Price Comparison: Timber-Look Tiles Vs. the Alternatives

wooden floor

Are you considering flooring options for your home? If you are, then you’ve probably taken a look at some of the luxurious flooring options available, such as wood. There’s certainly no denying that natural wooden flooring presents a unique charm that is often unmatched by other materials. Moreover, wooden flooring oozes luxury and allows you to create the space of your dreams.

The only problem with natural wooden flooring is its cost. It is expensive. And if you’re working on a smaller budget, then it is probably not an option for you. However, you’ll be glad to know that there are some affordable alternatives to the more luxurious options in the market, such as timber-look tiles and hybrid flooring.

Timber-look tiles are special tiles which are designed to mimic the look and feel of natural wood. And thanks to modern manufacturing techniques, these tiles offer almost all the benefits of natural timber at a much lower cost. But what exactly is the difference in cost between timber-look tiles and other alternative flooring options? Today I will answer this for you. So, continue reading this post as I compare the costs of timber-look tiles with other alternative flooring options.

Timber-Look Flooring Comparison Table

Flooring TypeDescriptionPrice/m2ProsCons
Timber-Look TilesCeramic or porcelain tiles that mimic the appearance of timber. Suitable for walls and floors.$20-$50 (ceramic), $50+ (porcelain)Timber-look tiles offer a wide variety of designs and finishes, and are low-maintenance and easy to clean.They lack the authentic feel of real wood and can feel cold and hard underfoot.
Hybrid FlooringA durable, waterproof option combining laminate and vinyl, mimicking timber.$30 (Ross’s Discount Home Centre)Hybrid flooring is budget-friendly, highly durable, and requires no refinishing or maintenance.It doesn’t have the same authenticity as real wood and can appear slightly synthetic.
Structural Timber FlooringTraditional wooden boards laid across joists or bearers.$40-$100+Structural timber flooring offers an authentic timber look and feel, is long-lasting, and can increase property value.It is expensive and requires professional installation.
Floating Timber FloorsTimber boards laid over a solid floor without attachment to a subfloor frame.$40-$100Floating timber floors are easier to install and provide great noise insulation.They can develop gaps and creaking over time.
Laminated Faux Timber FloorsParticle board with a faux timber finish, offering a timber look.$25+Laminated faux timber floors are affordable, easy to maintain, and closely mimic real timber.They lack the warmth and authenticity of natural wood.
Bamboo FlooringSustainable flooring made from bamboo, known for its durability.$100+ per square metreBamboo flooring is eco-friendly, durable, and scratch-resistant.It is expensive, requires professional installation, and can darken over time with sunlight.

Best Value Timber-Look Flooring

For the best value timber-look flooring, Hybrid Flooring is your top choice. At $30/sqm, it offers durability, waterproofing, and low maintenance at an affordable price. If you’re on a tighter budget, Timber Look Tiles provide a great option at $20-$50/sqm, while Laminated Faux Timber Floors are also budget-friendly at $25+/sqm. For authentic timber, Structural Timber Flooring and Floating Timber Floors are more expensive, ranging from $40/sqm and up. Bamboo Flooring is the priciest option but great for eco-conscious buyers.

Let’s look at these flooring options in more detail to help you choose the best option for your needs and budget.

Timber-Look Tiles

Grigio timber-look floor tile
Timber Grigio by Ross’s Discount Home Centre

There are several types of ceramic and porcelain tiles that are specially designed to replicate the look of timber. Known as timber-look tiles, they are available in a myriad of styles and designs and glazed and unglazed variants. Timber-look tiles are suitable for use both as floor tiles and as wall tiles in various commercial and residential applications.

Now, the price of timber-look tiles depends on the type of the tile. A glazed or vitrified ceramic timber-look tile typically costs between $20 and $50 per square metre. Unglazed ceramic timber-look tiles are slightly cheaper compared to these. However, vitrified porcelain timber-look tiles are more expensive, and they cost upwards of $50 per square metre.

Here, at Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we offer one of the biggest selections of timber-look tiles in Perth, which includes floor tiles and feature tiles. They’re the perfect choice for use in your kitchen walls and bathroom walls and floors.

Best for: Budget-conscious homeowners

Hybrid Flooring

Scorpio SPC Hybrid Flooring

Hybrid flooring is an innovative, budget-friendly option for those wanting the look of timber at a fraction of the cost. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we offer high-quality SPC hybrid flooring for just $30 per square metre. This price is well below the market average of $35–$60 per square metre, making it one of the most affordable timber-look options available today.

Hybrid flooring combines the best features of laminate and vinyl, offering a highly durable and waterproof surface that’s built to withstand heavy foot traffic, moisture, and wear over time. Unlike real timber, it doesn’t require ongoing maintenance or refinishing, which translates to additional savings

For homeowners looking to balance style with cost savings, hybrid flooring provides a great alternative. With this cost-effective option, you can transform your space with the natural appeal of timber while staying comfortably within budget.

Best for: Those seeking durability on a budget

Structural timber flooring

traditional timber floor

Structural timber flooring is the traditional choice of wooden flooring that has been used for ages now. This type of flooring makes use of actual wooden boards, which are laid across joists or bearers. The type of wood used in structural timber flooring varies from one region to another as the wood needs to acclimatise to local conditions. The cost of structural timber flooring varies from one type of wood to another and the grade of wood used.

The cheapest grade wood that can be used in structural timber flooring exhibits plenty of grain, knots and natural inconsistency. This costs roughly around $40 per square metre. However, this type of wood is not really suitable for use in indoor applications.

Standard-grade wood used in timber flooring is generally more consistent and costs anything between $50-$75 per square metre. Expensive-grade wood exhibits very few defects and costs upwards of $100 per square metre. These are suitable for flooring in residential and commercial applications, but they are much more expensive than timber-look tiles.

Best for: Homeowners wanting authentic timber

Floating timber floors

Floating timber floors

Floating timber floors are a variant of structural timber floors that have also been used traditionally. The only difference between these and structural timber floors is that floating timber floors don’t attach to a subfloor frame. Rather, floating timber floors are laid over a solid floor generally made of concrete, tiles, cork, or particle board.

Floating timber floors are easy to lay out, and they offer great noise insulation. However, laid outboards may develop gaps over time, which causes a click-clack noise when walking. This type of flooring is ideal for use as an underlying flooring in residential apartments and homes.

The cost of floating timber floors depends on the type and grade of wooden boards used. Typical prices range from $40-$100 per square metre, making them comparable to structural timber flooring. However, floating timber floors are easy to install, and you can save on professional installation costs. They are far more expensive than timber-look tiles, though.

Best for: DIYers looking for a real timber look.

Laminated faux ‘timber-look’ floors

laminate flooring

Laminated faux ‘timber-look’ floors are a modern alternative to traditional timber floors. These make use of a layer of particle board, which is specially treated with a faux timber look finish. This type of flooring is commonly referred to as laminate flooring.

While many people are generally sceptical about the look and feel of laminate flooring, modern laminates have come a long way. In fact, some of the newer laminates on the market completely mimic the look of traditional wooden floors. They only offer a slightly different warmth as compared to wooden floors, but are easier to maintain. They are often used as an alternative to floating timber floors.

And laminated floors are actually cheaper than both structural and floating timber floors. They will cost you upwards of $25 per square metre. They are comparable to most timber-look tiles on the market. But you can find timber-look tiles in Perth much cheaper than laminate floors, like those we offer here at Ross’s Discount Home Centre.

Best for: Cost-conscious homeowners.

Bamboo flooring

Bamboo flooring

Bamboo flooring may not be one of the most popular choices when it comes to timber flooring. It has grown in popularity rapidly over the last few years because it is much more sustainable and grows much faster than all other types of wood.

There are many reasons why bamboo makes a good flooring material. Bamboo presents a naturally durable and hardwearing surface. Also, natural bamboo is hard, sturdy, and scratch-resistant. However, bamboo does tend to get darker in sunlight, so it is more suitable for use in indoor flooring.

Modern-day bamboo floors are available in a range of styles and designs. However, bamboo floors are not the most affordable option in the market. Typically, you can consider the cost of bamboo floors to be upwards of $100 per square metre. Additionally, a professional installer is required to install bamboo flooring. Therefore, you also need to account for professional installation costs of $50-$60 per square metre. This makes bamboo floors one of the most expensive timber-look floor options. So unless you’re willing to splurge, you should keep away from this option.

Best for: Eco-conscious buyers

Knowing Which Type of Flooring To Choose

Each timber-look flooring option has its own unique advantages, and finding the right fit often depends on your priorities. Timber-look tiles, hybrid flooring, and laminate all offer an affordable alternative to traditional timber floors, while structural timber and floating timber options add immediate value to your home.

In terms of appearance, these timber-look alternatives beautifully mimic the warmth and character of natural wood, giving your space a timeless aesthetic without the maintenance requirements. Hybrid flooring, for instance, offers a fantastic balance of affordability, durability, and water resistance, making it ideal for areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Hybrid floors come in a range of stylish designs and bring that wood-inspired look without the fuss—offering impressive value for money.

As for me, I ultimately went with timber-look tiles for my reno despite the fantastic value of hybrid flooring. My deciding factor was the incredible durability and low maintenance of tiles, which made them the perfect choice for my high-traffic living area. With timber-look tiles, I get the sophisticated look of natural wood with the toughness of tile, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. If you’re seeking the charm of timber at a price that won’t break the bank, timber-look tiles and hybrid flooring are both standout choices.

Calculate Your Room Size

Not sure how many square metres of flooring you need? Use this square metre calculator to work it out.

Conclusion

When it comes to timber-look flooring, you have several options to suit different styles, needs, and budgets. Natural choices like structural timber, floating timber, and bamboo floors offer classic appeal and can increase your home’s value. However, they come with a higher price tag, with bamboo floors often reaching $150 per square metre, including installation.

On the more budget-friendly side, laminates, hybrid flooring, and timber-look tiles offer the look of natural timber without the associated costs or upkeep. Laminates typically start at $25 per square metre, while hybrid flooring is a versatile, water-resistant option averaging $30 per square metre. Timber-look tiles, priced between $20 and $50 per square metre, provide unmatched durability and are ideal for high-traffic areas and outdoor applications.

If you’re looking for a cost-effective, stylish, and practical timber-look floor, consider timber-look tiles or hybrid flooring from Ross’s Discount Home Centre. Visit us in Guildford or shop online today to explore our extensive range of timber-look options tailored to fit your budget and design needs.