Pat I hope this helps. This is the best way I can try to explain it. I'm using Corel X5 but I think versions 12,13, and 14 have the same interactive fill tool. Use the hot key on your keyboard (G) and it should bring it up. It's normally down towards the bottom on your tools at the left just below the outline pen tool.
Take any shape, select it and hit G. You will see a drop down option box on the top of your screen which should say No Fill. Choose Bitmap Pattern next from the list of fill options. You will see a library of patterns next to the drop down box. Scroll down through them and you will see some wood plank deigns. After choosing one, you will see some handle points. You can use these to resize, rotate, or move the embedded wood pattern.
If the color does not suit you, convert this vector fill to a bitmap from the bitmap option at the top of your screen. Once you convert it to a bitmap you can then edit the color from you image adjustment lab by changing temperature, tint, saturation, brightness, etc.
Warning, if you're attempting to design this effect at full scale on some large signs, it can really choke your computer if it's not a powerhouse. I generally scale down my full size files to a smaller manageable size just for my presentation purpose.