Checkerboard floors are a type of flooring design with a grid-like pattern resembling a checkerboard or chessboard, hence the name. The squares can be arranged in a straight or diagonal pattern using squares of the same size. The size of the squares varies from floor to floor, which influences the visual effect.
Checkerboard flooring is available in a variety of materials, including linoleum, wood, and natural stone. Some floors have two materials that make up the various colored squares, while others have a grid-like pattern imposed on top of the flooring material. Black and white is the most common color scheme, but you can use a variety of other colors depending on the material and effect you want to achieve.
Checkerboard floors are effective in a variety of interior and exterior spaces, both small and large. From a design standpoint, they are versatile enough to complement both traditional and contemporary styles.
Elements of Checkerboard Floors
Floors are not like decor elements like pillows or rugs that you can just switch in and out with whatever new options take your fancy. Floors are a home element that you will have to live with, so it is worth careful consideration before you install them.
Materials
Choose a material that fits the space and your personal style and budget preferences. Common materials include ceramic tiles, marble, vinyl, linoleum, porcelain, wood, and concrete. Each material has pros and cons in terms of maintenance, durability, and cost.
Color Scheme
White and black are a classic choice with high visual contrast. Other color schemes feature brighter colors, while others feature a more muted contrast between the colors. Consider the existing colors and patterns in the room or space where you want to install the floor, and think about both color and contrast in the specific space.
Square Size
The squares’ sizes will have a significant impact on the room’s appearance. Larger squares can make a room feel more spacious, whereas smaller squares create an intricate and detailed pattern. Larger checkerboard squares work well in larger rooms, while smaller patterns complement smaller rooms, though you can change this rule up for dramatic effect. A general rule to follow is to choose a square size that allows for a minimum of three squares that span across the room.
If you are using a tile checkerboard material, choose a tile size that allows you to create an even layout around the room without having to cut the tiles to awkward sizes. Border tiles can be useful if you are having difficulty finding an exact tile size that will work. The most common sizes for checkerboard tiles are 12×12 and 18×18 inches, though smaller and larger sizes are available.
Pattern Orientation
Decide whether the checkerboard pattern should be laid straight or diagonally. Straight patterns have squares that are aligned with the sides of the wall. Diagonal patterns create a 45-degree angle between the squares and the walls. Diagonal patterns frequently make rooms feel more spacious and add visual interest.
Room Size and Shape
Consider the size and shape of the room or space in which you intend to install checkerboard floors. Checkerboard floors are effective in both small and large rooms. The combination of the room’s scale, square size, and flooring colors will impact the visual impact of the overall design. In smaller rooms, the checkerboard pattern can be visually striking, so pairing it with simple colors and decor will help to balance the dramatic effect.
Grout Color
The most common grout color for checkerboard floor tiles is one that matches one of the two tile colors. The majority of people prefer to use darker tiles to match the grout because they blend in better with the floor. For the most traditional checkerboard floor look, choose a grout line that is as thin as possible to minimize tile separation.
Installation Method
Proper installation is essential for creating a professional appearance. Consider both professional and DIY installation methods, depending on the material. Certain types of material, such as natural stone or porcelain tile, may require skilled labor.
Maintenance
All the unique checkerboard materials have different levels of maintenance, so you should consider this when thinking about the materials you might choose for your floors. Natural stone tiles, like marble, need to be sealed periodically. Painted checkerboard wood floors will become worn; depending on your style preferences, you will need to repaint them to keep the lines crisp. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are relatively low maintenance as are linoleum and painted or stained concrete.
Durability
Think about the foot traffic in the specific room where you want to install checkerboard floors. High traffic areas may necessitate a more durable flooring solution than areas that are seldom used.
Cost
The cost of a checkerboard floor varies greatly depending on the material used, tile size, and installation. Set a budget that includes all of these elements, as well as any additional materials such as subflooring and specialized tools required for the job.
Common Types of Checkerboard Floors
Checkerboard patterns can be made from a variety of materials, but these are the most common and widely used today.
- Ceramic Tile Checkerboard Floors
These checkerboard floors, made from two different colors of ceramic tile, are long-lasting, easy to clean, and inexpensive, making them ideal for high-traffic areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. Ceramic tiles are available in a variety of finishes, including matte and glossy, as well as a wide range of colors.
- Vinyl Tile Checkerboard Floors
Vinyl tiles are a cost-effective but durable option for those looking for a long-lasting and budget-friendly checkerboard flooring choice. They are easy to install and maintain and are available in a wide range of colors as well as textures that mimic the look of natural wood or stone. For an even more durable vinyl tile option, look for luxury vinyl tile (LVT), which is more expensive but also of higher quality than regular vinyl.
- Marble Tile Checkerboard Floors
Consider using marble tiles for a checkerboard floor to create an especially luxurious look. These tiles are made of marble in contrasting colors, one light and one dark. These are ideal for grand entrances and elegant living spaces, but they do require a certain level of maintenance to keep them looking pristine.
- Linoleum Tile Checkerboard Floors
Linoleum is a natural, environmentally friendly flooring It is durable and resilient, making it ideal for busy households. Linoleum tiles come in a wide range of sizes and colors, allowing you to tailor the floor to your space and style preferences.
- Porcelain Tile Checkerboard Floors
Porcelain tiles are similar to ceramic tiles, but denser and more resilient, making them ideal for moisture-prone areas such as bathrooms and outdoor spaces. These tiles come in a variety of colors, sizes, and surface finishes, including high gloss and textured.
- Wood Checkerboard Floors
Wooden checkerboard floors provide a warm and textured appearance. The checkerboard effect is achieved by using two different paint or stain colors. The checkerboard pattern may not hold up well in high-traffic areas. Careful maintenance is required to keep the pattern looking crisp, but some people prefer the worn appearance that complements rustic settings.
- Concrete Checkerboard Floors
Concrete floors can be painted or stained to create a checkerboard pattern. This floor is extremely durable and can be used both indoors and outdoors.
The post What are Checkerboard Floors? appeared first on Homedit.