How to Use Wood-Look Tile for Your Outdoor Space

Wood-look tile is taking the interior design industry by storm in recent years, and there’s no doubt it will continue to be a top tile trend for years to come. In fact, faux wood flooring is bursting out of the interior design space and making a big impact when it comes to outdoor applications.

The best way to bring the warmth and charm of hardwood to your outdoor space, porcelain wood-look tile has the added bonus of extreme durability—making it perfect for exterior use. Let’s take a look at some of our favorite ways to use this trend-setting tile outdoors.

Wood-Look Pool Deck

Porcelain wood-look tile captures the earthy, warm aesthetic of real wood, making it a natural choice for your pool deck. The realistic woodgrain appearance and versatile hues of plank tile like the popular Aequa series provide a stunning complement to the blues and greens of pool water. If you’re looking for a pool deck tile that feels natural and contemporary, outdoor tile that looks like wood is the way to go.

A stunning look isn’t the only thing that makes Aequa tile an excellent option for pool decking. Our soon-to-be-released R-11 finish is an innovation that creates an anti-slip surface on your favorite wood-look tiles. Ideal for slippery areas like pools and shower surrounds, R-11 will also be available with our newest upcoming wood-look series, More Wood.

Wood-Look Patio

Few outdoor looks are as classic and desirable as a beautiful expanse of wood planks on a deck or patio. However, real wood requires continuous upkeep and maintenance that can make it a sub-par choice for busy homeowners or those looking for a long-lasting material. When it comes to achieving that balance of wood-look style and weather-proof durability on your patio, porcelain is a top choice.

If you’re designing wood-look tile patio, there are plenty of options on the market so you can find the exact shade and finish you’re looking for. The Sav Wood series offers a straightforward, modern look with classic hardwood colors that would complement virtually any patio design. The striking variety of Savannah offers rich hues that are perfect for playing up contrast. Legno gives a real sense of visual texture and a trendy, weathered look reminiscent of barn wood.

No matter what style you choose, plank tiles create gorgeous flooring that will give your patio a warm, inviting feel.

Contrasting Textures

Pair wood-look porcelain with tile in a contrasting texture for a stylish impact in your outdoor space. The look of wood alongside cement, metal or natural stone adds a dynamic touch and makes a statement. Need some inspiration? Check out the metallic look of Stage (available in a striking Boss finish with anti-slip texture) or the clean concrete aesthetic of Cemento Cassero. Each of these porcelain tile options delivers a striking contrast against wood-look tile with that same, unbeatable durability, making them perfect for outdoor use.

Whether you envision a backyard patio that’s made entirely of your favorite wood-look porcelain plank, or you simply want to infuse a touch of woodgrain style into your outdoor space, we hope these ideas will help inspire a stunning outdoor tile project.

For a better idea of how wood-look tile will look in your outdoor space, take a spin on the Just Imagine Visualizer from Arizona Tile.