Checkerboard Cement Tile Floors: Classic Style Made Easy

Can one pattern make your whole home feel designed?

If you want a remodel that feels tailored—without a full-gut budget—checkerboard tiles are the one-step upgrade that delivers instant architecture. From warm modern farmhouses to crisp city apartments, a checkerboard floor adds structure, rhythm, and “finished” energy the moment you walk in. And thanks to Studio Cement Tile’s in-stock cement tiles, it’s now one of the fastest, most affordable ways to elevate kitchens, bathrooms, entries, mudrooms, laundry rooms, and more.

This guide shows you exactly how to pick the right checkerboard tiles, where to put them for maximum impact, how to install and maintain them, and how to order with confidence—plus pro design recipes you can copy today.

Ready to browse? Shop In-Stock Tiles or Order Samples to test color in your light. Need a special colorway? Contact Us for Custom Colors—we can reproduce any design.

Why cement checkerboard tiles win (value, quality, and speed)

Handmade quality that reads “custom”

Unlike printed alternatives, handmade cement tiles are pressed one-by-one with mineral pigments. The result is matte depth, soft variation, and a tactile surface that looks artisanal up close and luxurious across a whole room.

Affordability without compromise

Because we stock bestsellers (including black and white tiles, tonal neutrals, and modern palettes), you get best pricing in the US—and you can often finish an entire room for less than the cost of a single custom feature.

Durability for real life

Properly sealed, cement makes durable floor tiles with comfortable traction—great for families, pets, and high-traffic zones. We also offer slip-resistant options for wet spaces.

In-stock, fast shipping

Your schedule matters. Our in-stock cement tiles are ready to ship quickly so your contractor can keep progress moving.

Quick shop: Shop In-Stock Tiles

Checkerboard 101: How to choose the perfect combo

1) High-contrast classics

Black & white checkerboard is iconic—think Parisian cafes, London townhouses, modern foyers. It adds crisp architecture to minimal spaces and makes painted cabinetry feel deliberate.

Use it for: Kitchens, foyers, powder rooms, laundry rooms.
Grout: Match the lighter tile for a refined, luxe finish.

2) Low-contrast “quiet luxury”

Try bone + mushroom, putty + cream, or warm gray + sand for a softer, contemporary take. These combinations deliver the checkerboard structure without shouting.

Use it for: Open-plan kitchens, primary baths, long hallways, modern farmhouse spaces.
Grout: Tone with the lighter shade for calm continuity.

3) Earthy Mediterranean

Pair terracotta-look with warm cream for rustic warmth, or olive + sand for a grounded, coastal feel. The result pairs beautifully with plaster, limewash, travertine, and white oak.

Use it for: Sunrooms, covered patios, ranch houses, cottage kitchens.
Grout: Warm sand or light taupe.

4) Mid-century neutrals

Go charcoal + warm gray or mushroom + café au lait for a nod to mid-century interiors—sleek but welcoming.

Use it for: Mid-century baths, long corridors, den conversions.
Grout: Mid-tone gray for practicality.

5) Pattern hybrids (for the bold)

Frame a checkerboard “tile rug” with a thin border of Moroccan cement tiles or add a zellige-style backsplash above it for texture on texture.

Explore patterns: Shop Moroccan Tiles

Applications by room (and what makes each work)

Kitchens (floors + islands)

Best picks: Low-contrast checkerboard for a calm canvas; high contrast for a crisp, editorial look.
Design move: A 1–2 row border around the island “grounds” cabinetry like custom millwork.
Backsplash pairing: Zellige-style or small-scale Moroccan for texture and sparkle.
Why cement: Comfortable underfoot, easy to clean with pH-neutral cleaners.

Shop now: In-Stock Cement Tiles

Bathrooms (floors + shower walls)

Best picks: Bone/mushroom checkerboard, charcoal/putty for drama, or terrazzo-look for playful speckle.
Shower note: Use cement on shower walls; choose mosaics on shower pans for slope and traction.
Grout tip: Match the lighter tile for a spa-like, elevated read.

Backsplashes (the highest ROI per square foot)

Best picks: Mini checkerboard behind a coffee station or range niche.
Mixing textures: Checkerboard floor + zellige-style backsplash = sophisticated matte/gloss balance.

Entryways & mudrooms (hard-working style)

Best picks: Mid-tone pairings that hide dust: mushroom/bone, charcoal/putty, warm gray/sand.
Layout: Add a thin border to align with casings and built-ins—designer polish for minimal cost.

Laundry rooms (small space, big style)

Best picks: Tight checkerboard in low contrast to make a small room feel serene and intentional.
Practical add: Tiled baseboards for mop-friendly cleanup.

Fireplaces & hearths

Best picks: Small checkerboard or diagonal set in a restrained palette; surrounds look curated next to plaster or limewash.
Tip: Repeat one hue from your rug or artwork for cohesion.

Covered patios & sunrooms

Best picks: Terracotta-look + cream checkerboard for Mediterranean warmth; olive/sand for a grounded, natural feel.
Care: Plan shade and reseal per exposure to keep colors rich.

Five designer-approved recipes you can copy today

1) Modern Farmhouse Calm

Floor: Bone + mushroom checkerboard
Backsplash: Putty zellige-style field tile
Hardware: Aged brass, blackened steel
Why it works: Gentle contrast + texture = quiet luxury

2) Parisian Kitchen Edit

Floor: Crisp black & white checkerboard
Backsplash: White with a slim charcoal pencil liner
Cabinets: Painted shaker (ink, forest, or putty)
Why it works: Graphic structure that still reads refined

3) Mid-Century Neutral

Floor: Charcoal + warm gray checkerboard
Walls: Stacked, matte field tile
Furnishings: Walnut, boucle, brass cone sconces
Why it works: Sleek lines, tactile materials

4) Mediterranean Warmth

Floor: Terracotta-look + cream checkerboard
Backsplash: Sage trellis or tonal zellige-style
Accents: Travertine, linen, olive wood
Why it works: Earthy, vacation-at-home energy

5) Coastal Modern

Floor: Sand + cream checkerboard
Backsplash: Mist/sea-glass zellige-style
Why it works: Airy palette that enlarges small spaces

Peek similar looks in our gallery and then Order Samples to choose confidently.

Ecommerce positioning (how we keep it affordable and fast)

In-stock = immediate: We warehouse the most requested checkerboard tiles and supporting solids so you can start right away.
Best pricing in the US: Handmade quality without boutique markups.
Simple checkout: Browse, add to cart, ship fast. Need a quantity check? Send dims—we’ll confirm.
Sample first: We ship chips or full tiles so you can test grout and sealer on a board. Order Samples
Custom colors/patterns: We can reproduce any design and match paints or fabrics for brand standards and restorations. Contact Us

Start here → Shop In-Stock Tiles

Installation & maintenance basics (save this section)

Cement tile installs are straightforward—just follow the right steps and protect the surface.

Substrate and layout

Ensure your substrate is flat, clean, and dry. Patterns read best on flat floors.
Dry-lay a 3×3 grid to confirm orientation, border placement, and centerlines (range, vanity, hearth).
For diagonal checkerboard, snap accurate chalk lines—small errors compound visually.

Cutting

Use a wet saw with a diamond blade rated for cementitious materials.
Support fully and cut slowly to avoid edge chipping.

Setting materials

Use white, polymer-modified thinset to keep colors crisp and even.
Key thinset into both substrate and tile; back-butter larger formats as needed for full coverage.

Sealing (non-negotiable)

Seal before grouting to prevent pigment haze and ease cleanup.
After grout cures, seal again—choose a penetrating sealer for natural matte or an enhancing sealer for richer depth.
Plan periodic reseal in high-traffic or sun-exposed areas.

Grout recommendations

Joint width: typically 1/16–1/8 in.; allow slightly wider joints for handmade edges.
Color: Match the lighter tile to keep checkerboard sharp yet refined; mid-gray hides everyday wear.
Avoid very dark grout on light tiles unless you’ve thoroughly pre-sealed and test-boarded.

Cleaning & care

Use pH-neutral cleaners (no acids or bleach).
Felt glides under furniture; breathable rug pads over tile.
Reseal high-traffic paths and exterior zones as needed.

New to cement tile? Ask us for a one-page install spec when you Contact Us.

Ordering math (get quantities right the first time)

Measure net area (L × W) and add +10% overage for straight layouts.
For diagonals, borders, or multi-color layouts, add +15% overage.
Splitting colors 50/50? Split overage proportionally (e.g., 55% light / 45% dark if your cuts favor the light tile in borders).
Keep 1–2 boxes as attic stock for future touch-ups.

Not sure? Send dims and a quick sketch—we’ll confirm quantities before you buy: Contact Us.

Beyond checkerboard: mixing with other patterns

Moroccan cement tiles: Frame a checkerboard with a star-and-cross border or run Moroccan on a powder-room wall above a checkerboard floor for boutique-hotel drama. Shop Moroccan Tiles
Zellige-style tiles: Let checkerboard set the floor rhythm and use zellige-style on the backsplash or feature wall for artisan texture.
Terrazzo-look accents: If you want playful energy, speckled terrazzo-look tiles in an adjacent bath or mudroom echo the pattern-forward mood without repeating the same motif.
Terracotta-look warmth: Pair with creamy cabinets and unlacquered brass for a sun-washed, Mediterranean vibe.

Common mistakes to avoid (and how to fix them)

Skipping the dry layout
- Fix: Always mock up a 3×3 grid to confirm orientation, centering, and border math.
Using the wrong thinset
- Fix: Choose white, polymer-modified thinset for pigment clarity and bond strength.
Grouting unsealed tile
- Fix: Seal before grouting and again after grout cures to prevent haze and staining.
Harsh cleaners
- Fix: Stick with pH-neutral formulas to protect the sealer and the surface.
Over-bold grout
- Fix: Matching the lighter tile keeps checkerboard elevated and easier to maintain.

FAQs: Checkerboard tiles

1) Are checkerboard tiles good for kitchen floors?
Yes. Cement checkerboard tiles are durable and comfortable underfoot when properly installed and sealed. Pair with matched (light) grout for a clean, elevated look.

2) Will checkerboard make my small bathroom feel busy?
Not if you go low-contrast (e.g., bone + mushroom). The structure reads calm and can visually widen smaller rooms.

3) Can I use checkerboard in a shower?
Use cement tiles on shower walls for that matte, artisanal look. For shower pans, choose mosaics that handle slope and provide extra traction.

4) What grout color should I choose?
Match the lighter tile to keep the pattern refined. A mid-gray is a practical choice in busy spaces to disguise day-to-day wear.

5) Do cement checkerboard tiles need sealing?
Absolutely. Seal before and after grouting. This prevents pigment haze, protects against stains, and simplifies cleaning.

6) How do cement tiles compare to porcelain for maintenance?
Porcelain is ultra-low maintenance and uniform; cement offers handmade depth and custom color/pattern options. Many designers use cement in FOH spaces and porcelain in heavy-duty showers.

7) Can you match cabinet or brand colors?
Yes. We can reproduce any design and match paint/fabric references. Start here: Contact Us for Custom Colors.

8) How quickly can I get in-stock checkerboard tiles?
Fast. We keep popular pairings in stock and ship quickly across the U.S. Shop In-Stock Tiles.

9) Are cement checkerboard tiles slip-resistant?
Cement has a matte surface that provides comfortable traction. For wet zones, choose slip-resistant finishes and keep shower pans in mosaic.

10) What size tile is best for checkerboard?
Common sizes like 8×8 install efficiently and look balanced in most rooms. Larger spaces can handle larger formats; we’ll help you size correctly when you Contact Us.

Your next steps (a simple, safe path to “installed”)

Browse & shortlist: Head to Shop In-Stock Tiles and pick 2–3 favorite pairings.
Sample smart: Order Samples to test in your lighting and with your cabinet/counter finishes.
Plan layout & quantities: Send room dims and a quick sketch—we’ll confirm centers, borders, and overage. Contact Us
Install confidently: Follow the sealing/grout guidelines above (we can share a one-page spec).
Enjoy the upgrade: Design-forward floors that feel custom—without the custom price.

Conversion recap

Checkerboard tiles add instant architecture and style across kitchens, baths, entries, and more.
In-stock cement tiles = best pricing + fast shipping.
Handmade quality reads luxe in person—especially in low-contrast palettes for modern spaces.
Simple maintenance with pH-neutral cleaners and periodic reseal keeps them beautiful for years.

Start now: Shop In-Stock Tiles • Order Samples • Contact Us

Checkerboard Tiles Made Easy: The Classic Cement Tile Floor for Modern Homes