Over the last year marble checkerboard floors have made a statement, and we’re here for it! Although, this flooring can lend to so many design styles, it’s one that truly can feel classic and timeless regardless.
I knew designing our office and design studio I wanted statement flooring. The beadboard ceiling detail, modern trim, and all white from walls to ceiling to builtins there’s no doubt the flooring was the place to PLAY!
I considered a lot of tile options for this space from marble to porcelain and vinyl. There are a lot of beautiful options. I also had to consider the amount of time I could be moved out of my office, the design I wanted, and the overall budget + flooring investment.
After a lot of research I found amazing tile options (I’ll share below) AND an incredible unmatched vinyl tile that nearly looks the same. I went with CLJ Marble Bonneville Wallpops Vinyl Tile. The gray tile is the perfect tone, warm and muted, and the white has the perfect veining. Truly looks like real tile and not at all a vinyl. I really couldn’t believe it.
I opted for glue down vinyl for the savings, durability, and the quickest installation. We were able to demo and lay the floors in 2 days. Hiring tile out for this project wasn’t in the budget as this particular style is nearly the most expensive job to pay for. (but for good reason it is TOUGH!)
The direction was a hard choice but ultimately I loved it laid diamond most. I also opted to glue down the tiles using this . This step is optional but I HIGHLY recommend if you want these permanent. There’s an installation video guide HERE, calculator to determine how much you need HERE, and more FAQ HERE.
The tiles are 12×12 each box has 10 tiles, 5 gray and 5 white. They’re a perfect textured matte virgin vinyl with permanent adhesive backing. Water resistant and washable! No tools required for installation but we used a level, tape measure, x-acto knife, chalk line, and self stick adhesive primer from Home Depot but Wallpops also has some available.
We made sure we had a great moisture barrier above subfloor or concrete before starting and clean for application. To start we found the center of the room both length and width. Then, did a dry test fit to see how I liked the placement, tiles together, and see if we needed to do any adjusting (because typically no wall is straight measure and double check!) After that it was easy to put glue down and peel & stick all the tiles in place. No spacers, no grout. But a totally seamless transition and looks wonderful!
I could not get over the studio mcgee design with the marble checkerboard, plaster, and earthy elements. It embodied everything I love so it was a no-brainer!
MARBLE TILE OPTIONS
There’s a few tile size options to choose from but typically you’ll find 12×12, 18×18, 24×24, and 30×30. The larger the space I say the bigger you could go. There’s also really small versions like 4×4, 6×6, and 8×8. Also, different finishes to choose from like honed/matte or polished. I prefer the honed or a matte tile.
With installation some sizes may require extra cuts to get this pattern which is a higher investment if hiring tile out. Also, account for extra (usually it’s at least 10%) but you may need more taking the tile diagonal. Some tiles are 12×24, cut in half actually gives you two 12×12. If you DIY there’s savings in material however, hiring this out may result in higher fees for install with added cuts, sanding, etc.
BEDROSIANS- this is by far my favorite option
-MAGNIFICA 30×30 HONED CALACATTA SUPER WHITE
-MAGNIFICA 30×30 HONED CALACATTA
-MAGNIFICA 30×30 HONED PIETRA GREY
LOWES
-CALACATTA MATTE PORCELAIN
-CALACATTA GEM MATTE PORCELAIN
-HARBOR GRAY MATTE PORCELAIN
HOME DEPOT
-CONTESSA DAMA POLISHED PORCELAIN
-STERLINA ASPHALT MATTE PORCELAIN
-CONTESSA DAMA MATTE PORCELAIN
-CONTESSA ORO MATTE PORCELAIN
I have to say I love the look most in an outdoor space like this and the Studio Mcgee shot above. A foyer, mudroom, and laundry room are also perfect spaces for checkerboard tile! Be sure to subscribe to see our finished design office and studio space coming SOON! Follow along on IG HERE.
