Help & advice
The importance of tile edging
Last updated: May 20, 2026
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 lessāthanāpolished 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 ārawā appearance is desired.
V-Cap Tile Trim
V-Cap tiles are a piece of tile that caps off the top of your main tiled area, with a finished surface facing two sides.
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 āpencil tilesā 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.
Frequently asked questions
Do tiles need edging?
Not always, but many tiles do need some kind of edging because not all tiles have a finished side. Any visible tile edge around niches, windows, half-height tiling or external corners needs to be planned so the finish does not look unfinished.
What is tile trim used for?
Tile trim is used to finish and protect exposed tile edges. It gives the tiled area a cleaner edge and helps avoid sharp, chipped or unfinished sides being left visible.
What are the alternatives to plastic tile trim?
Alternatives to plastic tile trim include metal trim, bullnose tiles, V-cap tiles, pencil tiles, border tiles, treated wood trim and mitred tile edges. The right option depends on the tile, room style and where the edge is visible.
Is metal tile trim better than plastic trim?
Metal tile trim is usually more durable and gives a more permanent finish than plastic trim. It is also recyclable, while plastic trim is more likely to end up in landfill.
What is a bullnose tile edge?
A bullnose tile has one or more rounded finished edges. It is often used where the edge of a tiled area will be visible, such as shower walls, splashbacks, niches or half-height tiling.
What is a mitred tile edge?
A mitred tile edge is created by cutting tiles at a 45 degree angle so two pieces meet neatly at a corner. It can look very clean, but it needs accurate cutting and good installation.
Where do you need to plan tile edging?
Tile edging needs to be planned anywhere tiles stop or meet another surface. Common places include window reveals, doorways, shower niches, external corners, splashbacks and the top of half-height tiled walls.
When should you choose tile trim?
Tile trim should be chosen before tiling starts. The thickness, colour, profile and material all need to work with the tile, so it is not something to leave until fitting day.
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