Wood is a timeless choice that instantly complements any space, adding warmth and charm. People love this look and dream of incorporating it into their homes or businesses. The only problem is that natural wood can be a hassle to manage in the long term.
Fortunately, with the introduction of wood-look tile flooring, homeowners and businesses can enjoy the timeless charm of wood without the drawbacks of natural wood. If you’ve always envisioned wood in your foyer but are worried about durability, wood-look tile in your entryway is the perfect solution to transform your space with lasting beauty.
We’ll explain this floor tile phenomenon, answer the popular question, “Is wood-look tile going out of style? ", discuss the top reasons to choose tile flooring and help you learn how to select the right option for your home or business.
Ready to bring the timeless beauty of wood into your space without the hassle? Discover why tile flooring that looks like wood is the ultimate choice for your home or business. Let’s get started!
What Is Wood-Look Tile?
Wood-look tile is exactly what it sounds like—porcelain floor tile designed to look like wood. Products like our Kimberley Robble Brown 6x36 Matte Porcelain Tile are specifically designed to emulate the texture and appearance of natural wood but with the durability and low maintenance of tile. Wood-look tile flooring is factory-made and much easier to produce than its naturally derived counterparts, and it's usually less expensive, too.
Modern wood-look porcelain tiles feature intricate details, such as hand-scraped finishes, that were once impossible to create. Plus, wood-look tiles are no longer confined to standard sizes. This versatile option is available in various plank sizes and tile shapes, making it adaptable to any design style.
Is Wood-Look Tile Out of Style?
As one of the top flooring tile trends for 2025, some people might call wood-style patterns outdated, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Tiles that look like wood are as popular as ever. This tile looks increasingly realistic and stylish thanks to new technologies, offering the timeless charm of wood without all the maintenance that comes with it. Whether you choose it for a unique kitchen floor tile idea or want it as a floor tile in your small hallway bathroom, it's one of the best materials you can use for a floor and will never go out of style.
Where Can Wood-Look Tiles be Installed?
Our wood floor tiles are a perfect choice for homes and a favorite among commercial designers.
Combining strength, function, and beauty, these tiles can be used in any room in your home and countless commercial spaces such as kitchens and bathrooms. Unlike natural wood, porcelain tile that looks like wood is ideally suited for wet areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms—spaces where traditional wood flooring often struggles with water exposure and expansion.
With advanced manufacturing techniques, wood-look floor tile can withstand heavy commercial foot traffic, making it the best solution where authentic wood might create challenges. Whether that’s a commercial kitchen or bathroom, a hotel lobby, or even the flooring in a department store, tiles that look like wood planks are unrivaled in their durability.
Wood-Look Tile vs Wood Flooring
Choosing between hardwood and tile flooring can be a tough decision. Unlike the stark contrast between carpet vs. tile, tile and hardwood flooring share many similarities. Both provide a hard, versatile surface that’s easy to clean, exceptionally durable, and undeniably beautiful. However, crucial differences between these two might make one option more suitable than another for your space. Here’s a quick breakdown of the distinctions between the two.
Cost and Installation
If you're like most home or business owners, the first and most important factor in your decision is price. Wood-look plank tile usually costs less because it is easier to install than natural flooring, like our affordable Ala Timber Pigeon Grey 3x18 Matte Porcelain Plank Tile. Installing natural hardwood floors requires labor-intensive sanding, staining, or finishing steps. It’s essential to remember that the cost of floor tile installation can vary greatly depending on the size, material, and quantity. We recommend you consult our floor-tile buying guide before you make your purchase.
Durability
When it comes to durability, wood-like porcelain tile has the upper hand. Made from durable porcelain, it is far more water—and scratch-resistant than wood. Compared to ceramic tile, porcelain offers superior strength and resilience, making it an even better choice for high-traffic areas. The glaze on the best wood-look porcelain tile, such as our Bengala Walnut Brown 9x47 Matte Porcelain Tile, also helps protect the surface from staining and fading, ensuring that your wood-like tile maintains its fresh, new appearance for much longer.
Stain-Resistance
Stains are a unique factor to consider when comparing these two materials. With natural wood, there’s the concern of literal stains like dye, food, paint, and marks from everyday wear and tear. While natural wood can be stained, repainted, or re-sanded—tile can’t. However, tile planks that look like wood, such as our Bengala Cold Grey 9x47 Matte Porcelain Tile, are stain-resistant compared to natural wood and won't need to be re-sanded or refinished as often.
Color & Detail
It might go without saying, but natural wood is brown. While there are different shades and hues, the color will remain consistent. Wood-look tile, on the other hand, offers much more versatility. Take our Evening Birch Grey Hexagon Recycled Matte Glass Tile, a mosaic tile featuring different wood tones, for a unique and dynamic look.
Thanks to high-definition printing and digital imaging, wood-tile floors capture the intricate details of natural wood and offer a broader range of styles and looks. They range from traditional wood grains like our Kirova Sauce Brown 6x36 Matte Porcelain Tile to bold, contemporary shades, all while remaining indistinguishable from the real thing.
The key is selecting a color that complements your decor without overpowering the space. Matte porcelain tiles in neutral tones like beige or gray are a great choice for a natural, understated look. If you want to make a bold statement, consider dark brown wood-look porcelain tiles, which can add rich character to your floors.
Whatever option you choose, make sure it’s a choice you genuinely love—these tiles are built to stand the test of time.
Styles & Variety
Wood-looking tile is available in various colors, textures, and sizes. You can find wood-look tile patterns in different combinations, from mahogany to oak, like our Tawny Oak Brown Hexagon Recycled Matte Glass Tile, and in multiple sizes to fit your room's size. While natural wood surfaces come in several styles and colors, they are usually limited by what wood you use.
Maintenance
When it comes to maintenance, wood tile floors like our Kimberley Blanco White 6x36 Matte Porcelain Tile are superior to natural wood. Keeping your floors in top shape requires minimal effort. Like vinyl floor tiles, wood ones are straightforward to care for. Just sweep and mop regularly with a mild detergent, and your tile will look flawless for years to come. Tile planks that look like wood also don’t often break, crack, or require replacement. The key is to avoid using abrasive products when cleaning, as these can strip away the finish of your tile.
Pet-Friendliness
Ask any pet owner, and they'll tell you that natural wood floors can be a nightmare to maintain with an animal in the house. Wood-looking tile, such as our Ala Timber Earth Wood Brown 3x18 Matte Porcelain Plank Tile, on the other hand, is more pet-friendly flooring. Its water—and scratch-resistant surface stands up to paws, claws, and other sharp objects much better than wood. It also tolerates liquids much better—a bonus for a pet who likes to slosh their water bowl around kitchen floor tiles.
Does Wood-Look Tile Need Grout?
Yes, wood-look tile flooring does require a grout joint, typically 1/8 or 3/16” wide. This spacing is essential to accommodate slight movements in the subfloor, helping to prevent breakage, slippage,ge, and uneven surfaces. Without a proper grout joint, the tiles may not be securely installed and could have a shorter lifespan.
Achieve the Wood Look of Your Dreams with Oasis Tiles!
Wood-look tile is a trendy and versatile option that can give your home a beautiful and timeless character. It's also straightforward to maintain, pet-friendly, and available in various colors and styles to fit your decor. If you're interested in exploring the possibilities of wood-look tiles, browse Oasis Tile's extensive collection to find the perfect match and order sample tiles for your space!
