Southeastern Tile Connection

Which Tile is Best for North Carolina’s Humid Climate?

North Carolina’s climate is as diverse as its geography; from the salt-heavy air of Wilmington to the sticky summers in Durham and the mountain rains of Asheville. But whether you’re by the coast, in the Triangle, or tucked in the Blue Ridge, one challenge is the same: humidity can wreak havoc on the wrong flooring.

Warping, mildew, cracked grout…these problems are all too common when tile isn’t chosen with climate in mind. The good news? With the right materials and installation, tile can stand up beautifully to humidity while adding timeless style to your home.

At Southeastern Tile Connection, we have showrooms in Wilmington, Asheville, and Durham and help homeowners select tile that’s as durable as it is elegant. Here’s what you need to know about picking the best tile for humid climates in North Carolina.

How Humidity Affects Tile Performance

Humidity takes its toll on flooring in a few key ways:

  • Moisture absorption: Some tiles, like low-grade ceramic, can soak up water and eventually degrade. Over time, this leads to staining, buckling, or even subfloor issues.
  • Mold and mildew: Persistent dampness creates the perfect breeding ground for mold, particularly in grout lines and underlayment.
  • Thermal expansion: Fluctuations in heat and moisture cause tiles and grout to expand and contract, sometimes leading to cracks or loose tiles.

Tile flooring is a classic for humid environments. They are especially useful for protection against mold, mildew, and other moisture-related issues. If you believe that you may have to face mold or mildew challenges down the road based on where you live, don’t wait for tile.  

The risks aren’t limited to bathrooms or kitchens. In coastal Wilmington, the air itself carries high levels of moisture year-round. In Durham, summer storms and heat add extra strain on flooring. In Asheville, mountain homes experience regular rain and cool-season dampness.

Best Tile Materials for Humid Areas

The right tile material is your first line of defense against humidity damage. These three are among the best for North Carolina homes:

  • Porcelain Tile: Porcelain is extremely dense and has low porosity, which means it resists water absorption better than standard ceramic. Ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways, porcelain performs equally well in humid Wilmington summers, Durham’s muggy season, and Asheville’s rainy mountain climate.
  • Natural Stone (with proper sealing): Granite, slate, or marble can perform beautifully in humid environments when professionally sealed. Regular resealing locks out moisture and protects against staining, making stone a timeless choice across all three regions.
  • Glass Tile: Because it’s nonporous, glass tile won’t absorb moisture at all. It’s an excellent option for showers, backsplashes, or accent walls where constant water exposure is a concern.

You can browse our full range of options on our Tile Products page, which includes vendor selections curated for humid climates.

Helpful Finishes & Treatments

Beyond the tile itself, finishes and treatments add extra protection:

  • Stone Sealants: A must for natural stone, sealing prevents water infiltration and prolongs the life of the material.
  • Slip-Resistant Finishes: Especially important for bathrooms, pool decks, or patios where water is common.
  • Lighter Colors: Lighter shades reflect heat and minimize expansion issues, particularly helpful in sunny Wilmington or Durham homes.

When combined with quality underlayment and grout, these treatments help your tile withstand the unique challenges of North Carolina humidity.

Installation Tips for Humid Environments

Tile choice is important, but installation makes or breaks performance in humid climates. That’s why it pays to work with experienced professionals who understand local conditions in North Carolina climates.

  • Moisture-Resistant Underlayment: Protects subfloors from dampness and mold growth.
  • Epoxy Grout: More resistant to water, staining, and cracking than traditional cement grout.
  • Experienced Installers: Local installers know how to account for humidity-related expansion, ensuring tiles and grout stay intact.

At Southeastern Tile Connection, our teams tailor installation practices to the climate challenges of each location. 

Contact us to schedule a consultation with experts who understand the demands of North Carolina homes.

Why Tile Is a Smart Choice in North Carolina

Tile remains one of the most resilient flooring choices for humid climates because it balances style, function, and durability. Unlike hardwood which can warp or carpet which can trap moisture and mildew, tile holds up under tough conditions.

  • Along the coast: Tile withstands salt air and year-round coastal humidity.
  • In the Triangle: Tile offers relief from hot, damp summers without the maintenance headaches of wood.
  • In the Blue Ridge Mountains: Tile handles frequent rains, cooler temps, and mountain dampness while staying easy to clean.

For homeowners building or renovating across the state, durable tile for humid climates provides peace of mind and design versatility.

Conclusion: Tile That Lasts from the Coast to the Mountains

Humidity may be a fact of life in North Carolina, but it doesn’t have to dictate your flooring. By choosing the right tile materials, finishes, and professional installation, you can enjoy floors that stay beautiful and worry-free for years.

At Southeastern Tile Connection, we help homeowners find tiles that balance elegance with durability that are always tailored to our state’s unique climate.

Ready to upgrade your flooring? Visit one of our North Carolina tile showrooms or contact us today to explore tile designed to thrive in humid conditions.

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George Parent

General Manager

George is the General Manager of the Mills River, NC location. Having worked in the commercial tile industry for more than 30 years, he has acquired a vast knowledge of tile material production, sales, project management, and more. He is excited to meet various installers and suppliers and loves sharing the industry tips and tricks he has picked up throughout his career. George’s main priority is always to ensure that he can provide his customers with top quality products and dedicated support throughout the entirety of his customers’ projects.

After growing up in New England, serving in the US Marines for 8 years, and raising his family in Virginia for 28 years, George is excited to explore the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain region of North Carolina.

In his free time, George enjoys skiing, golfing, and spending time with his family and his dog, Penelope.

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Sara Parent

Outside Sales Manager

Sarah is an accomplished Outside Sales Manager based in Mills River, NC, with a distinguished 7-year tenure in the commercial tile industry. Her dynamic career showcases a fervent dedication to engaging with architects, designers, general contractors/builders, and dealers, offering unparalleled assistance in project specifications.

Demonstrating an in-depth knowledge of products, materials, and specification selection, Sarah excels in managing projects of varying scales, spanning from small residential to multi-family and large-scale commercial endeavors.

With over three decades of prior experience in management and sales, Sarah brings invaluable skills in drive, organization, and project execution efficiency to her current role. Her multifaceted expertise ensures a seamless and effective approach to project management.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Sarah is an avid traveler, domestically and internationally, and finds joy in culinary pursuits such as cooking and baking. Above all, she cherishes quality time spent with family and friends.

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Leland Decker

Business Development

An alumnus of NCSU, with a bachelor’s degree in interior architecture, I bring more than 30 years of experience in the design industry. My career began at a large commercial firm in Manhattan, and I quickly realized my passion was in residential design. In 2000 I relocated to Washington, DC and started designing in the high-end/luxury market. A few years later I made the move into freelancing full scale design and project management. During this time, I had the pleasure of working on the renovation and restoration of the Hollerith House, built in 1911, in Georgetown.

In 2017, I returned to North Carolina for a lifestyle change, and in February 2023, I joined Southeastern Tile Connection Inc. during its expansion into the western NC market. My role has been focused on developing relationships and establishing our presence within the communities of western NC.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to nurture lasting relationships with industry professionals, bridging the gap between their needs and success. Community involvement is a priority, and I am committed to contributing to the growth and vibrancy of Southeastern Tile Connection Inc. as we navigate the evolving landscape of design.

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Susan Moxley

Showroom Manager

Susan has been working at the Southeastern Tile Durham location since opening day, but her experience in the industry spans over a decade. Susan began her design journey back in 2007 when landing her first tile job and quickly discovered her natural talent for it. Encouraged by her mom, she decided to pursue further education in interior design, earning my AAS degree in 2013. Since then, Susan has been fully immersed in the world of tile. When working with customers, her approach is all about effective listening and bringing their vision to life. She enjoys it when clients aren't afraid to embrace bold colors and patterns. It's also refreshing to work with different clients every day, as it keeps things interesting and diverse. As for her design style, she leans towards the eclectic side. If Susan sees something she likes, she can always find a way to make it work. Susan has attended many trade shows, always eager to discover the latest and most exciting trends in the industry. It's a great way to stay inspired and keep my designs fresh. Outside of work, I'm a proud mom to two beautiful girls and I enjoy spending quality time with them.

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Erica Pippin

Design Consultant

Erica is a Design Consultant who loves collaborating with designers, builders, and residential customers. Her portfolio includes residential, commercial, and collaborative projects. Erica holds a Bachelor's degree in Interior Design from East Carolina University and an Associate's degree in Design from Wake Tech. Her passion lies in working with people and creating a personalized experience that matches their unique style and design needs. With a decade of experience in the industry, Erica stays current with the latest design trends and can accommodate various design preferences. Whether you're aiming for a modern, contemporary look or prefer a more traditional approach, she is here to help you achieve your design goals. Pick out something you love, and she can help you build a beautiful room around it that works for your project requirements. Erica is a Raleigh native who enjoys solving puzzles, exploring new places, and cherishing quality time with her family, friends, and adorable dog, Chachi. Erica looks forward to working with you soon!

“When it comes to my own style, I embrace an eclectic approach with neutral undertones, adding layers of texture and color.”

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Crissy Brown

Design Consultant

My Name is Crissy. I am a native of Durham and have recently returned to my favorite region after living in Georgia for many years.

For the past 25 years, I have been providing assistance to homeowners, designers, architects, and contractors at various levels.

I enjoy meeting with contractors and homeowners about their design projects. My passion lies in transforming bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and outdoor spaces to meet my clients' needs.

Instead of making decisions for you, I'll work closely with you to create a design plan that aligns with your vision, timeline, and budget.

"My philosophy is that the beauty of design has the power to transform and enhance our lives."

Among the many design possibilities, you might need some inspiration and expert advice. Whether you're building a new home or transforming your current living space, I will assist you to make the process smooth. Let's embark on the journey together!

Over the years, I have found joy in receiving calls from clients who are pleased with my results.

In my free time, I enjoy painting, sewing, baking, traveling, and spending time with my children, Kaylee, Zach, and my fur-child, Nylah.

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Michelle D Edwards

Showroom Manager / Design Consultant

Michelle has been a design consultant with Southeastern Tile Connection since 2005. She graduated from the University of North Carolina with a BA in Arts. Michelle works closely with designers, builders, and homeowners throughout the entire selection process. Michelle stives to listen to her clients and guide them in a way that meets their individual needs. She helps her clients create spaces that they love and can live with over time. Michelle’s style is timeless and classic. She loves natural stone tile as well as the prints and patterned tiles done on stone and terra-cotta.

“With tile, sometimes less is more. I don’t think you need to do too much ‘decorating’ with tile. Clean, simple, classic looks that you can decorate around will stand the test of time.”

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Lisa Townsend

Design Consultant

Lisa has been a Design Consultant with Southeastern Tile Connection since 2019. She came to us with over 30 years of experience in the design field – 10 of those in the tile industry. Lisa finds inspiration in nature and all its beauty. Using nature as her guide, she enjoys using natural, timeless bases with subtle pops of color, texture, and patterning. She believes good design can take time, so clear communication between the designer and client is the key to turning their ideas into reality. Her ultimate goal is to help create beautiful, functional spaces that fit seamlessly into her clients’ lifestyle.

When she’s not in the showroom, you may find Lisa repurposing furniture, hiking trails or spending time at the beach with family.

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Alexia Porzio

Design Consultant

Alexia has been a design consultant since 2018. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of New Hampshire. Alexia likes to say this profession found her after going into Southeastern Tile regularly to design various spaces within her own home. Now, she works to help others design their dream spaces. Throughout the selection process, she will work closely with clients, builders, and designers to create personalized spaces. She strives to listen to her client’s ideas and offers guidance and design layout suggestions that bring a collaboration of ideas and visions to life. She believes classic styles always withstand the test of time and by adding elements of color, texture or pattern to the space, the design will elevate to a custom look which makes it unique and your own. Simplicity is always a great starting point!

“Be faithful to your own taste, because nothing you really like is ever out of style” -Billy Baldwin

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Morgan

Design Consultant

With an eye for color and a passion for creativity, Morgan brings an element of unique artistry as a design consultant. An award-winning ceramic artist, Morgan has had her work displayed across the nation through exhibitions, galleries, and residencies.

Morgan earned a degree in ceramics and a double minor in art history and business from Anderson University in South Carolina. Her training enables her to reference styles across cultures and eras, creating a cohesive aesthetic. Morgan’s love of history and culture, enhanced by her travels across the USA and Europe, allow her to add depth to design, referencing bygone eras while embracing the contemporary.

One of her favorite projects was recreating bathroom tile for a historic home in Georgia. This work involved making a plaster mold to replicate the antique tiles as accurately as possible. Morgan also created dozens of test tiles to try to match the exact white glaze of this specific tile. The goal was not only in the accuracy, but also in the beauty of restoring this historic landmark.

Morgan brings that organization and element of business into her sales. Owning her own business, Morgan McCarver Porcelain, has taught her so much about business practice and customer service. Her helpful spirit and problem-solving attitude have served her well in her past experience as event planner and helped her achieve top salesperson in a previous career.

In her free time, Morgan enjoys working in her studio or promoting her book, "God the Artist: Revealing God's Creative Side Through Pottery."

She's been able to share about her creative journey on over 50 podcasts worldwide, as well as in the form of live demonstrations, virtual summits, and panel discussions. Morgan’s work also has been displayed in three solo exhibitions across the Carolinas, and she enjoys returning to Blowing Rock, NC, annually as an Edgewood Cottage Artist in Residence with the Blowing Rock Historical Society. Her work can be seen in various galleries across the Carolinas and Tennessee, as well as online through her website.

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Mackenzie Eason

Lead Design Consultant

Mackenzie Eason has been a Design Consultant with Southeastern Tile Connection since 2024. With a background in design and mental health, Mackenzie brings a unique perspective to creating uplifting spaces that bring a true sense of home. She enjoys collaborating with designers, builders, and homeowners to create personalized spaces that reflect their clients' visions. Mackenzie's personal design style is modern rustic, characterized by clean lines, textures, and a blend of old and new. She believes that clear communication and understanding the nuances of clients’ unique needs are key to crafting a project that shines. In her free time, Mackenzie enjoys mountain biking, reading, and spending time with her family.

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Jordan Stanaway

Design Consultant

With over a decade of experience managing art galleries across the nation, Jordan brought her artistic insight to SETC in 2025. Having lived in Eugene, Oregon; Asheville, North Carolina; and the Midwest, Jordan thrives at recognizing and enhancing everyone’s style and preferences. She enjoys the creative and technical challenge of designing projects that are as beautiful to live in as they are practical—her personal style is best described as "bold mid-century modern." With cursory experience in rugs and furniture as well, she has a knack for pulling a vision together from floor to ceiling.

In her free time, Jordan is a visual artist and bass player. When not plugged into an amp, she enjoys spending time with her Star Trek club, planning the next round of T-shirt designs, or exploring the Hendersonville area—her home base of over twenty years.

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Courtney Hatherlee

Design Consultant

Courtney is new to the tile industry, but she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from several related fields. She has a prestigious background in cosmetics and a keen eye for color. With experience in cabinet design and building permit administration, Courtney understands what it takes to make a project beautiful—from framing all the way to furnishing.

Her personal experience remodeling a 1960s farmhouse has made her both knowledgeable and patient, giving her a true appreciation for the steps and effort it takes to bring a vision to life. Born and raised right here in Western North Carolina, Courtney has had a passion for design from a very young age. She describes her personal style as Traditional Farmhouse, French Country, and Country Chic.

Courtney has lived in several states, including Oklahoma and South Carolina, during her late teens and mid-twenties. She is a proud mother who enjoys spending quality time with her family. In her free time, she loves shopping at boutiques to keep her wardrobe in style and going antique picking for unique finds.

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Jaisa Conroy

Design Consultant

From a young age, Jaisa has been passionate about interior design, always dreaming of a career where creativity and functionality come together to transform spaces. After graduating with an Associate’s Degree in Interior Design from Cape Fear Community College, Jaisa has developed a keen understanding of color, texture, and style. She loves bringing together elements that make spaces both beautiful and practical.

Jaisa works as a Design and Sales Consultant at Southeastern Tile Connection. In this role, she blends her design expertise with a wide range of tile options to help clients choose the perfect materials for their projects. Whether assisting with a kitchen remodel or designing a cohesive look for a bathroom, Jaisa is passionate about curating the ideal tile combinations that elevate any space. She continues to thrive in the world of design, enjoying the opportunity to work closely with clients and help make their design dreams come true through carefully chosen tile selections.

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Kayla Beavers

Design Consultant

With more than a dozen years of experience and a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design, Kayla has built her design approach on the balance of skill, creativity, and imagination. She believes a home should be both functional and expressive, and she brings a thoughtful mix of precision and playfulness to every project. Her work often draws inspiration from fashion, art, and unexpected details, giving her designs a sense of whimsy and individuality that clients remember long after a project is complete.

At the heart of her process are relationships, whether partnering with builders, guiding homeowners, or curating pieces that tell a story. She values the trust of those who invite her into their projects and is known for her clear communication, transparency, and dedication to detail. Her goal is to make the design process approachable and enjoyable, ensuring clients feel both confident and inspired along the way.

Beyond design, Kayla draws inspiration from art, vintage treasures, and the world of fashion; elements that add a touch of whimsy to her work. Creativity is not confined to her profession; it’s a way of life, infused into how she lives, connects, and explores. This playful, stylish perspective is what makes each of her projects distinctive and memorable

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David Christopher

Operations Manager

 

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