Acme Brick Tile & Stone in Chattanooga: Contractor-Grade Materials for Residential and Commercial Projects
Acme Brick Tile & Stone is a building materials supplier specializing in masonry, tile, and stone products for contractors, builders, and homeowners undertaking renovation or construction work in the Chattanooga area. The business stocks inventory across multiple product categories rather than functioning as a design showroom, positioning it as a source for quantity orders and project fulfillment rather than decorative consultation.
What Acme Brick Tile & Stone Actually Is
Acme operates as a contractor-focused materials distributor with retail access. The inventory leans toward functional building supplies: brick in standard and specialty sizes, ceramic and porcelain tile, natural stone (granite, marble, limestone, slate), and related supplies like mortar, grout, and installation tools. The customer base includes licensed contractors, commercial developers, and homeowners managing their own projects. The business does not function as a design center with extensive showroom displays or free consultation services; it is transactional and product-driven.
Products and Pricing
Brick pricing varies by type and volume. Standard red clay brick typically runs $0.75 to $1.25 per unit for small quantities, with contractor discounts available on orders of 1,000 units or more (confirm current pricing by phone, as material costs fluctuate). Specialty brick (textured, color-matched, or reclaimed-appearance) runs higher, generally $1.50 to $3.00 per unit depending on sourcing and finish.
Tile selection includes ceramic ($2 to $8 per square foot), porcelain ($4 to $15 per square foot), and glazed varieties. Natural stone tile (marble, granite, slate) ranges from $6 to $20+ per square foot based on origin and thickness. Grout and mortar are sold by bag; grout typically costs $10 to $20 per 25-pound bag depending on type (unsanded vs. epoxy vs. urethane).
The store does not typically quote labor or installation; it is a materials source. Bulk discounts apply for contractor accounts; homeowners pay retail pricing but may find competitive rates on standard products.
How It Compares to Other Chattanooga Building Supply Options
Home Depot and Lowe's both operate multiple locations in Chattanooga and stock tile, brick, and stone, but their inventory is limited to residential-scale quantities and mainstream colors. Their prices on basic products are competitive with Acme's retail pricing, but selection in specialty finishes and regional stone is narrower. Choose Home Depot or Lowe's for convenience and small jobs (under 100 square feet); choose Acme for larger orders, contractor bulk pricing, and access to less common materials.
Menards (if operating nearby) similarly emphasizes volume and convenience over specialty sourcing. Local masonry suppliers may also stock brick and mortar but typically do not carry tile and stone in the same location.
Acme sits between big-box retail and specialized masonry yards, making it practical for contractors who need both volume pricing and moderate selection without committing to a single-trade supplier.
Who It Suits and Who It Does Not
Acme is well-suited to contractors pulling materials for multiple projects, homeowners replacing 500+ square feet of tile or completing a brick structure, and builders ordering in volume. It works for straightforward material needs: standard brick colors, durable commercial tile, and common stone types.
It is not ideal for design-heavy projects where the homeowner needs extensive samples or consultation on color matching and aesthetic direction. It is not a one-stop for tools and supplies beyond installation basics. Very small projects (replacing 50 tiles, patching mortar) may not justify a trip if you live far from the location; big-box stores are more convenient.
What the First Visit Involves
Walk in with a materials list or dimensions. Staff can confirm stock and provide pricing quickly. Cash-and-carry is standard; delivery is available but not guaranteed same-day. If you need a bulk order or contractor account, ask about pricing and payment terms. The store typically does not hold extended consultations, so arrive prepared with specifications (tile size, brick color code, stone type and thickness).
Hours, Parking, and Logistics
Confirm current hours by phone before visiting, as contractor supply stores sometimes adjust for seasonal demand. Parking is available on-site. The location is accessible by vehicle; public transit is not practical for hauling materials. Call ahead for delivery availability and cost if your order exceeds what fits in a truck.
Acme Brick Tile & Stone fills the practical middle ground for Chattanooga contractors and serious DIY renovators who need reliable stock at fair pricing without the design overhead of a showroom or the limited selection of a big-box chain.
