Wood Look Tiles: Pros and Cons
There’s something timeless about timber floors, but more and more Perth homeowners are choosing wood look tiles to achieve that warm, natural look—without the headaches of real wood. Thanks to advances in digital printing, wood look tiles now deliver all the character and style of hardwood, with the durability and easy-care benefits of tile flooring that looks like wood.
If you’re weighing up whether wood appearance tile is right for your next renovation, this guide covers everything you need to know—from the biggest pros and potential drawbacks, to where wood look tiles work best and how to choose the perfect style for your home. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we stock one of Perth’s widest ranges of wood look tile options, with ceramic and porcelain finishes designed to suit any space or budget.
What Are Wood Look Tiles?
If you love the look of timber flooring but want something more practical, tile flooring that looks like wood is the answer for many modern Australian homes. These innovative products—sometimes called wood effect tiles or simply wood look porcelain tile—are crafted from high-quality porcelain or ceramic. Thanks to advanced digital printing, they perfectly capture the grain, colour, and natural detail you’d expect from real wood, creating a floor that’s as beautiful as it is durable.
Whether you prefer a classic oak plank or a contemporary grey wash, you’ll find wood appearance tiles in a huge range of colours, finishes, and sizes. Because they’re built to withstand heavy wear, moisture, and spills, these tiles are ideal for busy households, kitchens, bathrooms, or anywhere you want the look of hardwood with none of the hassle.
At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, our collection includes everything from on-trend herringbone patterns to wide plank wood look floor tile styles—so you can achieve any design vision with all the benefits of low-maintenance, long-lasting tile.
TL;DR: Wood look tiles are hardwearing ceramic or porcelain tiles that replicate the look and feel of timber flooring, available in a range of colours, sizes, and finishes.
Benefits of Wood Look Tiles
If you want the timeless appeal of timber without the constant upkeep, wood look tiles have become the go-to choice for Australian families. Here’s why so many renovators and designers are making the switch to tile flooring that looks like wood—and why you’ll find such a wide selection at Ross’s Discount Home Centre.
Durability & Longevity
One of the biggest benefits of wood look tiles is their unbeatable durability. Made from wood look ceramic tile or porcelain, these surfaces are scratch resistant, won’t dent or warp, and easily handle high foot traffic, moving furniture, and even busy pets and kids. With proper installation, you can expect your floor to look fantastic for decades.
Water & Stain Resistance
Unlike real timber, wood effect tiles are virtually waterproof. They don’t swell, rot, or stain when exposed to spills or moisture, which makes them a top choice for bathrooms, laundries, kitchens, and even some covered outdoor areas. This moisture resistance is a game changer if you want the look of hardwood in wet zones.
Low Maintenance
If you dread the idea of sanding, sealing, or oiling floors, wood appearance tiles offer a welcome alternative. They’re easy care tiles—just sweep, mop, and you’re done. No special cleaners required, no worrying about water marks or scratches, and no ongoing maintenance headaches.
Design & Style Flexibility
You’ll find tile that looks like wood in a huge range of colours, patterns, and finishes, from rustic reclaimed styles to modern Scandi planks or bold herringbone layouts. Options include long, wide planks, textured surfaces, and ultra-realistic wood grains. Whatever your décor, you’ll find something that fits your vision—and with Ross’s, you can see all the latest styles in-store.
Cost-Effectiveness
While costs are explored in more detail later, it’s worth noting that wood look floor tile often delivers great value for money. You get the premium appearance of timber at a price point that’s typically lower than hardwood, and with far fewer maintenance costs over the years.
Eco-Friendly Choice
For those who care about sustainability, choosing tile that resembles wood means no trees are felled, and you get a beautiful floor with a lighter environmental footprint. Plus, with long product life, you won’t need to replace them often.
TL;DR: Wood look tiles give you the beauty of timber with the durability, easy care, and versatility of tile—making them perfect for busy homes, wet areas, and anyone who wants style without the stress.
Drawbacks & Disadvantages of Wood Look Tiles
While wood look tiles have a lot going for them, they aren’t the perfect fit for every space. It’s worth understanding the disadvantages of wood look tiles before you commit—so you can make an informed choice that works for your lifestyle and your home.
Comfort & Warmth
One of the main disadvantages of wood tiles is that they can feel harder and colder underfoot than real timber or vinyl flooring. Unlike wood, tile flooring that looks like wood doesn’t have natural warmth or “give,” which can be noticeable in bedrooms or living areas during cooler months. Rugs and underfloor heating are popular solutions if you love the look but want extra comfort.
Installation
Proper installation is crucial for wood look ceramic tile or porcelain. These tiles need a level, stable subfloor and should be installed by a professional for the best results. The process can be more involved and costly than laying floating floors or vinyl planks, and cutting large plank tiles requires skill and the right equipment.
Grout Lines
Even the best tile that looks like wood will have grout lines, which can sometimes break up the seamless timber effect if not handled well. Choosing a grout colour that closely matches your tile and opting for rectified edges can help minimise the visual impact. Wide grout joints or poorly matched colours can spoil the overall look.
Risk of Cracking
Like any tile, wood look floor tile can crack if installed over an uneven surface or if the subfloor shifts. Porcelain options tend to be more durable and less prone to cracking than ceramic, but quality preparation and installation are still essential to prevent problems down the track.
Repair/Replacement Difficulty
Another potential drawback of wood appearance tile is that if a tile is damaged, replacing a single piece can be tricky—especially if the exact style is discontinued. In comparison, individual planks of vinyl or timber are usually easier to swap out.
Not All Tiles Are Equal
There’s a big range in quality and realism when it comes to wood effect tiles. Cheaper products may look artificial or wear out faster, while premium options—like those found at Ross’s Discount Home Centre—are carefully selected for their lifelike appearance and durability.
TL;DR: Wood look tiles are stylish and tough, but they can be harder and colder than real wood, require careful installation, and depend on good grout and prep for the best effect.
Wood Look Tiles vs Alternatives
If you’re not sure whether wood look tiles are the best fit for your space, it helps to compare them side-by-side with other popular flooring choices. Let’s look at how wood effect tiles stack up against real timber, luxury vinyl planks, and laminate or engineered timber, focusing on appearance, durability, moisture resistance, and cost. The team at Ross’s Discount Home Centre can help you weigh up all the options and find what works best for your renovation.
Wood Look Tiles vs Hardwood Timber
When it comes to style, the best wood look floor tile can be nearly indistinguishable from real hardwood at a glance—especially in larger plank sizes and textured finishes. The real difference is in performance: tiles that look like wood don’t scratch, stain, or warp like timber, and they’re perfect for wet areas or busy households. Maintenance is also much easier—no sanding or sealing required.
For a deeper dive, see our article: Benefits of Wood-Look Tiles Over Wooden Floorboards.
Wood Look Tiles vs Luxury Vinyl Planks
Luxury vinyl flooring has come a long way, with great wood visuals and a softer, warmer feel underfoot compared to tile. However, wood look porcelain tile is more scratch-resistant and will outlast vinyl in heavy-traffic areas or wet zones. Tiles are ideal if you need maximum water resistance, want a hardwearing surface, or are installing in a bathroom or laundry.
Want to see how tiles and engineered/vinyl flooring stack up? Check out our full comparison: Floor Tiles Vs Engineered Floorboards: Which is Best?.
Wood Look Tiles vs Laminate & Engineered Timber
Laminate and engineered timber offer a more affordable way to get a wood look, but they’re not as tough or moisture-resistant as tile that looks like wood. Laminate can be damaged by spills, and engineered boards may require periodic maintenance. Tiles win when it comes to long-term durability and cleaning ease.
Cost Comparison
One of the big questions is price. While wood effect tiles can be a little pricier to install than floating floors, they typically cost less over time thanks to their low maintenance and longer life.
For an in-depth breakdown of costs and value, see our guide: Price Comparison: Timber-Look Tiles Vs. the Alternatives.
TL;DR: Wood look tiles are the top choice for water resistance and longevity, especially in busy or wet areas. Vinyl is warmer underfoot, and laminate is cheaper upfront, but tile delivers the best mix of style, strength, and easy care for most homes.
Best Rooms and Applications for Wood Look Tiles
Wood look tiles are one of the most versatile flooring options for modern homes. Here’s where they really shine:
Best Rooms for Wood Look Tiles
- Bathrooms & Laundries: Their water resistance and easy maintenance make wood look tiles for bathrooms and laundry tiles a practical and stylish choice—no worries about moisture or stains.
- Kitchens: Withstanding spills, dropped pans, and daily traffic, wood look tiles in kitchens offer both beauty and durability.
- Living Areas & Family Rooms: Tile that looks like wood is ideal for high-traffic spaces, busy families, and pet owners—delivering a classic timber style that stands up to everyday life.
- Commercial Spaces: Perfect for shops, offices, or cafes seeking a warm look with commercial tile flooring performance.
- Outdoor Areas: Some outdoor-rated, slip-resistant wood effect tiles can even extend the timber look to patios or alfresco spaces.
Matching Any Style
- Modern, Hamptons, Coastal, Rustic, or Scandi: There’s a wood appearance tile to fit every décor—just ask our team at Ross’s for the latest trends, colours, and plank patterns.
Staff Tip: For seamless flow in open-plan homes, use the same wood look tile throughout kitchens, living, and dining spaces. Herringbone or chevron patterns add a designer feel, while wide planks are perfect for large areas.
Ross’s Discount Home Centre stocks a huge range of finishes and styles—visit in-store to see displays and get expert advice on the best option for your home.
TL;DR: Wood look tiles are perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, family areas, and commercial spaces—anywhere you want the style of timber, without the hassle.
Conclusion
Wood look tiles offer a winning combination for modern homes—bringing you the warmth and charm of timber, but with the durability, water resistance, and low maintenance of tile. While there are some drawbacks, like a firmer feel underfoot and the need for careful installation, the overall benefits make tile flooring that looks like wood a smart, stylish choice for almost any room.
If you’re planning a renovation or building new, visit Ross’s Discount Home Centre to explore our wide range of wood appearance tile options in ceramic and porcelain. Our team can help you compare styles, offer expert advice, and show you the latest trends in our Perth tile showroom. With the right selection, you’ll get the look you love—without the hassles of real timber.
FAQs: Wood Look Tiles
Have questions about wood look tiles? Here are answers to some of the most common queries from Perth renovators and homeowners.
