Wood tile countertop ideas

Wood Tile Countertops (Ceramic & Porcelain Ideas)

These wood tile countertops ideas showcase designs with ceramic and porcelain tile, using floor wood tile for countertops, and tips on how to maintain them.

A countertop, whether it’s for the kitchen or the bathroom, needs to be durable and aesthetically pleasing. And one of the most durable with stunning stains and designs is an authentic hardwood countertop.

The downside though is that they can be expensive so if you have a limited budget, this is not a good option. To get durability, excellent aesthetics, and lower cost compared to hardwood material, you can choose wood tile for your countertop instead.

While they may have started out as a fad, wood tiles became a constant in the market because they seamlessly gained popularity with homeowners as a more affordable alternative to hardwood countertops.

Yes, even with a limited budget you can now enjoy the elegant aesthetics of natural wood in your home. But what are wood tiles and what would you be dealing with if you choose this material for your countertops?

Table of Contents

What Are Ceramic Wood Tile Countertops

Wood tiles are generally designed to look like authentic wood but are actually made from porcelain or ceramic. Ceramic wood tile countertops are elements of the home that may look like wood but are manufactured from ceramic tiles, which usually come in planks rather than squares.

These tiles though can also be manufactured in unique shapes, proof of the material’s versatility. See our guide on countertops that look like wood here.

For many years, butcher block countertops are popular, not just for the natural wood look with rich and varied texture. This is the reason why these countertops rule the kitchen of homeowners. This changed with the introduction of wood tile countertops, offering both affordability and versatility.

Manufacturing ceramic wood tiles make use of new technologies that allow the creation of new textures, shapes, and designs. The design looks so real that you won’t be able to differentiate these tiles from authentic butcher blocks or hardwood countertops.

The wood-like tiles even have marks and chipped edges, creating even more realistic designs, along with particular patterns and wood graining.

Ceramic wood tile countertops are also more durable, able to handle scratches from pets and shoe scuffs at the same time. The tiles are also UV-resistant, which means that the color and designs don’t fade even with sunlight exposure.

It is also bacteria-resistant, making it an excellent option for bathrooms and kitchens. Compared to porcelain though, ceramic tiles don’t have excellent water protection.

Ceramic wood tiles are also easy-to-clean, making them easier to maintain. Well-maintained ceramic wood tile countertops can last longer than natural wood countertops, around 50 to 100 years, and look even brand new after then.

Wood Tile Countertop Ideas

The best thing about wood tiles is their versatility, resulting in a variety of ideas you can integrate into your countertops. You will always need to consider all other elements in your kitchen or bathroom if you’re planning on using wood tile countertops.

Check out these wood tile countertop ideas you can use as inspiration.

Fresh And Natural Look Countertops

If you choose wood tile countertops, it means you are bringing an element of the outdoor inside your home. Despite not using a natural material, these countertops can imitate the realistic look of wood.

You can use them to go with a natural theme inside the home, with hardwood flooring and wooden pieces of furniture. Use neutral colors along with these wooden and wood-like elements in order to add warmth to the space in general.

Modern Wood Countertops

With the versatility that wood tiles offer, they can come in a variety of sizes and designs. This gives way to wood-like tiles with round ages and even an octagon shape, giving the countertops this modern look you wouldn’t find in natural wooden countertops.

The new shapes create a unique countertop with an interesting edge, whether a smooth and contoured one from wound wood tiles to a countertop that has more corners than just a rectangle. Check out more ideas in our wood kitchen countertops design guide.

Can You Use Wood Look Floor Tile On Countertops?

The most popular types of tiles used for kitchen countertops include quartz, granite, mosaic, and ceramic tiles. And wood tiles, while having aesthetics like wood, are made from porcelain and ceramic. So yes, you can use wood look floor tiles on your countertops, whether it’s in the kitchen or bathroom.

Ceramic and porcelain wood tiles are materials that are heat-resistant and stain-resistant, with a variety of sizes, colors, and shapes. More than that, these tiles are also incredibly durable, making them great options for countertops that are abused every day from tasks like food preparation.

How Do You Maintain A Tile Countertop?

A tile countertop is a popular addition to one’s home and one of the top reasons for that is that it’s easy to clean and maintain. Unlike other materials, these countertops do not require thorough cleaning and meticulous maintenance.

If you use butcher block, you will need to protect the surface since the material is naturally porous. The sealant will protect the wood from moisture and other elements and oiling may also be necessary to maintain that glossy and stunning look. These are something you don’t need to worry about with wood tile countertops.

Wood tile countertops offer the stunning aesthetics of wooden countertops without the rigorous cleaning and maintenance that come with them. These tile countertops are water-resistant, which means moisture is both something to think about. And if they are made from porcelain, bacteria won’t be an issue either.

Here are some tasks you need to do to maintain your wood tile countertops:

1. Get a sponge or washcloth and wipe the countertops after food preparation

2. If necessary and if you see stubborn grime, grease, or dirt, spray an all-purpose kitchen cleaning solution and wipe it down after a few minutes

3. Wipe spills immediately after you see them

4. Scrub food deposits on the surface and grout lines of the countertops using a small brush

5. Do not use acid-based cleaners on the countertop like vinegar because they can damage the glossy surface of the ceramic or porcelain tiles

6. Make sure you seal the grout lines of the tiles at least annually because they are the part of the countertops that’s porous and can be damaged by moisture and lead up to mold buildup

Regular maintenance is the key to keeping and maintaining the quality of wood tile countertops even with smaller tasks like daily wipe up. You might also want to consider deep cleaning and polishing every now and then but they are not required.

For more ideas check out our guide on wood countertops pros and cons.

DIY Countertops - 8 Ideas to Steal

Faux Concrete

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A refinishing kit brings faux concrete countertops easily within reach. Here, thin applications of different coatings were layered directly over an existing laminate counter and within three days, the job was complete. Many remodelers are happy to discover that updating the kitchen countertops actually makes the cabinets look new, too. Win-win.

Related—How To: Make DIY Concrete Countertops

thediyvillage.com

Painted Tile

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Does your tile countertop look dated? Why not do as Live Love DIY did and drag yours into the present with a tub-and-tile refinishing kit? The epoxy product completely covers tile and grout—and everything else you can't bear to look at anymore!

Related—How To: Paint Tile

livelovediy.com

Stained Butcher Block

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With only a few coats of stain, you can transform conventional butcher block into something that's both eye-catching and refined. this & that reveals that the trick is to apply wood conditioner before the stain. Afterward, follow up with tung oil not only to seal out moisture, but also to enhance the natural color and luster of the material.

Related: 12 Wow-Worthy Woods for Kitchen Countertops

kleypas.blogspot.com

Faux Granite

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Gorgeous granite may not be in your budget, but with the right paint kit, you can get the look for much, much less—about $70. The process involves using sponges of different sizes to apply several lays of mineral paint over a dark primer. It's by no means a cinch to get done, but at least for Release Me Creations, the impressive results were well worth it.

Related—Buyer's Guide: Granite Countertops

releasemecreate.blogspot.com

Tricolor Wood

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Homeowners love wood countertops because when properly maintained, they are durable and long-lasting. Plus—for amateur woodworkers who own the appropriate tools—installation is a DIY-friendly affair. By alternating wood stains, Hart's Design Photograph gave a one-of-a-kind look to a timeless kitchen design choice.

hartsdesirephoto.com

Tile Mosaic

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With preparation, you can install a tile mosaic directly over an existing countertop, as My Two Butterflies managed to accomplish here. The part we like best about such an approach is how it enables you to employ leftover or reclaimed tile. Oh, and smashing tile is lots of fun.

Related—How To: Work with Mosaic Tile

mytwobutterflies.blogspot.com

Live Edge Wood

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If you favor the rustic look of natural wood, it doesn't get more rustic than Douglas fir planks with the bark left on. AndreaQueenB brought out the beauty of the material with sanding and sealing, so if you wish to follow her lead, remember that patience is a virtue. The upshot is that your sweat equity can introduce unique kitchen style at a cost lower than that of almost any other countertop material.

queenbandme.com

For More.

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Don't Miss!

If you have the money to hire a handyman for every household woe, go ahead. But if you want to hang on to your cash and exercise some self-sufficiency, check out these clever products that solve a million and one little problems around the house. Go now!

Beautiful kitchens with wooden worktops and mosaic tile backsplash - 135 best photos of kitchen interior design beige fronts, wooden worktop, multicolor splashback, mosaic tile splashback, gray floor and beige worktop without island

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Bailie Scott House Kitchen

British Standard by Plain English

Cupboards painted in "Hardwick White No: 5" by Farrow and Ball. Tourmaline ironmongery available from British Standard with a kitchen order. Copper sink by The French House (no longer available).

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HAYNES & GARTHWAITE ARCHITECTS

Photographer: Greg Hubbard
Stylish design: large classic-style kitchen-living room with a monolithic sink, shaker-style cabinets, beige cabinets, green splashback, wooden appliances, stainless steel worktop, mosaic backsplash, medium parquet floor and island - latest trend

Projet DENFERT - Création d'un studio dans une ancienne loge de gardienne

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Fresh design idea: small straight fusion kitchen-living room with single sink, white cabinets, wood countertops, pink splashback, mosaic tile splashback, light parquet flooring, beige flooring, brown countertops and window sink - great interior photo

Beautiful and Bright Ful Kitchen Remodel

BPL Design Group

Fun and Family Oriented Kitchen and Family Room Remodel. ..complete with wall removal
Design ideas for a large fusion style corner kitchen-living room with a semi-recessed sink (with front rim), blue cabinets, wood countertops, colorful splashback, mosaic tile splashback, white appliances, limestone flooring, island, beige flooring, brown countertops. and shaker facades

Southern Eclectic Cottage

Folkway Design & Wares Co.

Photography: Jen Burner Photography stainless steel, wooden floor, brown countertop, white floor and window sink without island

Reforma de vivienda en el barrio de Sarriá

ABAG

Fotógrafo: Adrià Goula
Fresh design idea: small loft-style u-shaped kitchen with dining table, flat cabinets, light wood cabinets, wooden worktops, beige splashback

Extown Cottage

David D Harlan Architects LLC

Kitchen and Great Room "2012 Alice Washburn Award" Winning Home - A. I.A. Connecticut Read more at https://ddharlanarchitects.com/tag/alice-washburn/ “2014 Stanford White Award, Residential Architecture – New Construction Under 5000 SF, Extown Farm Cottage, David D. Harlan Architects LLC”, The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art (ICAA). “2009 ‘Grand Award’ Builder’s Design and Planning”, Builder Magazine and The National Association of Home Builders. “2009 People's Choice Award”, A.I.A. Connecticut. "The 2008 Residential Design Award", ASID Connecticut “The 2008 Pinnacle Award for Excellence”, ASID Connecticut. “HOBI Connecticut 2008 Award, ‘Best Not So Big House’”, Connecticut Home Builders Association.

Alpine Abode

Brandalyn Designs

Kitchen | A space that feels fresh, inviting and spacious, perfect for family time, entertaining, and cooking up a fabulous meal.
Homely inspiration: large modernist corner kitchen-living room with semi-recessed sink (with front edge), shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, wood worktops, white splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light parquet floor and island

California Dreaming - Kitchen

Curate by Tara

Mekenzie France Photography Renovation completed by Carolina Classic Builders, Charlotte NC
Fresh design idea: large fusion style corner kitchen-living room with sink sink, piping fronts, white fronts, wood countertops, white splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances , medium parquet floors and an island - great interior photo

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Del Mar Coastal Mediterranean Custom Remodel

Inplace Studio

Wood-Mode and Brookhaven kitchen with a Walnut Spekva island and travertine floors
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Beaver Creek Re-Creation

Cohen Construction Inc.

Homely inspiration: large modern style u-shaped kitchen with recessed infill cabinets, stainless steel appliances, sink sink, green cabinets, wood worktops, colorful splashback, mosaic tile splashback, medium hardwood floors, peninsula , brown floor and bar counter

Mill Valley Ranch

Sandra Bird Designs, Inc.

Tony Metaxas
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Eclectic Kitchen Renovation

Astro Design Center

Double Space Photography Ottawa
A fresh design idea for a mid-sized neoclassical (modern classic) corner kitchen-living room with wood countertops, white cabinets, multicolored splashback, stainless steel appliances, recessed infill cabinets, mosaic tile splashback, dark parquet flooring, island and brown floor - great interior photo

My Houzz: Custom Transitional Home With Ocean View

Becki Peckham

Becki Peckham | Bold Creative © 2012 Houzz
Stylish design: neoclassical (modern classic) corner kitchen with wood countertops, piping fronts, white fronts, colorful splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances and beautiful tiles - the latest trend

Spring Fresh

Hart Associates Architects, Inc.

Photo by: Cheryle St. Onge
Home inspired classic kitchen with wood countertops, white cabinets and mosaic tile backsplash

Beautiful Laguna Kitchen Remodel | Burnsville, MN | White Birch Design LLC

White Birch Design, LLC

This 1970's home had a complete makeover! The goal of the project was to 1) open up the main floor living and gathering spaces and 2) create a more beautiful and functional kitchen. We took out the dividing wall between the front living room and the kitchen and dining room to create one large gathering space, perfect for a young family and for entertaining friends! Onto the exciting part - the kitchen! The existing kitchen was U-Shaped with not much room to have more than 1 person working at a time. We kept the appliances in the same locations, but really expanded the amount of workspace and cabinet storage by taking out the peninsula and adding a large island. The cabinetry, from Holiday Kitchens, is a blue-gray color on the lowers and classic white on the uppers. The countertops are walnut butcherblock on the perimeter and a marble looking quartz on the island. The backsplash, one of our favorites, is a diamond shaped mosaic in a rhombus pattern, which adds just the right amount of texture without overpowering all the gorgeous details of the cabinets and countertops. The hardware is a champagne bronze - one thing we love to do is mix and match our metals! The faucet is from Kohler and is in Matte Black, the sink is from Blanco and is white. The flooring is a luxury vinyl plank with a warm wood tone - which helps bring all the elements of the kitchen together we think! Overall - this is one of our favorite kitchens to date - so many beautiful details on their own, but put together create this gorgeous kitchen!

Marshall Renovation

Dillon Kyle Architects (DKA)

Peter Molick Photography
Stylish design: medium-sized direct neoclassical (modern classic) kitchen-living room with semi-recessed sink (with a front edge), shaker-style fronts, gray backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, medium parquet floors, island, white fronts and wood countertops - the latest trend

33 photos, design ideas, pros and cons

Selection guide

Solid wood top is not cheap, so you should take your purchase seriously:

Decide on the type of tree. Which wooden countertop is more practical, let's talk further.
Inspect your kitchen countertop before purchasing. The surface should be smooth, without grooves, bumps, notches and, especially, cracks.
Check humidity. If the countertop has not yet been treated with anything, we advise you to make sure that the wood has dried properly. The maximum figure is 10-12%, if more, the board may bend over time. Conscientious manufacturers have a special device that shows humidity.

Important! Type-setting countertops are less prone to warping than layers of a solid array.

Take a look at the pattern. Do you like the texture of natural wood? Wooden countertops are usually not painted, so natural ornamentation should be appropriate.

Pros

Natural wood countertops have many benefits:

Environmental friendliness. Unlike laminated chipboard or other particle boards, solid oak or other wood is completely safe: no glue, resins or other substances are used in its production.
Texture. How not to find two identical fingerprints, and not to find identical patterns on saw cuts. You can be sure that your countertop is unique!
Ease of processing. For users, this means that you can make a wooden table top of any size and shape. Also cuts, millings are available.
Possibility of updating. If you scratch the laminated surface, it can only be replaced with a new one. Wood is easy to sand down, re-wax and it will serve you for many more years! By the way, the shade of the coating is also easy to change with the help of processing: light pine can be turned into dark walnut with just one movement.

Important! Over the years, the tree only gets better: it acquires character, density and strength accumulate.

The photo shows a modern island suite

Cons

Solid wood countertops have several disadvantages:

Complicated care. Everything is relative, but if it is enough to simply wipe the laminated chipboard with a cloth, then the wood coating should be renewed every few months: the wax or oil is scraped off and evaporated during operation. The exception is varnish, but scratches form on it.
High price. And again, everything is relative: compared to “artificial” materials, wood is not cheap, but it will last you much longer. But it is 2 times cheaper than stone.

Which wood is better to make?

When choosing a type of wood, you should remember one axiom: the more durable and stronger the array, the higher its cost.

The standard is oak or beech - these trees are among the most reliable, but at the same time the most expensive. But by investing now, you can be sure that for at least 20-25 years, replacement of a wooden countertop will not be needed.

Shields made of ash are slightly cheaper, but in terms of their characteristics they are in no way inferior to noble oak. The only thing to consider: the extremely high density and, as a result, the complexity of processing. Therefore, ash countertops usually have the most simple forms without patterns.

The photo shows a Scandinavian-style corner kitchen

The most budgetary solutions are pine, birch. Unfortunately, they also have the shortest life expectancy. In addition, pine is too soft, which means that it will not be difficult to damage the surface. Birch, in turn, actively responds to any changes: from changes in temperature, high humidity and even bright lighting, it can go cracks and flaws.

Medium price segment and a great alternative to the previous two - larch. It is not afraid of changes in temperature and humidity, it has a high density. Bonus: The composition of the wood contains a natural antiseptic that protects the tree from decay and mold.

The photo shows a combination of wood on the tabletop and shelves

Which apron is suitable?

Wood look countertops for the kitchen are ideally combined with white, so snow white is often chosen as a protective coating over the work area. Boar tiles, hexagons, white brick covered with glass, ordinary square tiles of any size will look great.

When ceramics are not an option, skinals come to the rescue. Preferably plain and light. Or a deep, rich shade.

If this combination seems boring, take a closer look at the stone. Both materials are natural, so it is not difficult to make friends with each other. Marble, slate, quartz looks appropriate.

Colored tiles - for lovers of bold solutions. Monochromatic or with a pattern (for example, oriental ornaments) attracts attention and is an accent in the interior. Plus, it's easy to take care of.

The execution of an apron depends not only on the combination with a wooden table top, but also on the style direction: for example, in a loft style, a red brick will look harmonious, but a glossy boar will not fit at all.

The photo shows a bright backsplash in combination with colored facades

Which set will look better with?

How to care?

So that you don't have to spend a lot of effort on caring for your solid wood worktop, follow the recommendations for working on it every day:

Use cutting boards. Yes, scratches can be sanded off, but it is better not to leave them initially.
Do not place hot dishes. More precisely - only on the stand, stains may remain.
Wipe up the water promptly. This is especially true for countertops without lacquer coating: the surface will darken from prolonged contact with moisture.
Wipe down the table frequently. Have you poured tea? Wipe. Finished cooking? Wipe. This simple action will save you energy in the future.

As far as direct care is concerned, it all depends on the impregnation of the wood. The varnish will last more than one year, it is easier to care for it, but the appearance is less aesthetic. Wax or oil is less durable and will have to be reapplied every 6-12 months. But at the same time, an oiled countertop looks better and is generally considered more environmentally friendly.

Important! Do not use aggressive and abrasive products in care - it is advisable to limit yourself to a soft sponge and soapy water.

Design options

The simplest and most modern look of any countertop in the work area is clean, straight lines.