TILE TRIMS

Have you ever looked at a tiled (outward/ "convex") corner and wondered why the tiler used those polished chrome trims? Or even whether there is a more discreet solution?

This post should help you find out what to look for:

Starting from the beginning, there are many ways to join the tiles in a corner. Our preferred one (for a home) is a mitred corner. This is, an invisible joint where the tiles are cut at a 45 degree angle and joined seamlessly. We say for a home because in the context of a commercial project where so many people will interact with the corner, that would not be the right solution.

To achieve the mitred corner, you nee two things: a good tiler and a tile where there is only one material throughout.

What do we mean by that? Well, when looking at a tile in section, there are two types. the ones that has one material through and the ones where the top layer and the biscuit (core) are different. This is nothing to do with the look but the manufacturing process and you can find this in even in tiles that imitate marble as well as tiles that imitate sandstones. If the biscuit and the top layer are different, it is very likely that they will chip or get damaged if mitted.

And hence for those tiles, you should consider using tile trims.

Now, there are many many trims and, depending on the application, you might want to choose one or another. Regarding finishes too, there are options. Material wise, there are metallic ones, ceramic ones and plastic ones. Finishes wise, there are metallic finishes, ceramic finishes and powder coated (painted) finishes. (see the images)

Finally, in the UK, there is a preference to not tile the entire wall in bathrooms. Should you wall finish half way, you should consider how best to treat the top "line" of the tiled surface, and importantly, tell the tiler from the start because of the sequencing.

Our tips for you would be:

1. Choose your tile carefully

2. consider what type of corner you are working with and how exposed it will be to touch and impact

3. consider whether you want to create a modern or a traditional space

4. explore whether you can find a colour of trim to match your tile

Any questions?