Wood-look tile is porcelain or ceramic tile made to look like natural hardwood, with realistic grain, knots, texture and color variation inspired by species like oak, maple, walnut and reclaimed wood. It delivers the warmth of wood with the durability, water resistance and easy care of tile.

Available in planks, squares, chevrons, parquet-inspired patterns and dimensional wall formats, wood-look tile works throughout the home—from floors and showers to backsplashes, fireplaces and accent walls.

Benefits of Wood-Look Tile

• Replicates the look of hardwood without the maintenance of real wood.
• Resists moisture, stains, scratches and everyday wear.
• Performs well in kitchens, bathrooms, mudrooms, basements and busy living spaces.
• Installs on floors or walls, depending on the tile.
• Pairs with radiant floor heating for added comfort. 

Wood-Look Tile Options

Where to Use Wood-Look Tile

Use wood-look tile anywhere you want the inviting look of hardwood with better performance in moisture-prone or heavy-use spaces. Porcelain is a smart choice for bathrooms, showers, kitchens, laundry rooms, mudrooms and basements. Ceramic and decorative formats are ideal for walls, fireplace surrounds and lower-traffic residential spaces.

How to Choose Wood-Look Tile

Start With Location and Performance

For wet areas or high-traffic floors, choose porcelain wood-look tile first. For walls, accents or moderate-use rooms, ceramic may provide the right mix of style and value.

Choose Color, Format and Pattern

Light wood tones feel airy and coastal, medium tones are versatile and timeless, and dark tones add contrast and drama. Planks create a traditional hardwood effect, while herringbone, chevron and parquet-inspired layouts make the installation feel more custom. 

Wood-Look Tile FAQs

What is wood-look tile?

Wood-look tile is ceramic or porcelain tile that is designed to have the appearance of real wood. It often comes in planks, like real wood, but is also available in unique shapes more common to tiles.

What are the benefits of wood-look tile?

The strength and durability are the biggest selling points of wood-look tile. You can achieve almost any look you would with real wood and, with unique shapes and colors, many more on top of that. A wood-look tile floor or wall lasts so long (and often costs less than wood) that is worth it in the long run. Additionally, your wood look never has to be refinished (perfect for homes with pets!), and it can be heated or get wet.

Is wood-look tile waterproof?

Porcelain wood-look tile is highly water resistant, making it a strong option for bathrooms, showers, kitchens and laundry rooms.

Is wood-look tile durable?

When it is installed and maintained correctly, wood-look tile is very durable. Porcelain and ceramic wood-look tile are designed to resist everyday wear, stains and moisture.

Where can I use wood-look tile flooring?

It depends on each tile, but some wood-look tiles can be used on floors, walls, in showers and even outdoors. This is one of the perks of using faux wood instead of real wood—it can get wet without compromising its durability. Just make sure the tile you want is approved for its intended use.

What layout pattern is best for wood-look tile?

On floors, a staggered plank layout gives the most classic hardwood look. Recreate this pattern to get a similar look. Herringbone, chevron and parquet patterns create a more decorative design statement. Just make sure your tile is approved for the layout you choose.

Can wood-look tile be used with radiant floor heating?

Yes. Wood-look tile is compatible with most radiant floor heating systems and conducts heat efficiently.

What looks good on the wall with wood-look tile on the floor?

What pairs well with wood-look tile depends on the shape, the color, the look you want to achieve and, of course, your personal taste. If you are afraid of the design getting too busy, we would not recommend using a heavily patterned faux wood on the floor with another intricately patterned tile on the walls. The patterning of wood-look tiles varies from collection to collection, however, so you can usually find the perfect one to pair with another tile.

How do you clean wood-look tile?

We recommend cleaning your wood-look floor or wall with one of The Tile Shop’s ceramic and porcelain tile cleaners that is safe for your tile.

Can you wax wood-look tile?

You don’t need to wax your tile floor if it is already glazed, which most ceramic and porcelain tiles are. If you do decide you want to add some extra shine to your floor with wax, make sure it is one that is safe for your tile. Also, consider that adding wax to a tile floor requires additional maintenance, and added shine may make your faux-wood floor appear less like the real thing.

Does wood-look tile or real wood flooring cost more to install?

The cost of tile varies so much that it is hard to estimate an average cost. However, since there are so many choices, there is always a tile for every budget. Generally, a tile floor costs less than hardwood flooring and will last longer.

What color of grout do you use with wood-look tile?

If you want your tile installation to look as close to real wood as possible, match the grout as closely as you can to the color of your tile. The Tile Shop has dozens of different grout colors so you can always find a great match.

Wood-Look Tile Inspiration

Wood-look tile complements modern farmhouse, Scandinavian, rustic, traditional, coastal and contemporary interiors. Use our Tile Visualizer to preview styles in your space, order samples to compare tones at home, or schedule a free design consultation for personalized guidance.