Tiles Dilemma. To check or not to check?

[ChocoTrio]

I was hoping to get some in-opera terrazzo tiles for my kitchen, utility, dining and wc/bathroom/en-suites. Just been advised that the supplier doesn't have enough stock of my choice of tiles and ordering them is going to be 3 weeks too late for my floorer.

So, with time being of the essence, I need to choose an alternative. I'm exploring at porcelain tiles because research suggests they're more durable, easier to clean and maintain.

Would a chessboard look with large black and white tiles look be wise? Is it a timeless look? Does it go with all kitchen unit colours? My units are grey so a black and white flooring design could work imo.

I've attached some pictures I found in a google search for examples.

Other Examples with website links include:

Check 1

Check 2 - 3D cube chess look

Check 3 - like a diamond shaped look

Is your kitchen huge? If so yes and I would choose the first link. If not I suggest just the white ones. Terrazzo porcelain tiles can be found at Mandarin Stone. I'm going to have the Lemon ones. They are bullet proof. I left ketchup and oil on the sample overnight and it rinsed off with water.

Such a floor is timeless (especially number 1, not so much the other ones) but quite a statement so it could dominate the space a bit.

@Mosaic123 It's not huge, but not small either. It's open plan with a sitting area and utility off the kitchen area. So, the tiles will be flowing throughout the 3 sections. Do you think that will work?

Lemon terrazzo? That sounds lovely!

I don't know about the price and stock availability at Mandarin Stone; I'll enquire though.

@JoJoSM2 ok hat helps. Stick to the timeless chequer/chessboard look if I go with this. Good point - it is a bold statement. I just worried if I played it safe with went for regular grey porcelain tiles on the floor then it may look a bit boring. I wanted terrazzo tiles because they're a bit different - not as big a statement as s chessboard/chequers looks.

Much prefer the third picture with the grey tiles. Not as stark.

Those second tiles are a bit trippy, can't imagine they would be good cleaning your head back in the shower.

Bloody autocorrect meant leaning your head back

Have you rung round to find stock of your preferred tile elsewhere? It's a shame if you prefer it- you'll be living with it a long time,

I find the first one a bit busy/strong in a room which has lots going on anyway. The second one hurts my eyes.

I like chequer board in hallways and bathrooms (small floor space), not sure in a busy kitchen.

Your 3rd link works in a hallway but too much in a kitchen, I think.

Of the photos, prefer the straightforward chequerboard look. If you want a classic look, quarry tiles work as well and might be warmer?

Definitely the traditional first design - timeless

Thanks everyone. Really useful.

I'm waiting to hear back about the terrazzo tiles, because that's my first choice. Going to see if there's another supplier with stock.

@SwedishEdith - will also add quarry tiles on my list too. Good idea, thanks!

@picklemewalnuts - "I find the first one a bit busy/strong in a room which has lots going on anyway."

That's what I was worried about tbh. It's hard to know what it's going to look and be like until the flooring is actually done, until then it's just an educated idea of what I expect.

I've just finalised getting parquet herringbone wood flooring on the ground floor, but only in the rooms where there won't be plumbing (floorer advised against wood in room with plumbing due to potential water damage/impact).

Just need to finalise the tiles. Lots to consider.

They all make my eyes go funny!

I've got porcelain wood effect in my hall. Just amazing. Looks great and so easy to look after.

@TimeWastingButFun - I guess it's a little Alice in Wonderland, isn't it?

Just seen this too and it's that timeless look with a quirky edge to it... Alice in Wonderland Furniture Table Mackenzie child inspired

@picklemewalnuts - oooo I didn't realise you could get porcelain wood effect tbh. That's actually a good idea.

I've tried to post with pictures... several times! Pah!

@picklemewalnuts - that's a shame! I'd love to see!

Can you share a link of the place you got them?

With a scruffy room too, for added context. We got them from our local tile warehouse. Choosing the colour was like with laminate- we needed a grey tone in ours because of kitchen floor. Difference is the grout colour and width really affects the overall look. Ours has a charcoal grout.

There are lots of layouts, size of 'plank' etc.

@picklemewalnuts lovely! That looks really good!

I'm going to ask my floorer. Not sure how it would work if I have wood parquet elsewhere, then wood effect porcelain in room with plumbings. Depends on the tiles I guess.

Thanks for sharing!!

Fantastic cut in our bathroom, round the sink.

My friend has example 2 in her very large open plan kitchen diner. Honestly? It looks horrific.

I have porcelain wood effect in my kitchen and through the rear hall. It's smaller planks though and in a herringbone pattern and I love it.

Picture 1. Timeless

Yes it's timeless but a bit stark for my taste, especially with grey units. I like option 3 best of your selection, but I think something plainer would be more harmonious. And is the floor really what you'd choose to draw the eye to, out if everything in your spanking new kitchen? I'd rather let a beautiful worktop do the talking.

Wood effect tiles sound so wrong, but I think they can look really effective and they feel nicer than laminate. You just need to watch the join between real wood and fake wood.