Black and White Cement Tiles

Black and white cement tiles in a plain checkerboard, the pattern that has floored sculleries, cellars and hallways for a century and still looks right. The color alternates between a chalky warm cream and a faded charcoal that leans toward blue gray, and the pigment is mottled rather than flat, so no two tiles are identical. The finish is matte and dry; it absorbs light. Edges show slight irregularities and the odd small chip, which keeps the grid from looking machine made.

The format is a nominal 8 by 8 inch tile, 1 inch thick, sold by the square foot. These are encaustic tiles, pressed rather than fired, with the pigment carried through the body of the tile rather than glazed on top, so wear reveals more of the same color. We select them from a European workshop; they are new, and larger quantities are made to order with a lead time. Seal them before grouting.

Lay them in an entry to take daily traffic, run them under the island and cabinetry of a kitchen, floor a conservatory or sunroom, or make a primary bath where the floor carries the room. Lime plaster walls, walnut or smoked oak and unlacquered brass sit well with the cool grays. Samples of the cement tiles are in our showroom in Marina Del Rey; send your area and we will quote them delivered.