The checkerboard lay: two shades in alternation

Geometric patterns · 5 min read · updated 5 November 2026 · Written by Tilelico

A checkerboard alternates two shades of one size. The geometry is that of a straight lay: what changes is that the slightest line error shows, and each shade must be ordered separately.

Real example · calculated by Tilelico

Kitchen with an island of 4.20 × 3.60 m, Checkerboard, 2 mm joint

WholeCutCut under 100 mmIsland

The plan shows the two shades in almost equal number, with low waste. The summary gives a quantity per shade: that is what to order. Narrow cuts stay rare, which keeps edges clean on both shades.

Calculated result

Room area: 15.12 m²
Area covered: 13.33 m²
Whole pieces: 96
Cut pieces: 64
Actual need: 160
To order (+10%): 176
Waste with no offcut reuse: 7.4 %
Narrow cuts: 4

Order by size

Clair 300 × 300 mm88
Foncé 300 × 300 mm88

Most frequent cuts

64 cuts in 22 different sizes.

C01 · 300 × 290 mm× 6
C02 · 300 × 290 mm× 6
C03 · 300 × 288 mm× 6
C04 · 300 × 288 mm× 6

Setting out and products

Starting point 288 mm from the west wall and 290 mm from the north wall, then a 604 × 604 mm repeat. Estimated products: 47 kg of adhesive and 2.3 kg of grout.

Reproduce it in Tilelico

1Draw a 4.20 × 3.60 m rectangle, then add in the centre: Island.
2Choose the covering: Checkerboard, 2 mm joint.
3The module sets the pattern: there is nothing else to pick.
4Set the distribution to “Balanced cuts” and the margin to 10%.

Open this example in the editor

When to choose it

It suits kitchens, entrances and rooms with character, in black and white as well as softer tones.

Best forRectified square tiles, whose fine joint keeps lines sharp.
Avoid ifYour substrate is out of square: high contrast highlights every difference along the walls.

Continue with: The diagonal checkerboard: two shades on the point →

Preparing the job

Check that both shades come from the same series: two different calibrations would not keep joints aligned.

Decide which shade takes the centre of the room and the entrance area: it is the one seen first.

Continue with: Straight tile laying: the complete guide, with a real example →

Step by step

Step 1 — Mark the axesCentre the grid for balanced edges, then check the square with a 3-4-5 triangle.
Step 2 — Dry-lay two rowsAlternate the shades and decide which one meets the most visible wall.
Step 3 — Separate the stacksKeep one stack per shade within reach to avoid swaps.
Step 4 — Lay while checking the linesCheck joints with a straightedge: a difference shows more than on a plain shade.
Step 5 — Grout without stainingChoose a grout shade that suits both tiles, and test it on an offcut.

Continue with: Laying cement tile: layout, protection and grout →

Mistakes to avoid

Ordering the area without splitting itThe total does not say how many tiles to take in each shade.
Choosing too bold a groutA dark grout dirties the light shade, and a light grout stands out on the dark one.

These pointers describe common practice, not imposed rules. The data sheet for your covering and for your installation products always takes precedence, and measurements taken on site are the reference.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need as many tiles of each shade?

Almost, on a straight lay, but edge cuts can unbalance the quantities. The summary gives them per shade.

Can a checkerboard use other sizes?

Yes: the tile’s side is set in the editor, and the pattern follows.

Technical references

This guide describes common installation practices. It does not replace applicable technical documents, manufacturer instructions or measurements taken on site.