I have used the Lansdale from The Tile Shop (TTS) in a smaller sized, 2x4". It came backed in a mosaic but I cut up the pieces to make my own pattern instead of the running bond that was laid out on the mesh backing. The Lansdale has tan in it. TTS store BR display of the 3x6 tiles of Lansdale was whiter and bluer than the boxed stock available, in either the 3x6 or the 2x4 mosaic. The sales person said that the new stock has more tan in the mix than the tile used when they made the BR display. There is another selection at TTS and it is really a more veiny white/gray, maybe called Devonshire or something with an "H". HD definitely is cheaper, according to your search.

If you're considering single tiles I can't imagine one source being more different to install than the other. Unless there is irregularities in thickness in your batches. I liked working with TTS because they had lots of information and helped me with any question I had. This is the first time I tiled and I had a lot of questions. Here are a couple of pictures of my kitchen backsplash that I recently finished.

I'm sorry, I meant "Devonshire Carrara Pol" (5x20 cm) for $10.99/sqft (I was looking at the wrong picture) - you are right, the one I previously mentioned has tan in it. We wanted the grey veining only so we were happy when we walked down the next aisle and found our pick was also a dollar less per sqft :-)

I love the pattern you used - and wow; for your first time to tile you are brave! This will be our first time but we've decided on laying them flat (I'm sure there is a technical term I'm not aware of for that...)

Maybe we should check out this with a mesh backing - that is easier than doing individual tiles, correct? I'm sure you pay for the convenience though, am I right?

Thanks again!

The mesh backing is for smaller tiles called mosaics and seem to always be laid out in one sq ft sections. 3x6 tiles are singles. It can be fun laying out singles. If you lay the 3x6's straight, in the typical "subway" pattern, that is called a "running bond" Take a look online for the variety of patterns that can be made. If you or your DH are handy you might enjoy trying something fun or challenging. But getting the tile up in a shower is a challenge in itself.

The deal with the mesh that I was noticing in my modestly priced tile was that the spacing was variable between tiles on the sheet. I knew that was going to be a problem, visually for me. I was happy to have spaced them accurately myself.

Currently in the kitchen forum there is a post on a problem tile installation with a glass mosaic set. The tile setter didn't use spacers between the sheets and it looks pretty bad.

Are you using the wall liners on the floor and walls for your tiles. One brand is called Kardi and is orange. It is a liner that protects the walls from water. There are people that swear by it. Keep an eye open for all the info you can with this shower install. My kitchen backsplash install was different than a floor or shower. other considerations come into play. Strength needs and water protection.

I found the Tile Shop to be a little more expensive then some of the independently owned shops. JMHO

One issue with box store tile is that it can be poor quality and contain iron deposits that will rust when exposed to water. This won't show until it's installed, and all of a sudden, you have orange stains on your nice white marble. And you cannot get them out. Anything that will remove rust will badly etch marble.

Be very sure that you read up on all of the how to's on how to create a leak proof shower and the issues with using marble. Even if it's installed correctly with the white thinset, it's still pretty high maintenance. You might explore using a ceramic look alike instead if you want something lower maintenance.

I've been considering the grecian marble from HD. I love the look but scared to death of the maintenance that comes with marble. I've not been able to find much in the way of reviews on the tile. And I've not been able to find any ceramic look alikes.

Thank you for your comment- we are installing the HD Grecian white and was hoping we didn't make a mistake. I loved the feel of the marble and I think it will be that touch of elegance we are looking for. Thank you again!

Google or search for marble in bathrooms (especially showers) here on GW. Doesn't sound ideal.

http://www.gardenweb.com/gardenweb/query/marble-floor-discoloring/topic=bath

This post is long past the relevant time frame for you, but for the benefit of those who may need and read this thread later I thought I would add my comments about my experience with home depot grecian tile. the final result is stunningly beautiful. I cut and installed all of the tiles for the countertop and backsplash myself. I used very light carerra marble chair rail pieces to top off the backsplash and it is elegant. the project was completed about 2.5 yrs ago and i havent had any disappointing issues. I will concur with a previous post that you need to keep the boxes because there were many tiles I could not use because they were damaged and many that were so unusually patterned that they would have ruined the whole effect. they can be returned if you have a full box.