Checkerboard Tile

Transform any room with timeless checkerboard tile. From classic black and white to bold color combinations, discover patterns perfect for your space.

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Start with your Color

Whether you prefer traditional black and white, muted neutral palettes, or bold bright colors, checkerboard tile offers endless design possibilities.

Timeless Black & White

Choose classic black and white to create a timeless checkerboard pattern for any style.

Shop Checkered Vinyl Tile

Soft & Subtle Tones

Create a subtle, modern look with natural earth tones and gray or white tiles.

Shop Vetta Elements Floor Tile

Bold Colors & Contrast

Add drama by pairing bright colors with lighter tones for a playful checkerboard pattern.

Shop Zellige Wall Tile

Choose Your Size & Scale

Match tile size to your space's proportions. Smaller tiles create a more traditional feel, while larger tiles make a dramatic statement in open spaces.

5 in. X 5 in.

Perfect for bathroom/shower walls and backsplashes

Shop 5 in. x 5 in. Tile
12 in. X 12 in.

Versatile choice for living rooms, bathrooms, or kitchens

Shop 12 in. x 12 in. Tile
24 in. X 24 in.

Ideal for large rooms and modern indoor/outdoor spaces

Shop 24 in. x 24 in. Tile

Plan Your Layout

Go with a traditional grid pattern for timeless appeal, or use a diagonal installation pattern for added visual drama.

Get Free Expert Design Help

Not sure which pattern, size, or color is right for your space? Our expert designers can help you create the perfect checkerboard look.

Schedule Free Design Consultation

Checkerboard Design Tip

Our durable Vetta Elements porcelain tile collection lets you seamlessly transition the look from indoor to outdoor.

Shop Vetta Tile

Think About Your Grout

Choose contrasting grout for bold definition or matching grout for a seamless look.

Checkerboard Tile: Design Trends & Style Ideas

From vintage-inspired kitchens to dramatic modern spaces, the checkerboard tile pattern brings timeless style with contemporary flair.

Learn More About Checkerboard Design Trends

Shop Checkerboard Tile Options

Look for tiles from the same brand with matching product length, product width, and product thickness (check the specifications).

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Where to Use Checkerboard Tile in Your Home

Checkerboard tile works beautifully in kitchens, bathrooms, entryways, laundry rooms, and mudrooms. Use it as flooring for high-traffic durability, as a backsplash for visual impact, or on accent walls for a bold statement. The contrasting pattern fits minimalist and eclectic styles alike, modern farmhouse, vintage-inspired, and contemporary spaces.

 

Room-by-Room Applications

Classic checkerboard kitchens balance style and cleanability. Porcelain floors handle spills, dropped items, and daily traffic. Explore Kitchen Tile

Moisture-resistant ceramic and porcelain are ideal for baths. Use on floors for a vintage look or create an accent wall behind a freestanding tub. Explore Bathroom Tile 

Perfect for creating bold shower walls with checkerboard patterns. Explore Shower Tile 

Add visual impact to kitchens or laundry rooms with checkerboard backsplashes. Explore Backsplash Tile 

Create a dramatic statement wall in living spaces or bathrooms. Shop Accent Wall Tile 

For outdoors, choose porcelain rated frost-resistant and install with proper slope and drainage. Explore Outdoor Tile and Pavers 

Durable checkerboard patterns for garages and utility spaces. Explore Garage Flooring Tiles 

Why Checkerboard Tile Is Trending Again

Homeowners and designers are rediscovering checkerboard for vintage charm with modern versatility. Beyond black-and-white, color pairings in sage, terracotta, dusty blue, charcoal, and warm neutrals keep the pattern fresh.

Long-Lasting Durability You Can Trust

Frequently Asked Questions

When did checkerboard tile become popular?

Historic references span Renaissance ballrooms to 1950s diners. Today, the pattern adapts across vintage and modern styles, making it a timeless choice.

Are checkerboard floors outdated or still in style?

They’re timeless. Designers keep the look current with scale (e.g., 24×24), finishes (matte/polished), and color pairings, from black/white to tonal neutrals and greens/blues.

What rooms work best for checkerboard tile?

Kitchens, baths, entryways, laundry/mudrooms, and even outdoors with exterior-rated porcelain and proper installation.

Kitchen Tile

Bathroom Tile 

Outdoor Porcelain Tile

Should I use large or small checkerboard tiles?

Small (≈5×5) for compact spaces; medium (12×12) for most floors; large (24×24) for open layouts.

What’s the difference between ceramic and porcelain checkerboard tile?

Ceramic: Often glazed, suitable for interior walls/light traffic floors; higher water absorption than porcelain.
Porcelain: Impervious (≤ 0.5% water absorption), denser and more durable for heavy traffic and outdoor use.
Ceramic Tile 
Porcelain Tile 

Can I use checkerboard tile outside?

Yes, use exterior-rated porcelain and follow proper installation methods: slope, drainage, and movement joints.
Design Services 
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Which grout color works best with checkerboard?

Contrasting grout (e.g., black with white tiles or medium/dark gray with light tiles) maximizes pattern definition. Matching grout creates a softer, seamless look.
Grout Colors 
Grout Sealers 

Is checkerboard tile hard to keep clean?

Tile surfaces are low-maintenance and resist stains/moisture; alternating colors can visually hide minor dust between cleanings.
Care & Cleaning Guide 
Tile Cleaning Products 

Do I need to seal my grout?

Epoxy grouts are typically non-porous and do not require sealing; cementitious grouts benefit from sealing, especially in wet or high-traffic areas.
Grout Sealers 

How long does installation take?

Timelines depend on room size, tile format, pattern complexity (grid vs diagonal), substrate prep, and pro vs DIY.
DIY Classes & Videos