MARBLE & TILE USA
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Which tile materials are best for shower walls and floors?
For shower walls and floors, porcelain and ceramic tile are the top choices due to their excellent water resistance, durability, and overall value, with porcelain being the superior option for floors because it is denser, less porous, and better suited for constant moisture exposure.
For shower floors specifically, porcelain with an R10 or R11 slip-resistance rating are ideal. Properly sealed honed natural stone mosaics, like marble, can also work on floors, but they require more maintenance.
Ceramic, porcelain, and even glass tiles perform well on shower walls, while natural stone like marble adds a luxury look but must be sealed.
What tile is best for bathroom floors?
When choosing bathroom floor tiles, porcelain is an excellent option thanks to its durability, density, and water resistance, making it low-maintenance and perfect for wet areas. Ceramic tiles are also a practical choice, offering waterproofing, affordability, and a wide variety of styles with glazed finishes for extra protection. For a truly luxurious and timeless look, natural stone such as marble, travertine, or limestone elevates any bathroom. Its classic and premium appeal can add lasting value to your home, making it an investment that blends beauty with functionality.
What material is best for countertops?
Top Countertop Materials:
Quartz
Benefits: Low-maintenance, non-porous, stain & scratch resistant, wide color selection
Considerations: Can discolor with extreme heat
Best For: Busy kitchens, modern designs
Quartzite
Benefits: Extremely durable, natural stone elegance, heat & scratch resistant
Considerations: Requires occasional sealing
Best For: Long-lasting value, natural stone look
Marble
Benefits: Luxurious appearance, heat-resistant
Considerations: Soft, porous, high maintenance, prone to stains/etches
Best For: High-end kitchens, bathrooms, luxury style
Porcelain
Benefits: Ultra-durable, non-porous, scratch & stain resistant, heat resistant, modern designs
Considerations: Can chip if heavy impact
Best For: Sleek, contemporary kitchens or bathrooms
What is zellige tile?
Zellige tile is a traditional Moroccan ceramic tile known for its hand-cut, irregular shapes and vibrant, glossy glazes. Each piece is individually crafted by artisans, creating a unique, textured surface that reflects light beautifully and adds depth to walls, backsplashes, and floors. Its handcrafted nature means no two tiles are exactly alike, giving every installation a one-of-a-kind, artistic look. Zellige is not only visually striking but also highly durable and long-lasting, making it a luxurious choice that can elevate the style and value of any home.
Which tile is better, ceramic or porcelain?
Both ceramic and porcelain tiles are durable and water-resistant, making them popular choices for kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas. Porcelain is denser, harder, and more resistant to moisture and wear, making it ideal for floors and outdoor spaces, while ceramic is lighter, easier to cut, and often more budget-friendly, perfect for walls and backsplashes. Porcelain can mimic natural stone or wood with a high-end look, whereas ceramic offers endless colors and patterns for creative designs. Choosing the right tile depends on your style, location, and long-term durability needs, with both options adding beauty and value to your home.
What types of tile are there?
There are many types of tile, each offering unique style, durability, and design possibilities for floors, walls, and countertops. Ceramic is versatile and comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, making it perfect for both walls and floors. Porcelain is dense and long-lasting, ideal for high-traffic areas and moisture-prone spaces. Natural stone tiles, including marble, granite, travertine, and slate, provide beauty and luxury while adding lasting value to your home. Glass and mosaic tiles are excellent for accent walls, backsplashes, and creative designs, allowing homeowners to mix textures and colors for a truly custom look.
Who sells tile near me?
For anyone searching for a tile store in Los Angeles, Marble & Tile USA is known for offering high-quality tile and slabs at competitive pricing. The store is praised for its knowledgeable, attentive staff, a beautifully organized showroom with a huge selection that makes selecting materials easy, and a seamless online ordering experience for added convenience. With curated collections that include marble tile, checkerboard flooring, shower tiles, wood flooring, kitchen countertops and more, Marble & Tile USA is a go-to destination for homeowners, designers, and contractors seeking both style and value.
Where can I buy tile?
Tile can be purchased at specialty tile stores, where customers have access to higher-quality materials, better pricing transparency, and expert guidance. In Los Angeles, Marble & Tile USA is a trusted destination for buying tile and natural stone, offering curated collections that include marble tile, checkerboard flooring, shower tiles and premium surfaces for kitchens and bathrooms and more. With a well-organized showroom, knowledgeable staff, and convenient online ordering, Marble & Tile USA makes it easy to find beautiful, durable tile for any project.
What is tile?
Tile is a durable building material made from materials such as ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, or glass, commonly used on floors, walls, backsplashes, and countertops. It is valued for its strength, water resistance, and wide range of colors, textures, and finishes. Tile can be arranged in patterns like subway, mosaic, or checkerboard to create both functional and decorative surfaces. Because of its longevity and timeless appeal, tile is a popular choice that can enhance the beauty and value of a home.
Frequently Asked Questions
FOR CHECKERBOARD TILE

What is checkerboard tile?
Checkerboard tile is a classic flooring and wall pattern that alternates two contrasting colors, traditionally black and white, to create a bold, geometric look. While black and white remains timeless, many homeowners today are updating the style with modern color combinations like cream & white, grey & white, or red & beige for a fresh, contemporary feel.
Popular in kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways, this design adds visual interest, elegance, and movement to any space. Checkerboard tile comes in ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone, with popular floor sizes including 8×8”, 12×12”, and 16×16”, offering both versatility and durability while increasing the perceived value of your home.
What materials can you use for checkerboard tile?
Checkerboard tile can be made from a variety of materials like ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone such as marble, limestone, or travertine. Ceramic and porcelain are durable and easy to maintain, while natural stone offers a more luxurious, high-end finish. Many designers also mix and match different types of natural stone, such as pairing travertine with marble, to create subtle contrast and added depth. The best material choice depends on the desired look, level of maintenance, and where the tile will be installed.
What sizes are best for checkerboard floor tile?
The most popular checkerboard floor tile sizes are 8×8”, 12×12”, and 16×16”, with larger sizes creating a more modern, open feel. Smaller tiles tend to give a more traditional or vintage look, especially in older homes. Choosing the right size depends on room scale, ceiling height, and overall design style.
Is checkerboard tile trendy or timeless?
Checkerboard tile is considered timeless, with roots in historic European and American design, but it’s also experiencing a modern resurgence. Designers are updating the look with larger formats, softer color combinations, and different materials. This balance of classic and current makes checkerboard tile a long-lasting design choice.
Can checkerboard tile be used in kitchens or bathrooms?
Yes, checkerboard tile works beautifully in both kitchens and bathrooms, especially on floors. When paired with durable materials like porcelain or properly sealed natural stone, it performs well in moisture-prone areas. Its bold pattern adds character while still feeling clean, structured, and timeless.
What colors are popular for modern checkerboard floors?
While black and white remains a classic favorite, modern checkerboard floors often feature softer, more contemporary palettes. Popular combinations include cream and white, grey and white, beige and brown, and even bold options like red and beige. These updated colorways create a fresh look while maintaining the iconic checkerboard pattern.
Does checkerboard tile add value to a home?
Checkerboard tile is a design-forward choice that can significantly enhance a home’s appeal by creating a custom, high-end look. When crafted from natural stone or thoughtfully selected materials, it becomes a standout feature that elevates kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. Buyers often associate checkerboard floors with quality craftsmanship and timeless style, making them a smart investment that can increase both visual impact and overall home value.
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Telephone:
310-477-1705
Email address:
info@marbleandtileusa.com
Store address:
11266 Santa Monica Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA
90025