
Services and pricing
The Tile Store charges for materials (per square foot or by the piece, depending on the product) and installation as separate line items. Granite and natural stone typically run $40 to $80 per square foot installed, including templating and sealing. Engineered quartz countertops range from $50 to $100 per square foot installed. Ceramic and porcelain tile for backsplashes or full counter installations cost $15 to $40 per square foot, plus labor. Installation labor rates are quoted per job after an in-home or showroom estimate. Most estimates are free and include a site visit to measure, assess substrate condition, and discuss edge profiles, undermount options, and sink integration. Verify current pricing and lead times by calling directly, as material costs fluctuate.
How it compares to other Chattanooga countertop options
The Tile Store competes primarily with independent kitchen and bath contractors (who often source materials from the same suppliers but may add markup), big-box home improvement stores (which require separate contractor hiring for installation), and mid-sized regional fabricators. Choose The Tile Store if you want to see products in person, discuss installation upfront with the same company, and avoid coordinating multiple vendors. Choose a general contractor or fabricator if you are seeking custom edge work, waterjet patterns, or specialty materials not in stock, or if you prefer to source high-end slabs from a dedicated stone yard. Choose a big-box store if you prioritize price transparency and plan to hire your own installer, though this approach typically adds weeks to the timeline due to coordination delays.
Who it suits and who it does not suit
The Tile Store works well for homeowners replacing kitchen or bathroom counters with standard materials (quartz, granite, tile), updating a backsplash, or installing countertops in new construction within 30 miles of Chattanooga. It suits people who want to minimize vendor touchpoints and prefer working face-to-face with the installation team before work begins. It does not suit customers seeking bespoke or custom masonry work, waterjet designs, or exotic stone slabs; those projects typically require a specialized stone fabricator with access to larger mills. It is also not the choice for emergency same-week installations or for budget-conscious DIY countertop replacement using only materials.
What the first visit involves
Schedule a showroom appointment or call for a free in-home estimate. If you visit the showroom, bring photos or samples of your existing kitchen or bath style, your cabinet dimensions (or have the installer measure), and any inspiration images. The sales staff will show samples, discuss edge profiles (beveled, eased, bullnose, ogee), discuss whether you need undermount or drop-in sinks, and outline sealing and maintenance. If the installer comes to your home, they will measure the counter space, check substrate flatness and condition, and ask about cutouts for appliances and plumbing. Both paths result in a written estimate that breaks down materials, templating, and labor.
Hours, parking, and logistics
The Tile Store is located in Chattanooga with street or lot parking available. Operating hours are typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday; confirm current hours before visiting, as retail hours can shift seasonally. Installation crews typically schedule 2 to 4 weeks out depending on material availability and the size of the job. The templating process (measuring counters for exact fabrication) occurs during an on-site visit, with installation following 1 to 3 weeks later. Most jobs take one to two days to complete.
The Tile Store serves Chattanooga homeowners who want to evaluate materials in person and work with a single company from purchase through installation, avoiding the fragmentation and timeline risk of hiring contractors and material suppliers separately.
