Timber Tiles for Living Spaces; The Dos & Don'ts

Timber-Look Tiles: Natural Beauty, Modern Benefits

Kiwis love timber, and now you can enjoy the timeless warmth of wood with all the advantages of porcelain. Timber-look tiles offer the authentic texture and grain of real wood in a durable format that won't warp, scratch, or fade over time. Plus, they're flood-resistant—perfect for New Zealand’s varied climate.

Available in a wide range of warm, earthy tones—from beachy whites to soft beiges and rich browns, these tiles are ideal for living room floors, statement feature walls, and even bedrooms. See below for our full range of timber tiles.

In this Blog, we discuss the 'Dos and Don'ts' of timber tile and cover some of the commonly asked questions we get from customers! 

Timber-look tiles are the go-to solution for anyone craving the warmth of wood with the durability of tile. Whether you're renovating a bathroom, styling a kitchen, or refreshing an open-plan living area, timber-look tiles offer charm without compromise. But as with any material, there are some golden rules to follow — and a few pitfalls to avoid. Read on...

DO: Pay Attention to Layout Patterns

Tiles that mimic wood are long and narrow, making layout a crucial factor in achieving a realistic look. Popular options include:

Staggered or random planks (for a natural timber effect)

Herringbone or chevron (for added visual interest)

DON’T: Assume All Tiles Are Created Equal

There’s a big difference between high-definition inkjet-printed porcelain tiles and lower-quality ceramic options. Better tiles often have more variation in grain pattern, better edge precision, and stronger durability.

Check for: Rectified edges, high PEI ratings, and at least 5-6 faces (design variations) for realism. All of our timber tile ranges are rectified with PEI's of 4 and 5. Check them out below.

DO: Ensure your substrate is perfectly level to avoid uneven tile surfaces.

DO: Consider Grout Lines

With rectified porcelain timber-look tile, you can use a 2mm grout joint to keep grout lines to a minimum and on a professionally installed floor that is completely flat, you can reduce that grout line to 1.5mm!

DON’T: Skip Underfloor Considerations

For perfect temperature control in your entire home, consider installing underfloor heating, passive heat from the ground up.

DO: Choose the Right Finish for the Right Space

Matt finishes offer a more natural wood appearance and are ideal for living areas and bedrooms, while textured or anti-slip finishes are essential for wet areas like bathrooms and laundries. Glossy timber-look tiles may look sleek but can be slippery and less realistic.

DON’T: Mix Too Many Wood Tones

Timber-look tiles are made to mimic the depth and variation of real wood, but mixing too many shades can make your space feel chaotic. Stick with one main tone — whether it’s cool off-whites and greys, golden oak, or deep walnut — and build your palette around it.

DO: Use Matching or Complementary Grout

Choose a grout color that blends seamlessly with the tile to avoid visible lines that break up the wood illusion. A well-matched grout can make your tile floor look almost indistinguishable from real timber.

DO: Think Long-Term Sustainability

While not timber, all of our stocked timber-look tiles are porcelain which are highly durable and low maintenance — making them a sustainable option over time. Look for tiles with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) if you're factoring in environmental impact.

DO: Consider your Walls

Timber tiles aren’t just for floors; they can be stunning on walls too!

Whether you're aiming to create a cosy feature wall in the living room or add texture and warmth to a bathroom or hallway, timber-look tiles offer the beauty of wood and texture with the strength of tile. They resist moisture, scratches, and warping, making them perfect for vertical applications in areas where real timber might not be practical (particualrly in wet areas like bathrooms and laundries).

DON’T: Forget about Textured, Patterned Timber-look tiles!

With a wide variety of colours, textures and patterns in square or plank format, timber tiles can transform any blank wall into a visually rich, low-maintenance design statement. See our extensive range of wood-look patterned tile below!