Thanks! Yeah, I guess he probably meant the material cost would double, so you're right, it wouldn't be double $1400 but still feels like such a waste :(

Another thought is to hang on to the grey tile and sell it later - it's good looking, I bet you'd get some takers. (that's if you can't take it back. Can you speak to the store without him, and point out the fact that it's not like they had to order it in...? good luck!

It looks like you have a small area to tile, so a darker tile won't have as big an impact. Or is there a third wall to tile? Does the tile have the variation of light and dark like the stock photo? Is your counter a light color? If so, the gray tile with a light colored grout and white appliances and accessories on the counter might do the trick. Very pretty actually.

If it won't work, I'd ask about paying a restocking fee. Most tile is not non-returnable.

Yeah, I'll definitely keep it if we can't return it and already paid for it. Hopefully the amount of tile will work for someone - and I suppose they can get more where it came from at the store!

mayflowers - they were going to do the whole wall to the right of the fridge, too, which makes it tough because I certainly wouldn't paint an entire wall that dark. It is a gorgeous tile - don't get me wrong :) Yes, there is going to a 6" strip of a multicolored backslash going across. It's really just the brightness of the kitchen I wanted to keep. It's hard to tell what it will look like so that just adds to my decision, because it could look good...

If you're really not sure if it will work or not do a sample board and live with it in the space for a few days. You may find out you love it...or you may hate it as you are suspecting. Either way you know for sure and can proceed from there. If you're not sure, do not install it. Wait. Save more money to have the backsplash done at a later date or do it yourself with a tile you love.

With under cabinet lighting (which you should have) the tile will lift the kitchen out of bland tone on tone. It's a really nice choice.

I wouldn't worry about it at all until the granite is in. Then make a board or stack a bunch there. Everything looks very different in your home then it does in a showroom. I might also call the tile place and not give your name. Just say you have some tile and was wondering if it was exchangeable? Good luck!

I would contact the tile vendor personally and tell them because they could not provide you with the tile you wanted you agreed to try their suggested tile and seeing it in the room it will not work. They should be able to take it back. If not for their suggestion this tile would not be in your house. I have quite a bit of tile left over from my special order tile and was told that it was fine to bring it back and they will refund the amount for it. Don't just go on the word of the contractor, call them.

Here's one of my kitchen remodels with a much darker grey backsplash. I also think your tile is a nice choice. What color is your countertop?

Showplace Lexington Oyster Gray with Espresso Maple · More Info

I like Raven's advice. If the tile vendor is local, I would visit the store in person, rather than phoning. It's too easy to get the wrong or harried person on the phone. I think folks tend to be more reasonable and accommodating when it's face to face. Good luck!

All great ideas! I thankfully found something on the vendors website that says they do take unopened boxes back so I told the contractor and he seems a more open to it - I'll have to call him after work.

TheKitchenLink - that looks great! Our countertops will be somewhat similar to your, maybe a little more warmth in the color. I have certainly seen some that look really nice - I'm just afraid it's going to go up the whole wall and be way darker than I want.

Thanks all!

Use strong double-stick tape to put a bunch of tile on a sample board. Put it up against the wall and see if you like it. That way, you won't be wasting tile and you can get a good idea of how it will look. I agree to wait till the counter is in first.

Yes, the dark tile could be made to look nice and the space lightened up generally with undercabinet lighting; however, I would not want the darkness and I would not want to have to leave on the undercabinet lights all the time. I would work hard to put in a tile that I felt more comfortable with. I would probably end up eating some of the costs. I would also shop around at other stores...

None of this is your contractor's fault or problem. Pay up or live with it in silence.

Corlett. Are you nuts?

Pay the restocking fee if they'll offer that. I know the tile wasn't special order, but they still have to handle it and ship it back to the main warehouse. I once got some tile and half of it had been already installed There was dried up mastic on the back of them. they incur liability with every return.

Restock fees cover the time and loss of damaged goods. If they had a no return policy on this invoice, then you should just go buy what you like and sell the dark stuff on Craigslist.

The contractor being at the store with you when you selected the tile has nothing to do with the stores refunds and returns.

Many times I will join a client to help them select tile and trim just to help them out. I don't get paid extra to do that, I just want to be helpful.

dan, Corlett is a longtime pro here and doesn't mince his words. He means well. :)

Kennon:

1) find out if tile is returnable

2) if not, wait until counter top is in place to return it. Either make a sample board (easy) or stick the tiles in place as mentioned above. If you make a sample board, we can photoshop it in place. (search this site for directions).

My kitchen was incredibly white and boring and my tile search took months. What worked, was a bold tile. This may be just right for yours!

Good luck!