Few design elements strike the perfect balance between vintage charm and modern sophistication like checkerboard floors. Whether laid in bold black and white or softened with earthy neutrals, this iconic pattern instantly elevates any space, from grand foyers to cozy kitchens. Yet behind every stunning installation lies a series of smart, strategic decisions, beginning with where and how you source your tile.

Rather than focusing solely on color and pattern, today’s discerning buyers are also weighing factors like durability, dimensional precision, slip resistance, and supplier reliability. Given the vast number of options on the market, knowing where to buy becomes just as critical as knowing what to buy. To help you navigate guesswork, this guide will explore the top retailers for checkerboard floor tiles and share expert insights to support informed, confident decisions for your next project.

 

 

Exploring Your Checkerboard Tile Needs

Before deciding where to buy, it’s important to take a step back and assess what your space truly needs. From how a tile performs underfoot to how it plays with light and scale, several factors will shape the success of your checkerboard design.

 

Determining the Ideal Tile Material

To begin with, the foundation of a successful checkerboard floor lies in selecting the appropriate tile material based on the room’s function, usage and long-term maintenance expectations. For example, porcelain is often the go-to choice for busy areas like kitchens and entryways due to its density, low porosity, and superior durability. It scores high on the PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) scale, offering enhanced resistance to both abrasion and moisture. In contrast, ceramic tiles, though slightly less dense, provide a broad range of design options and work well in less-used residential spaces such as powder rooms or laundry areas.

Alternatively, for those drawn to a more luxurious or organic aesthetic, natural stone tiles like marble or limestone can bring refined elegance to checkerboard layouts, especially in formal areas like foyers or dining rooms. However, it’s worth noting that these materials are more porous and require sealing and routine upkeep to prevent staining and wear. By understanding your lifestyle needs alongside the performance characteristics of each material, you can make informed decisions that lead to long-term satisfaction and avoid unnecessary repairs or replacements.

 

Selecting the Right Tile Size and Shape

Once the material is chosen, the next step is to consider the size and shape of the tile, both of which influence the visual rhythm of the checkerboard pattern and the perceived scale of the room. Traditionally, the classic checkerboard look is achieved with square tiles in dimensions such as 12"x12", 18"x18", or 24"x24". Generally speaking, larger tiles create a modern, expansive appearance and minimize grout lines, which can be especially beneficial for ease of cleaning. On the other hand, smaller tiles tend to evoke a vintage charm and offer greater layout flexibility in tighter or uniquely shaped spaces.

Importantly, proportionality matters. Oversized tiles can overwhelm small bathrooms, while smaller tiles may appear too busy in a large open area. Additionally, it's crucial to consider whether the tiles have rectified edges, are mechanically trimmed for uniform sizing, which allows for tighter grout joints and helps maintain the crisp, symmetrical lines essential to a successful checkerboard design.

 

Choosing Complementary Colors and Finishes

With shape and size accounted for, color and finish bring the design to life. While black and white continue to be the hallmark of classic checkerboard style, today’s modern designs embrace a broader color palette to suit various aesthetics. For example, soft neutrals like taupe and ivory can create a warm, inviting feel, while deeper shades such as navy or charcoal inject a sense of drama and sophistication. As you make color choices, be sure to take the room’s lighting and overall palette into account to ensure balance and cohesion.

Equally important, the finish of your tile will affect both its appearance and functional performance. Matte finishes help reduce glare and offer better slip resistance, making them ideal for spaces like mudrooms and bathrooms. Conversely, glossy tiles enhance light reflection and lend a more formal, polished look, though they may reveal smudges more easily. For high-performance needs, especially in natural stone tiles, honed or brushed finishes add texture for improved traction and visual depth. In the end, the right finish should reflect both the aesthetic and the practical demands of your space.

 

 

Top Retailers for Checkerboard Floor Tiles

Finding the right source for checkerboard floor tiles can make all the difference in your project’s success. From convenience and cost to selection and service, each type of retailer brings something unique to the table, making it important to match your buying experience with your specific needs.

 

Big Box Home Improvement Stores

To start, national retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Menards are widely favored for their accessibility, broad inventory, and competitive pricing. These stores typically carry a wide selection of ceramic and porcelain floor tiles, often in the classic 12"x12" black-and-white format ideal for traditional checkerboard layouts. Additionally, many of these locations maintain in-stock inventory, which allows for same-day pickup or fast delivery, a significant advantage for time-sensitive projects or DIY installations.

However, it’s important to note that big box stores focus primarily on high-volume, mainstream inventory. As a result, you may find limited availability of premium finishes, rectified edges, or luxury materials such as honed marble or encaustic cement. Tile quality may also vary between brands, and access to in-depth technical specifications, like PEI ratings, DCOF values, or batch-level product sheets, can be inconsistent. In summary, these retailers are best suited for budget-conscious shoppers or those seeking quick, convenient solutions for straightforward residential applications.

 

Specialized Tile Showrooms

By contrast, specialized tile showrooms and boutique retailers cater to those prioritizing design sophistication and material excellence. Unlike larger chains, these showrooms often feature curated collections that include honed marble, encaustic cement, and rectified porcelain, offering more depth and flexibility in terms of finish, texture, and pattern. Furthermore, many offer customizable tile programs, ideal for creating a distinctive checkerboard aesthetic tailored to your space.

Beyond product range, these showrooms provide value through personalized design consultations, CAD rendering support, and access to LEED-certified products for eco-conscious clients. While prices are generally higher, the investment pays off through tailored service, exclusive materials, and expert insight. As such, this retail category is particularly well-suited for luxury residential projects, hospitality environments, or restoration work where precision and detail are non-negotiable.

 

Online Tile Retailers

For those who prefer shopping from the comfort of home, the digital tile marketplace has grown exponentially, offering expansive inventories that rival in-person showrooms. Reputable platforms like Edward Martin provide not only broad product selections but also robust filtering tools that let you narrow options by material, finish, DCOF rating, color variation (V1–V4), and even frost resistance for exterior applications.

Take, for example, Edward Martin’s Palmer 12x12 Checkerboard Raw Porcelain Tile in White and Grey, as shown in the photo above, a versatile option ideal for patios and transitional indoor-outdoor spaces. With a textured raw finish and balanced tone variation, this tile allows customers to achieve a refined checkerboard look without overwhelming visual contrast, perfect for modern, naturalistic designs. Moreover, the ability to view tiles like Palmer in real-life settings and then order affordable samples for home delivery provides a tactile extension of the online experience.

 

Local Independent Tile Suppliers

Finally, independent tile suppliers offer a hybrid of showroom-quality inventory and personalized, community-rooted service. These suppliers often carry specialty imports, reclaimed materials, and locally sourced stone, making them valuable for one-of-a-kind or regionally inspired checkerboard installations. In addition, their flexibility and responsiveness also make them ideal for coordinating with contractors, customizing grout recommendations, and managing logistical details like delivery scheduling or pallet breakdowns.

Notably, many local suppliers develop longstanding relationships with builders, interior designers, and architects, providing consistent access to trade discounts, sample lending libraries, and on-site consultations. Because their inventory may be more limited than national chains, it's advisable to contact them early in the project to confirm availability. These retailers are a smart choice for those who value craftsmanship and want to support local economies while still achieving a designer-grade result.

 

 

Factors to Consider When Purchasing

Before committing to your tile purchase, it’s worth taking a closer look at a few behind-the-scenes factors that can quietly shape your entire project. From how much you’ll spend to when your materials arrive, these details can be just as important as the tile itself.

 

Budget and Cost Estimation

To begin with, establishing a clear budget is the cornerstone of any tile project. Tile pricing can range from $2 per square foot for standard ceramic tiles at big box stores to $25 or more per square foot for premium natural stones or custom-designed encaustic tiles. In addition to the base cost, buyers must also factor in related expenses such as underlayment, adhesives, grout, spacers, and sealants, as well as cutting tools for DIY installations. For those opting for professional installation, labor costs vary by region but can add $4–$15 per square foot, depending on layout complexity and site conditions.

For those seeking a large-format option with high-end appeal, Edward Martin’s Blair 24x24 Checkerboard Polished Porcelain Tile in Oniciata Grey and Volakas White, as shown in the photo above, offers a sophisticated marble look without the maintenance demands of natural stone. This porcelain alternative, priced at $7.92 per square foot, is an excellent middle ground, offering premium aesthetics and polished finish with improved durability and ease of care. This product is particularly well-suited for formal entryways or upscale living areas, where the larger tile format reduces grout lines and enhances visual impact.

It's also essential to calculate tile overage, typically 10–15% above the measured area, to account for breakage, waste from cuts, and future repairs. High-variation products (rated V3–V4 on the variation scale) may require more overage to achieve visual consistency. Cost estimation should also include long-term maintenance expenses, especially for porous materials like marble or limestone, which require periodic sealing and specialized cleaning products.

 

Lead Times and Availability

Beyond budgeting, timing is everything. Product availability can significantly influence your project schedule. Standard 12"x12" ceramic checkerboard tiles may be available for same-day pickup, but specialty or imported products, such as hand-glazed ceramics or European-sourced marble, often carry lead times of 4 to 12 weeks. Complicating matters further, many manufacturers operate in batch production, which means that variations in color tone, finish, and sizing may occur between different lots. If materials aren't purchased together, noticeable discrepancies can appear in the final installation.

Fortunately, Edward Martin simplifies this process with its Augmented Reality (AR) Visualization Tool, helping you make confident selections before ordering. After browsing the collection, you can use your mobile device to project your tile choice directly into your space. This real-time overlay helps you evaluate scale, tone accuracy, and finish interaction under your actual lighting conditions. Once you’re satisfied, requesting physical tile samples is just a click away, bridging the gap between digital browsing and real-world assurance.

To further prevent delays, always confirm real-time inventory levels and batch numbers with your supplier. Reserving materials early, especially for large-scale or commercial installations, ensures consistency. If working with a contractor, make sure your delivery schedule aligns with their availability to avoid costly rescheduling or job site downtime.

 

Shipping and Delivery Options

Even the best tile choice can run into trouble if delivery logistics are overlooked. Tile is both heavy and fragile, requiring careful packaging and handling. Large orders, especially those exceeding 100 lbs, are typically shipped via LTL (less-than-truckload) freight. Therefore, it’s crucial to clarify whether liftgate service, curbside drop-off, or inside delivery is included in your order. Some suppliers may charge additional fees for residential delivery, so always review terms in advance.

To ensure that your design arrives in perfect condition, Edward Martin takes extra care in shipping large-format selections like our Brody 24x24 Checkerboard Matte Porcelain Tile in Sand and Smoke. This matte tile, with its earthy color palette and modern edge, is a standout in contemporary interiors, but like all premium products, it requires attention during transit. Upon delivery, it’s essential to inspect the shipment for damage and report any issues within 24–48 hours to qualify for replacement. For tighter timelines, consider expedited delivery, and if you're local, explore white-glove service or in-store pickup for added convenience and control.

 

Bringing Your Checkerboard Vision to Life with Confidence

Checkerboard floors may evoke a sense of timeless charm, but turning that vision into reality requires more than just great design; it calls for strategic sourcing, technical knowledge, and thoughtful planning. From choosing the right tile composition to aligning delivery with your project schedule, every decision shapes the outcome.

At Edward Martin, we go beyond providing tile, we partner with you to create meaningful, lasting spaces. With expertly curated collections, intuitive visualization tools, and support at every step, we make your checkerboard floor as functional as it is beautiful. Let’s bring your ideas to life, one well-placed tile at a time!