1. Home
  2. Style

21OAK may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Tile that looks like wood: Where to find it and why to install it

You won't even be able to tell this tile isn't wood

By

Real hardwood looks stunning in any home. Its warmth, feel, and design complement almost any style. However, real wood comes with its set of challenges. It can damage easily, doesn’t work well in high-traffic areas (or with some kids or pets), and doesn’t hold up in rooms that contain high amounts of moisture or humidity, like a primary bathroom. If you love the look of wood but want to avoid these issues, there’s a simple answer — tile that looks like wood.

Tiling with wood-like flooring is an up-and-coming option because it’s low maintenance, easy to care for, won’t scratch, and is available in a wide variety of colors and designs. Here are a few places we love it.

mmpixel91 / Shutterstock

Wood-look tile for the kitchen

The kitchen is an ideal place to switch out real wood for a tile alternative. There are always spills, water, and a lot of people coming in and out, and this type of tile is a perfect choice. We love this wood oak porcelain tile from The Tile Shop for a kitchen or dining area. It’s fairly traditional in terms of style, and the planking mimics real hardwood. If you’re uncertain exactly which color and style suits your current kitchen, Tilebar sells a pack of wood-look porcelain tile that you can order and test to see what works for you.

Recommended Videos

Wood-look tile for the bathroom

The bathroom is another space that would benefit from tile rather than real wood. Too much damage can happen over time with water, and the moisture can cause real wood to warp and expand. Because the bathroom is a smaller space, you can get a bit more daring in the design of your tile.

We really like this Barberry Decor Nocciola 24 by 24 matte porcelain wood-look tile because of its graining and hexagon design. Another option is this Kenridge Chevron Maple 24 by 48 matte porcelain tile, also from Tilebar, which would look gorgeous in any room, but especially a primary bath.

While real hardwood still yields the highest return on investment when you think about selling your home, if you don’t keep it in the best shape possible, it can actually detract buyers who know they’ll have to replace or resurface real wood. Tile that looks like wood is a perfect alternative to expensive wood, and it holds up better over time. Of course, some people don’t like tile because they think it’s too cold, but that’s easy to solve by adding rugs and floor runners to areas you stand a lot, such as in front of a sink or shower, near the stove, and close to seating. Not only will this save your cold feet and your back, but it also helps draw in the colors of the tile you’ve selected and leave the space feeling warm and inviting.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Julie Scagell
Former Digital Trends Contributor
I am a freelance writer based in Minneapolis, MN. My passions include my dogs, talking about my dogs, and taking pictures of…
Is dark grout a good choice for your kitchen tile?
How to decide if dark or light grout is better for you

When selecting a backsplash for the kitchen, people tend to spend a lot of time focusing on the tiles themselves. What they don’t realize is that the grout is just as important -- the color and contrast it creates can completely change the overall look of your kitchen, so getting it right is crucial. Additionally, there may also be practical reasons why a darker grout will work better. Subway tiles are a classic backsplash option for a kitchen, but how do you feel about subway tiles with dark grout?

Here, we break down how to decide if dark or light is better for you and what you need to think about before choosing yours.

Read more
These things about British home design make no sense to Americans, according to TikTok
The faucets are a dealbreaker

No matter where you live, homes will always have their own unique quirks based on the neighborhood, city, and country in which they reside. Still, there are some “norms” in other countries that can seem strange and even a bit nonsensical to those who’ve grown up in a completely different environment.

So, when it comes to British home design, there are a few things that just don’t make sense to Americans. Here’s what one TikToker had to say.

Read more
An interior designer reveals the home decor you should (and absolutely should not) buy at HomeGoods
What you should and should not pass up in HomeGoods, according to an interior design pro

HomeGoods offers homeowners stunning and sophisticated pieces to add to their interior designs without blowing their reno budget out of the water. However, just because HomeGoods boasts incredible prices for luxe-looking goods doesn’t mean every decor item is a must-have. Here is some advice from an interior designer about what you should and should not buy at HomeGoods.

https://www.tiktok.com/@the_avantgarde/video/7276137950788996398?lang=en
What you should buy at HomeGoods
Interior designer @the_avantgarde on TikTok shares her take on what homeowners should never pass up at HomeGoods. When decorating on a budget, these are some must-grab items.
Snag the plain white sheets
Julie Sousa, the interior decorator behind the account, says, “Plain white sheets: this is literally the place to find them on a budget.” Plain white sheets are a classic addition to any bedroom, fit with nearly every color palette, and offer a hotel luxe aesthetic. Sousa also recommends snagging the Calvin Klein or Ralph Lauren bed sheets, saying they are “always the best ones.”
Go for the classic bath accessories
According to Sousa, another pro tip when shopping at home decor stores is to go for classic bath accessories. Flat bath mats and classic white towels give the bathroom what Sousa calls “hotel vibes.” If you want that gorgeous hotel-luxe look in your space while remaining under budget, then you don’t want to pass up this HomeGoods find.
The vase combos are a must
Sousa also gushes over the amazing vase combos you can find in HomeGoods. With plenty of options and an array of sizes, shapes, and colors, homeowners can find vase pairings that blend with their existing home decor.
Don’t pass up the decorative baskets
Decorative baskets are another decor steal this interior designer says not to pass up. HomeGoods has several options in many hues, so you can find exactly what you need.
If you see All-Clad pots and pans, get them
Sousa says, “Sometimes you can get lucky and find some All-Clad pots and pans.” She continues by noting that “this is the best brand for pots and pans.” So, if you want chef-grade goods on a budget, add these to your cart.
Save money with large lamps
In her TikTok video, Sousa adds that HomeGoods has fantastic options for saving money on large lamps. If you’re looking to spruce up your interior with a larger lamp but don’t want to drain your wallet, HomeGoods could have just what you need.

Read more