How to Design Beautiful Interiors with Bamboo Wall Tiles

bamboo caramel brick offset pattern against blue wall

Bamboo tiles provide a fresh approach to surface design and are a hybrid of wall tiles and cladding. They can be used to create a 3-D wall or ‘fresco’ as well as conventional uses such as splash backs.

The BAMMURA BEVEL tiles were invented right here at UK Bamboo Supplies HQ! These luxury tiles are currently available in two popular shapes: the classic rectangular brick tile and the modern square.

How do I design with Bamboo Tiles?

Here are some common questions about designing with our BAMMURA BEVEL bamboo tiles:

CAN I USE THE BAMBOO TILES AS A BAR COUNTER OR TABLETOP?

Yes, you can. Bear in mind the bevelled edges will mean the surface isn’t completely flat. For commercial premises or ease of maintenance at home, you could consider installing tempered glass on top for an easy-clean finish.

The tiles also work well installed onto a coffee table (see below) or dining table – a simple makeover is easy!

bamboo tiles coffee table top

CAN I CREATE A WOOD PANEL EFFECT WITH THESE TILES?

Yes, the bevelled edges laid in the right pattern could mimic elements of tongue-and-groove cladding and other styles of wall panelling. The natural grain of the bamboo gives a similar wood-like feel particularly when wood oil or wax is applied. The tiles create a hardwearing and attractive finish when installed below the dado rail in a hallway; and lend for an old study or library

CAN I USE THESE WALL TILES AS FLOOR TILES?

We have not tested these tiles on a floor. Although their 3-ply construction provides ample strength for wall, ceiling and as a furniture veneer, we do not recommend them as floor tiles.

HOW DO I ADD A BORDER?

Currently we recommend the use of quality timber edgings and mouldings, such as conventional Dado rail or small profile picture moulding. These can be stained and varnished to match your chosen tile.

WHAT IS THE FINAL COLOUR OF THE BAMBOO TILES ONCE INSTALLED?

This will depend on your choice of finish. The tiles are supplied untreated, but you’ll see that the Caramel tiles are darker than the Natural shade. This is because the Caramel is made from bamboo board that has been heated to create a warm shade.

When planning your design, we recommend that you test a sample of both Natural and Caramel tiles with a clear wood oil or varnish to see the finished colour. You can use this test piece to match paint and textile samples too.

You can order a single tile from the relevant product page or a sample pack of tiles.

bamboo tiles in both colours untreated and oiled versions

I WANT A BRIGHT COLOUR – CAN I STAIN THE TILES?

Yes, the tiles can be stained with oil or acrylic-based dyes. Once stained, they will require sealing with a topcoat of clear varnish or finishing wax, unless your chosen stain comes as a coloured varnish.

The best blank canvas is the ‘Natural’ tile, as the paler tone of the bamboo board will show truer colours. Basic colour mixing principles apply. However, if you want a blue tile in your design we recommend using acrylic based stains mixed with a little white and/or a little red. This is because the ‘Natural’ tile has a yellow-based tone and blues will naturally turn slightly green.

bamboo tiles stained with pastel and bright colours

CAN I MAKE THE BAMBOO TILES LOOK LIKE CERAMIC?

Yes, we took one of the Natural Bammura brick tiles and first stained it a rich, emerald green colour. Once completely dry we sanded off a little of the stain here and there, along the edges and roughly across parts of the top surface. This created tonal differences, which we then sealed in with two coats of high gloss varnish.

example of green stained bamboo tiles high gloss

WHAT PATTERNS CAN I CREATE WITH BAMBOO TILES?

The square and brick shaped tiles allow you to apply the same designs often used in interior designing with ceramics. This is a versatile design material – you can have the look of wood where you might normally see a ceramic tile, and a tile shape where you might normally see wood cladding. Here are the tiles in a variety of common laying patterns.

diagram of brick tile and square tile patterns

CAN I PAINT THE BAMBOO TILES?

Yes, the tiles can be painted an opaque colour. We recommend the application of an undercoat for good adhesion of the topcoat. Apply at least two coats of your final colour, allowing the paint to dry fully between coats. Typical paint finishes to use here would be Eggshell, Gloss or a heavy duty emulsion, such as Farrow & Ball’s Modern Emulsion. These should all provide a washable, hardwearing surface.

CAN I ENGRAVE A PATTERN OR LOGO ON THESE TILES?

Yes, unlike a ceramic tile, you can easily add a permanent decal, motif or logo on his bamboo version. If you are using a laser engraving, hand carving or using a pyrography pen to create your surface design, do this prior to installation. Colour decals and other surface design can be applied once the tiles have been installed. Always apply a top coat of wood oil, wax or varnish to protect your design.

HOW MANY BAMBOO TILES WILL I NEED?

This depends on the area to be covered, the chosen tile and which pattern you are creating. We sell by the square metre based on a simple grid layout as follows:

BRICK TILES – 1 square metre = approximately 40 tiles
SQUARE TILES – 1 square metre = approximately 50 tiles

N.B. You can purchase a single half a square metre for small projects or sampling.