A guide to tile trims

Tile trims create a neat finish to your tiles whilst protecting the edges from damage but they also lend a design edge and a complementary finish that you perhaps haven’t considered. Available in a variety of finishes, trims can add a luxurious finishing touch to your tiling project.

It may seem like an irrelevant task, but installing tile trims is a crucial part of making any tile project look clean and flush.

Tile trims have many uses but they are primarily used to protect tile edges from chipping. They hide the unglazed edges of tiles providing a neat finish as well as any unsightly cut edges, making them particularly useful for finishing around window frames or where tiles meet on an external corner.

When purchasing tile trims, it's important to know the depth of the tile you are using and the depth of the adhesive bed required as this will enable you to calculate which depth trim you need. Sizes most commonly range from 8mm-12.5mm

There is not one type of tile trim that suits all projects, rather there is a range of trim profile styles to create different looks.

• Straight Edge
• Box
• Quadrant
• Round Edge
• Square Edge
• Capping pieces
• Door Bars or threshold strips

Just as there isn’t one style of tile trim, there isn’t one finish of tile trim.

• Metal - brushed, matt, stainless steel effect, solid stainless steel, silver effect, brass, aluminium and copper
• PVC (plastic)
• Ceramic or porcelain (most commonly known as capping pieces)

To choose the most appropriate tile trim for your project, you will need to consider the finish, colour, size and depth of the trim.

Typically, though this is a personal preference, you will want to opt for a tile trim that matches the colour of your tiles as this helps to create a sleek, cohesive look. You should also choose a tile trim that matches the depth of the tile as this will create a flush, professional look.

When accounting for the depth of the tile, please be aware that the tile will have adhesive on the back of it which will increase the depth. For this reason, we recommend opting for a trim that is one size up from the depth of your tile.

For some tile projects, you will be required to cut your tile trim so that it is the right size for your needs. Cutting tile trim is a straightforward process that can be done by using a mitre block and a hacksaw.

1. Measure how much tile trim you need.
2. Put the trim on a mitre block and choose the angle you want the cut to be (we recommend cutting the ends at a 45-degree angle).
3. Use a hacksaw to cut the trim, holding the trim firmly to ensure a clean cut.

To fit tile trim on an edge, simply press the trim into the tile adhesive and ensure the adhesive passes through the anchor holes. Once you've back buttered your tile, position the tile so it is flush to the rear of the trim and press in place to ensure good contact.

For trims that edge around a corner, mark out the angle you require, then, by placing the flat edge on a mitre block use a hacksaw to cut the trim at the right angle and then fit the tile trim using the above method.

If you're tiling in a space that will get wet, particularly a shower, then you should use a 2mm spacer to leave a gap between the tile edge and the trim to grout later. This will ensure a watertight finish.