Help & advice
The importance of tile edging
Plastic trim is harmful to the environment, ending up in landfill. Materials that require low energy to produce, or natural materials delivered without intensive mining, have the least impact on the planet. Metal is 100% recyclable, it is permanent, and it can be recycled forever, over and over again.
Not all tiles come with a finished edge, so you need to do some planning up front to avoid an incomplete or less–than–polished look in your space!
This guide aims to shed light on various tile edge options (we wish we'd known!).
No Trim
Some tiles come with straight, finished edges. These tiles are meant to be installed without additional trim, providing a seamless, modern look. Suitable for contemporary designs where a clean, edge-free or ‘raw’ appearance is desired.
V-Cap Tile Trim
V-Cap tiles have a downward-facing V-shaped edge, offering a decorative and protective finish.
Plastic Trim
Plastic tile trim, often made of PVC, is a cost-effective option for finishing tile edges. It comes in various profiles, including straight, L-shaped, and round edges. Suitable for budget-conscious projects and areas where moisture resistance is important.
Metal Trim
Metal trim, typically made of aluminium or stainless steel, provides a more modern finish. It comes in different profiles, such as L-shaped, round, and square edges.
Treated Wood Trim
Wood trim, treated for moisture resistance, adds a warm and natural finish. It is often used for transitions between tile and other flooring materials or as a dado to separate tile from painted wall.
Dado Topper Trim
Dado topper trim - or sometimes called “pencil tiles” are a decorative tile used to finish the top edge of a tiled surface. Not all tiles come with these!
Rounded Edge / Bullnose Tile Trim
Bullnose tiles have one or more rounded edges, creating a smooth, curved finish. They are commonly used as a finishing edge for countertops, backsplashes, and shower walls.
Border Tile Trim
Border tiles are designed to act as a decorative edge or transition between different tiles. They often feature patterns or contrasting colours.
Mitred Edge
A mitred edge involves cutting tiles at a 45-degree angle, creating a clean and precise edge. This technique is commonly used for creating seamless corners and edges. Provides a polished and professional look, especially in areas with visible corners.
Think about how the edges will be treated in your project. Consider areas around doorways, windows, and where tiles meet an end. Choosing the right edge treatment will make sure the end result is what you were looking for.
Reno today
Reno, our home renovation app, is the missing link between Pinterest and Checkatrade.
Starting with kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms, we've built our renovation design and planning tool to guide you through key decisions, from big ones like layout to little ones like how to edge your tiles. We turn this into a neat, sharable brief that homeowners and trades can use for more realistic quotes.
Best of all, you can try it for free for one room.
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Full renovation process including payments and maintenance
Tools to discuss and track changes
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