9 Reasons to Love Timber-Look Tiles in the Bathroom
Timber-look tiles solve the problem of moisture warping timber in the bathroom, and they've never looked better
Timber has been warming up cool, contemporary kitchens for a while now, with some spectacular results. Until recently though, the same tactic has not been easily applied to a modern bathroom in need of a little texture, tone or rusticity, because of timber’s porosity. Thankfully, timber-look tiles are here to change all that.
Whether oak, cedar, or Scandi-style pine, timber-look tiles now not only look more realistic, they also come in lengths similar to those of the floorboards in the rest of your home. This could be just the excuse you’ve been waiting for to kick off your next bathroom renovation.
Whether oak, cedar, or Scandi-style pine, timber-look tiles now not only look more realistic, they also come in lengths similar to those of the floorboards in the rest of your home. This could be just the excuse you’ve been waiting for to kick off your next bathroom renovation.
2. They look like the real deal
Timber-look tiles now replicate all the nuances, grains and knots of real timber. “With the latest ink-jet technologies, tile manufacturers are now able to produce designs so realistic that at first look you would think it’s real timber,” says Ceramo Tiles interior designer Renae Tropiano. “We can now have the look of timber but with all the technical properties of porcelain, and without the ongoing maintenance that comes with using the natural product.”
Glazed porcelain timber-look tiles are durable, stain-resistant and maintenance-free. “With such a wide range of styles available and new, unique designs released all the time, the timber-look tile trend is definitely growing in popularity and is here to stay,” Tropiano says.
Browse bathrooms featuring medium-toned wood
Timber-look tiles now replicate all the nuances, grains and knots of real timber. “With the latest ink-jet technologies, tile manufacturers are now able to produce designs so realistic that at first look you would think it’s real timber,” says Ceramo Tiles interior designer Renae Tropiano. “We can now have the look of timber but with all the technical properties of porcelain, and without the ongoing maintenance that comes with using the natural product.”
Glazed porcelain timber-look tiles are durable, stain-resistant and maintenance-free. “With such a wide range of styles available and new, unique designs released all the time, the timber-look tile trend is definitely growing in popularity and is here to stay,” Tropiano says.
Browse bathrooms featuring medium-toned wood
3. They add warmth and character
“Being a space for relaxation, timber can add a calming feel to bathrooms,” Tropiano says. “It has always been a popular material to bring warmth, character and texture and now we can achieve the timber look in bathrooms without worrying about moisture damage.”
Ceramo’s Oxford range is available in widths of 143 or 220 millimetres and in 900-millimetre lengths. “We are finding ranges with heavier variations and pattern are also becoming increasingly popular, such as the Rhone Cru, which is inspired by the rustic grains and knots of traditional wine barrels,” says Tropiano.
“Being a space for relaxation, timber can add a calming feel to bathrooms,” Tropiano says. “It has always been a popular material to bring warmth, character and texture and now we can achieve the timber look in bathrooms without worrying about moisture damage.”
Ceramo’s Oxford range is available in widths of 143 or 220 millimetres and in 900-millimetre lengths. “We are finding ranges with heavier variations and pattern are also becoming increasingly popular, such as the Rhone Cru, which is inspired by the rustic grains and knots of traditional wine barrels,” says Tropiano.
4. They suit any style of bathroom
Timber-look tiles can be just as suitable for light-filled bathrooms in need of a rustic touch as they are for sultry bathrooms in an ultra-modern setting. The clever lighting in this bathroom accentuates the timber tones.
Tip: As a general rule, order a minimum of three extra tiles (or about two per cent of the total job quantity) in case you need to replace a cracked or damaged tile in the future – this avoids the frustration of trying to match a tile in a style that’s been discontinued.
Timber-look tiles can be just as suitable for light-filled bathrooms in need of a rustic touch as they are for sultry bathrooms in an ultra-modern setting. The clever lighting in this bathroom accentuates the timber tones.
Tip: As a general rule, order a minimum of three extra tiles (or about two per cent of the total job quantity) in case you need to replace a cracked or damaged tile in the future – this avoids the frustration of trying to match a tile in a style that’s been discontinued.
As for grout, Tropiano says: “We usually recommend selecting the closest match to the tiles for a seamless appearance, although some clients choose a darker colour as a contrast to accentuate the staggered/floorboard look.”
5. They set the scene for greatness
A timber-look floor in the bathroom provides the same design opportunities as it does in the rest of the home; timber floors create a warm but neutral backdrop that allows other features to shine – in this case, the textured wall and dramatic vanity.
Earp Bros’ extensive collection of timber-look tiles ranges from white-washed Scandi-style tiles to sophisticated tiles in grey and even almost-black versions, with clearly-defined grains and authentic ‘timber’ frame variations.
A timber-look floor in the bathroom provides the same design opportunities as it does in the rest of the home; timber floors create a warm but neutral backdrop that allows other features to shine – in this case, the textured wall and dramatic vanity.
Earp Bros’ extensive collection of timber-look tiles ranges from white-washed Scandi-style tiles to sophisticated tiles in grey and even almost-black versions, with clearly-defined grains and authentic ‘timber’ frame variations.
6. They add an earthy vibe
Setting real timber against timber-look tiles can bring a range of earthy textures to a neutral palette. A mix of timber and timber-look tiles have been used throughout this Sydney home.
Setting real timber against timber-look tiles can bring a range of earthy textures to a neutral palette. A mix of timber and timber-look tiles have been used throughout this Sydney home.
7. Many shapes, colours and ‘species’ are available
Kalafrana Ceramics has been importing timber-look tiles from Spain for the past 19 years. “They have improved over the last five to six years as manufacturers have moved to digital print technology and larger sized tiles,” says owner Charles Chetcuti. “New lines as long as 1.8 metres are now available from leading European manufacturers.”
Kalafrana’s best-selling range is the LaMumbla series from Spain, which comes in five colours and three different sizes. “It has amazing detail replicating hardwood timber; it also has a high frame rate of 33, which is the key to its authenticity in replicating the real thing.”
What’s frame rate, you ask? “A frame is an individual and unique print,” Chetcuti explains. A frame rate of 33 means that in each colour there are 33 individual and unique prints. “With real timber no two pieces are identical; if the eye sees the same print repeating over and over it looks so, so, fake,” Chetcuti says. “Quality is not just how straight or how hardwearing a tile is, but also how authentic it looks; the good-quality versions can look so realistic but also have the mechanical benefits of tiles.”
Kalafrana Ceramics has been importing timber-look tiles from Spain for the past 19 years. “They have improved over the last five to six years as manufacturers have moved to digital print technology and larger sized tiles,” says owner Charles Chetcuti. “New lines as long as 1.8 metres are now available from leading European manufacturers.”
Kalafrana’s best-selling range is the LaMumbla series from Spain, which comes in five colours and three different sizes. “It has amazing detail replicating hardwood timber; it also has a high frame rate of 33, which is the key to its authenticity in replicating the real thing.”
What’s frame rate, you ask? “A frame is an individual and unique print,” Chetcuti explains. A frame rate of 33 means that in each colour there are 33 individual and unique prints. “With real timber no two pieces are identical; if the eye sees the same print repeating over and over it looks so, so, fake,” Chetcuti says. “Quality is not just how straight or how hardwearing a tile is, but also how authentic it looks; the good-quality versions can look so realistic but also have the mechanical benefits of tiles.”
8. No maintenance is required
Timber-look tiles are becoming more popular as people are become aware of such materials existing, Chetcuti says. “They’re hard-wearing, maintenance free, UV and water tolerant, and cost effective.” Unlike natural timber, which needs to be sealed regularly to keep it waterproof, timber-look tiles just need to be cleaned.
These Spanish porcelain floor tiles are designed to have the look of a recycled timber floor. Chetcuti recommends opting for planks at least 910 millimetres long in bathrooms for an authentic look.
Tip: When using timber-look tiles on a bathroom floor, Chetcuti says a slot or linear drain must be used to achieve the falls required for adequate drainage.
Secrets of success: tile cleaning
Timber-look tiles are becoming more popular as people are become aware of such materials existing, Chetcuti says. “They’re hard-wearing, maintenance free, UV and water tolerant, and cost effective.” Unlike natural timber, which needs to be sealed regularly to keep it waterproof, timber-look tiles just need to be cleaned.
These Spanish porcelain floor tiles are designed to have the look of a recycled timber floor. Chetcuti recommends opting for planks at least 910 millimetres long in bathrooms for an authentic look.
Tip: When using timber-look tiles on a bathroom floor, Chetcuti says a slot or linear drain must be used to achieve the falls required for adequate drainage.
Secrets of success: tile cleaning
9. Breaking the rules is encouraged
Contrasting timber-look tiles on the floor and walls can create a look with impact. These Aparici floor tiles are in ‘Sonar Vestige Natural’, while the timber-look wall tiles are ‘Provenza Quercia Ossidata’, both from Better Tiles.
Contrasting timber-look tiles on the floor and walls can create a look with impact. These Aparici floor tiles are in ‘Sonar Vestige Natural’, while the timber-look wall tiles are ‘Provenza Quercia Ossidata’, both from Better Tiles.
YOUR SAY
Would you consider timber-look tiles in the bathroom? Tell us in the Comments.
MORE
Browse more bathroom ideas
Would you consider timber-look tiles in the bathroom? Tell us in the Comments.
MORE
Browse more bathroom ideas
Timber-look tiles have dramatically expanded the options available to bathroom renovators, especially those looking to create a spa-like oasis that’s so on trend.
Running light, timber-look tiles from the floor up the wall vastly enhances the sense of space in this bathroom, as does opting for a screen-free shower and tucking the drain in along the wall.