How to Choose the Best Wood Tile Shower: Designs, Costs & Brands

Bathrooms are no longer just functional spaces—they’re evolving into personal retreats where style, comfort, and durability matter. One of the biggest design trends in modern bathrooms is the wood tile shower. These tiles mimic the natural beauty of wood but provide the strength and water resistance of ceramic or porcelain. If you love the warm look of wood but don’t want the hassle of maintaining real timber in a wet environment, wood tile showers are the perfect solution.

In this guide, you’ll discover the best wood tile shower designs, costs, brands, pros and cons, installation and shopping tips, and even explore options for both shower floors and walls.

What Is a Wood Tile Shower?

A wood tile shower uses porcelain or ceramic tiles that look like natural wood planks. These tiles come in various shades and textures—oak, walnut, ash, or even distressed barnwood—giving you the cozy charm of timber without worrying about water damage. Unlike real wood, they are resistant to moisture, mold, and mildew, making them ideal for wet spaces.

Benefits of Choosing a Wood Tile Shower

Natural Aesthetic – Brings the warmth of wood into your bathroom.
Durability – Porcelain and ceramic tiles resist scratches, chips, and water.
Low Maintenance – Easy to clean and maintain compared to real wood.
Design Flexibility – Available in a wide variety of patterns, shades, and sizes.
Cost-Effective Luxury – Provides a premium look without the high expense of hardwood.

Pros & Cons of Wood Tile Showers

Pros	Cons
Water-resistant & ideal for showers	Feels colder underfoot than real wood
Affordable compared to hardwood	Grout requires cleaning and sealing
Available in endless styles & finishes	Installation can be time-consuming
Long-lasting and durable	Doesn’t perfectly replicate the warmth of real wood

Wood Tile Shower Floor

Using wood tile on your shower floor creates a spa-like atmosphere while ensuring safety and durability. Modern tiles are designed with slip-resistant finishes, making them safe for wet environments. Popular choices include:

Plank-style tiles for a natural wood floor look.
Herringbone patterns to add texture and elegance.
Rustic finishes for a farmhouse or cabin-inspired bathroom.

When installing wood tile floors, ensure you choose a product rated for wet areas and use the right grout to prevent water seepage.

Wood Tile Shower Walls

Wood-look tiles are also perfect for shower walls. They can be used as:

Accent walls to create a focal point.
Full wall coverage for a warm, uniform look.
Vertical layouts for a modern twist.
Light wood tones to brighten small bathrooms.
Dark finishes for bold, luxurious designs.

Light oak wood tile shower walls with vertical layout — Wood Tile Shower Wall with Light Oak Finish

Unlike paint or wallpaper, tile walls are waterproof, durable, and easy to maintain.

Popular Designs for Wood Tile Showers

One of the best things about choosing a wood tile shower is the wide variety of design options it offers. Whether you prefer a rustic farmhouse look or a sleek modern finish, wood-look tiles can be customized to suit your style. Here are some of the most popular designs:

1. Farmhouse Rustic Charm

If you love the warm, inviting look of old barns or reclaimed timber, rustic-style wood tiles are an excellent choice. They often come in darker shades like walnut or weathered oak, with distressed or textured finishes that replicate aged wood. This style works beautifully with black fixtures and vintage-inspired bathroom décor.

Farmhouse-style shower with dark rustic wood-look tiles. — Rustic Farmhouse Wood Tile Shower

2. Modern Minimalist

For those who prefer clean lines and simple aesthetics, light-toned wood tiles such as ash, birch, or white oak are ideal. These tiles create an airy, open feel in the bathroom. Pairing them with frameless glass shower doors and matte black or chrome fixtures adds to the minimalist look while keeping the focus on the wood texture.

Minimalist Wood Tile Shower with Light Ash Finish — Minimalist wood tile shower with light ash tiles

3. Spa-Inspired Retreat

Wood tile showers are perfect for creating a spa-like atmosphere at home. Neutral shades—beige, light brown, and sand tones—combined with natural stone or pebble flooring evoke relaxation. Adding greenery or bamboo-inspired accessories enhances the calm, spa-inspired environment.

4. Chevron and Herringbone Patterns

If you want to make your shower stand out, chevron and herringbone layouts are timeless choices. These patterns add movement and sophistication to the space, turning an ordinary wall or floor into a statement feature. They work well in both small and large showers, and the angled designs make bathrooms appear more dynamic.

5. Mixed Material Designs

Wood tile pairs beautifully with other materials, such as marble, glass, or concrete-look tiles. For example, using wood tile on the shower walls with a marble bench or glass accents adds contrast and visual interest. This combination creates a luxurious yet balanced look.

6. Dark & Moody Luxury

Deep espresso or charcoal-toned wood tiles bring richness and drama to the bathroom. This style works particularly well in large showers or master bathrooms where bold design choices won’t overwhelm the space. To keep it elegant, pair dark wood-look tiles with gold or brass fixtures.

7. Coastal-Inspired Light Woods

For a beachy, coastal feel, lighter shades like driftwood or sandy oak are perfect. These tiles mimic sun-bleached timber, bringing a relaxed and breezy vibe to the bathroom. Pair with white walls and sea-inspired accessories to complete the look.

If you’re looking for more inspiration, Houzz features hundreds of wood tile shower designs that highlight different layouts, tones, and finishes.

Best Tiles for Modern Bathrooms

When choosing tiles, consider:

Finish – Matte and textured finishes offer slip resistance and a natural look.
Size – Large-format tiles reduce grout lines, creating a sleek appearance.
Style – Distressed wood tiles add character, while smooth tiles suit contemporary spaces.
Slip Resistance – Essential for shower floors to prevent accidents.

Eco-conscious homeowners can also explore eco-friendly porcelain options made with recycled materials.

Cost of Wood Tile Showers

The cost of a wood tile shower depends on tile quality, size, and installation method.

Tile Prices: $3 to $12 per square foot on average.
Installation Costs: $8 to $15 per square foot if done professionally.
DIY Installation: More affordable, but requires skill and proper waterproofing.
Extra Expenses: Grout, sealant, and underlayment can add to total costs.

Overall, a wood tile shower can range from $1,500 to $5,000 depending on size and finishes.

Top Wood Tile Shower Brands to Consider

When shopping, look for trusted brands known for durability and design variety:

Daltile – Known for stylish, affordable options.
Marazzi – Offers trendy finishes and wood-look collections.
MSI Surfaces – Wide variety of textures and colors.
Porcelanosa – Premium, luxury wood-look tiles.

These brands are available through local tile stores, big-box retailers, and online platforms.

Installation & Shopping Tips

Preparation is Key – Measure accurately and waterproof the shower area before installation.
Choose Grout Wisely – Neutral grout enhances the wood look, while darker grout hides stains.
DIY vs. Professional – DIY saves money but professional installation ensures durability.
Shop Smart – Buy during sales, consider outlet stores, and compare prices online.
Check Ratings – Ensure tiles are rated for wet areas and have slip resistance.

Maintenance & Care for Wood Tile Showers

Clean regularly with mild soap and water.
Avoid harsh cleaners that can damage grout.
Reseal grout lines every 1–2 years.
Ventilate your bathroom to prevent mold and mildew buildup.

With minimal effort, a wood tile shower can look brand new for decades.

Conclusion

A wood tile shower offers the perfect balance of style, durability, and affordability. Whether you want rustic charm or sleek modern design, these tiles provide endless possibilities for customization. By considering designs, costs, installation, and top brands, you can choose a shower that not only looks stunning but also stands the test of time.

If you’re planning to upgrade your bathroom, a wood tile shower is a smart investment that combines beauty with practicality.