If you love the look of hardwood but worry about scratches, moisture, or upkeep, wood look tiles might be the perfect solution. Made from durable porcelain or ceramic, these tiles are designed using advanced digital printing technology to mimic real wood's natural grain, knots, and textures with stunning accuracy. The best part? Unlike traditional hardwood, wood look tiles stand up beautifully against spills, humidity, and everyday wear, making it a great choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and busy living spaces. With so many colors, finishes, and plank sizes to choose from, you can easily find a style that fits your home’s personality.
But are wood look tiles really as good as they sound? Although it offers plenty of benefits, there are a few things to consider before making a decision. In this blog, we will take a closer look at what makes wood look tiles such a popular choice, how it compares to real wood, and what you should know before installing it in your space.
The Appeal of Wood Looking Tiles
Wood look tiles are a fantastic way to bring the beauty of hardwood into your home without the hassle. They offer the perfect blend of style and durability, seamlessly fitting into any design, whether you love a cozy rustic feel or a sleek modern look. Beyond their visual appeal, these tiles also come with practical benefits that make them a smart and reliable flooring choice. Below, we’ll explore what makes wood look tiles so popular and why they could be the perfect addition to your home.
Versatile Aesthetic Options
One of the best things about wood look tiles is the vast selection of styles, colors, and finishes available. Whether you're drawn to the rustic charm of reclaimed wood, the classic elegance of oak and walnut, or the clean, modern look of polished planks, there's a perfect option for your space. Many designs even feature textured surfaces that replicate the natural feel of real wood, adding to their authentic appearance. With shades ranging from soft and airy to deep and rich, you can easily set the perfect tone for any room.
Apart from color and texture, wood look tiles also offer the freedom to experiment with different layouts that enhance their natural beauty. As shown in the photo above, our Jameson 8x48 Matte Porcelain Tile in Camel effortlessly captures the warmth of wood and offers elegant design possibilities like herringbone and chevron patterns. Unlike real hardwood, which can be expensive and difficult to install in intricate layouts, wood look tiles make achieving a custom, high-end look more accessible and hassle-free. Whether you prefer a cozy, rustic aesthetic or a sleek, modern vibe, these tiles provide the versatility and durability to create a space that truly reflects your style.
Compatibility With Radiant Heating
There is nothing better than stepping onto a warm floor on a chilly morning, and with wood look tiles, you can enjoy that cozy feeling without worrying about damage. Unlike traditional hardwood, which expands and contracts with temperature changes, wood look tiles remain stable no matter the heat or humidity. That makes it the perfect match for radiant heating systems, letting you enjoy both the inviting look of wood and the actual warmth of heated floors.
If you live in a colder climate or just love the idea of toasty floors in the winter, wood look tiles are a smart choice. It retains and distributes heat efficiently, so your home stays warm and comfortable without hot or cold spots. Whether you are upgrading your bathroom, bedroom, or entire home, this flooring option can also bring the best of both worlds, beautiful wood-like style with the added luxury of radiant warmth underfoot.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Choice
If you love the look of hardwood but want a more eco-friendly option, wood look tiles are a great choice. Unlike traditional wood flooring, which requires cutting down trees, porcelain and ceramic tiles are made from naturally abundant materials. Additionally, Edward Martin is committed to sustainability, using locally sourced materials and efficient manufacturing processes to help reduce environmental impact.
With wood look tiles, you can also get the warmth and beauty of real wood without environmental concerns. Choosing a responsibly made flooring option not only helps preserve forests but also supports greener practices in home design. It’s a simple way to make a stylish choice that is better for the planet.
Comparing Wood Look Tiles to Natural Hardwood
Although wood look tiles closely mimic real wood, there are key distinctions between the two. Factors like durability, finishes, available sizes, maintenance, and cost can all play a role in determining which flooring option is the best fit for your home. Below, we will discuss these differences in detail to help you decide which flooring choice is right for you.
Durability
One of the biggest differences between wood look tiles and natural hardwood is durability. Although hardwood floors are undeniably beautiful, they are prone to scratches, dents, and water damage, making them more susceptible to everyday wear. Homes with pets, active households, and moisture-prone spaces like kitchens and bathrooms can also speed up the aging process of real wood, leading to refinishing and repairs over time.
On the other hand, wood look tiles made from porcelain or ceramic, are built to handle daily use without showing signs of damage. They resist moisture, scratches, and stains, making them a more practical option for both indoor and outdoor spaces. As shown in the photo above, our Jameson 8x48 Grip Porcelain Tile in Camel is an excellent example of how wood look tiles combine durability with style. Designed for stability in all climates, it does not expand or contract with humidity changes, ensuring long-lasting performance. Whether used in a kitchen, bathroom, or outdoor patio, wood look tiles provide a reliable and low-maintenance flooring solution.
Finishes
Both wood look tiles and natural hardwood offer a variety of finishes, but they differ in how they are applied and maintained over time. Hardwood floors come in finishes like matte, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss, each enhancing the depth and character of the wood grain in its way. These finishes are typically achieved through staining and sealing, but they also require periodic refinishing to keep them looking their best. Over time, hardwood can develop scratches, dull spots, and wear patterns, especially in busy areas, making regular upkeep necessary.
Wood look tiles, on the other hand, achieve their finish through advanced digital printing and glazing techniques, providing both durability and design versatility. Tile finishes typically range from matte to grip surfaces, which can also help enhance traction while replicating the natural texture of real wood. Whether you prefer a smooth, modern appearance or a more rustic, textured feel, there is a tile to match your style. A great example is our Preston 8x48 Matte Porcelain Tile in Pine, which beautifully captures the warmth and character of natural wood with a soft matte finish, offering a timeless look that pairs well with any design. Unlike hardwood, tile finishes do not fade, scratch easily, or require refinishing, making them a long-lasting, low-maintenance alternative that fits effortlessly into both traditional and contemporary spaces.
Sizes
When it comes to size and plank dimensions, wood look tiles and natural hardwood offer different options to suit various design needs. Hardwood flooring typically comes in standard widths ranging from 3 to 7 inches, with lengths between 12 and 84 inches. For example, wide-plank hardwood has become a popular choice for its upscale, modern look, but it often comes at a higher price point and requires more careful installation. Since real wood expands and contracts with humidity changes, wider planks can also be more prone to warping, making proper acclimation and maintenance essential.
Wood look tiles, on the other hand, offer far more variety in sizing, giving you greater flexibility in how you design your space. You will find options that mimic traditional plank dimensions, as well as larger format tiles that create a bold, seamless appearance. For instance, popular sizes include 6x24 inches, 12x36 inches, and even extra-long planks like 8x48 inches, allowing you to achieve everything from a classic staggered layout to a more dramatic, contemporary feel. On top of that, because these tiles do not expand or contract with temperature changes, they can also be installed in large, continuous layouts without the need for expansion gaps, making them an excellent choice for open-concept homes.
Costs
When it comes to cost, it is important to think beyond just the upfront price and consider the long-term expenses as well. Natural hardwood flooring varies widely in price based on the wood species, grade, and finish. More common options like oak and maple tend to be more affordable, typically ranging from $6 to $12 per square foot, while exotic choices like Brazilian walnut or teak can cost $15 or more per square foot. But the cost does not stop there, hardwood requires ongoing maintenance, including refinishing every few years, which can also add up over time.
Wood look tiles, on the other hand, tend to have a more predictable price range, usually between $5 and $10 per square foot, depending on the quality and design. Although installation can sometimes be more labor-intensive due to mortar application and grout work, the long-term savings make up for it. Since wood look tiles do not need refinishing or frequent repairs like hardwood, it remains a durable, low-maintenance option that can also save you money in the long run. If you are looking for a flooring choice that balances style, durability, and cost-efficiency, wood look tiles are a smart investment.
Maintenance
Keeping your floors in top shape requires regular care, and this is where wood look tiles truly stand out. Unlike natural hardwood, which requires frequent sweeping, occasional polishing, and periodic refinishing, wood look tiles are much easier to maintain. Hardwood is also more sensitive to spills and humidity, which means you have to be extra cautious with moisture and use specialized wood-safe cleaners to prevent damage.
Wood look tiles, on the other hand, make maintenance simple. A quick sweep or vacuum and an occasional mop with a mild cleaner are all it takes to keep them looking fresh. Their water-resistant properties make them an ideal choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms, where moisture is unavoidable. Sealing grout lines can also add an extra layer of protection, preventing stains and making cleaning even easier. For the best long-term performance, always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for both tiles and grout. With proper care, wood look tiles will maintain their beauty and durability for years to come.
Best Applications for Wood Look Tiles
Wood look tiles are a stylish and practical choice for both indoor and outdoor spaces, offering the beauty of hardwood with added durability and water resistance. Whether you need a flooring solution that can handle daily wear or a statement wall that adds warmth and texture, wood look tiles provide a low-maintenance and long-lasting option. Below, we will explore how these versatile tiles can enhance both indoor and outdoor areas.
Indoor Floors and Walls
Wood look tiles are not just for flooring; they also work beautifully on walls, adding character and depth to any space. Whether used for an accent wall in the living room, a cozy bedroom backdrop, or a stylish backsplash, they can bring the warmth of wood without the upkeep. Ceramic wood look tiles are a great choice for walls since they are lightweight and easy to install, though they can chip more easily if used on floors due to their softer composition and lower density. For busy areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways, porcelain wood look tiles are the better option, offering superior durability and moisture resistance. With their versatility and practicality, wood look tiles provide a stylish, low-maintenance solution for both floors and walls.
For a stunning example of how wood look tiles can elevate a space, consider their use in bathrooms and showers, where they add a spa-like warmth without compromising practicality. As shown in the photo above, our Zayne 12x36 Matte Ceramic Tile in Slat creates a striking feature wall in the shower area, enhancing the room’s verticality and seamlessly complementing modern fixtures. This design not only provides a visually appealing contrast but also showcases how wood look tiles can seamlessly blend into contemporary interiors.
Outdoor Spaces
Wood look tiles are not just for indoor spaces, they are also a fantastic choice for outdoor areas like patios, pool decks, and covered seating areas. Unlike real wood, which requires constant sealing and upkeep to withstand the elements, porcelain wood look tiles are designed to handle rain, sun, and temperature changes without fading or warping. This means you can enjoy the timeless beauty of wood without the extra maintenance, making your outdoor spaces both stylish and stress-free.
Thanks to their durability and versatility, wood look tiles can also seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a cohesive and natural aesthetic. Whether you are upgrading your floors inside or designing an inviting outdoor retreat, these tiles can also offer the perfect combination of warmth, elegance, and long-lasting performance, so you can enjoy beautiful, worry-free flooring anywhere in your home.
Installation Considerations
Proper installation is also essential to ensuring that wood looking tiles remain durable and beautiful for years to come. From preparing the right subfloor to selecting the best grout, each step plays a crucial role in achieving a high-quality finish. Below, we will explore the key factors to consider for installation to help you get the best results for your space.
Subfloor Preparation and Layout
Getting the subfloor right is one of the most important steps in installing wood look tiles. If the surface is uneven, tiles can crack or become loose over time, leading to costly repairs. That is why professional installers use leveling compounds to create a smooth, even foundation before laying the tiles. Proper spacing is also key; it can help achieve a natural wood plank look while allowing for slight tile movement, ensuring a flawless and long-lasting finish.
Grout Selection and Maintenance
Grout might seem like a small detail, but it plays a big role in how your wood look tiles can come together. The color you choose can also completely change the overall look of your floors. Lighter grout blends seamlessly with the tiles, creating a classic wood-like effect, while darker grout adds contrast and makes each plank stand out.
Beyond aesthetics, proper grout maintenance is also essential to keeping your floors looking their best. Sealing grout lines can help prevent discoloration, stains, and moisture buildup, especially in busy spaces or moisture-prone areas. With the right grout choice and a little upkeep, your wood look tile floors will stay fresh and stylish for years to come.
Making the Best Choice for Your Space
Wood look tiles are a good idea if you love the beauty of hardwood but want a more durable, low-maintenance option. Made from porcelain or ceramic, they can resist moisture, scratches, and stains, making them perfect for busy areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. Thanks to advanced digital printing, they capture the rich textures and natural grain of real wood while remaining stable against humidity and temperature changes. Unlike hardwood, they never need refinishing or special treatments and can also work seamlessly with radiant heating, making them a stylish and practical choice for any space.
Not sure how wood look tiles will fit into your space? With our Augmented Reality (AR) tool, you can see how different styles look in your home before making a decision. Explore various colors, finishes, and layouts to find the perfect match. If you want to experience the texture and quality firsthand, you can order a sample and feel the difference for yourself. Finding the right flooring has never been easier!
