Tile Edging Options: Making the Right Choice for Your Home

Smoothing the uneven edges of the floor or wall tiles during installation is one of the many challenges homeowners face in completing a project. This post has a tonne of useful data on tile edging options.

It’s crucial to concentrate on tile laying when finishing the tiles. And so, for having finished tile edges, here are some expert approaches or procedures, such as painting the edges, using caulk for complete finishing, etc.

By reading on, learn more about the tile edging options to add a perfect finish.

Table of Contents

Top 5 Tile Edging Options

Here are some tile edging options:

Painting the tile’s edges

One of the quickest tile edge trim ideas to smooth off the tiles’ unfinished edges. Simply painting the tile’s corners and edges will allow you to match them to the tiles around them. For painting the edges, you can use any oil-based enamel paint. For coloring the borders or corners, you can alternatively choose water-based colors. Once more, when painting the tile’s edges and corners, tape off the corners using painter’s tape to prevent the color from damaging the tiles.

Use a small painting brush once more to avoid making a mess on the tiles. Last but not least, be sure to apply two coats of the enamel color, paying particular attention to the dark corners or edges of the tiles. Also, know about the best granite edge options.

Apply the caulk for a flawless finish

In addition to protecting the tiles from cracking, caulk also aids in the prevention of moisture buildup when applied to the tile margins. Once more, caulk is one of the simplest and least expensive ways to finish the edge of GVT tiles. Caulk is frequently used in spaces like bathrooms, kitchens, etc. because it provides waterproof sealing to the edges and corners of the tiles. However, while choosing the caulk for the tile margins, ensure it closely resembles the grout color. To seal the grout or edges watertight, use a thin layer or line of caulk.

Give the caulk a touch-up with wall paint to correct any uneven surfaces. Before exposing the caulk to moisture, ensure it has dried fully. Depending on the caulk’s manufacturing formula, this could take 1 to 10 days.

Using trim pieces to complete the tile edges

Bullnose tiles are utilized as trim pieces to add a decorative touch to the tiles. It is a group of specialized PGVT tiles used to smooth the edges, also known as trim tiles. They are utilized to cover uneven or incomplete tile surfaces. Even though this procedure can be more expensive than using normal tile pieces, it is nevertheless a practical approach to complete tile edges or corners, especially where tiles meet a wall. You can use complementing or matching trim tiles for the work.

Be certain that you match the thickness of the trim tile with the other tiles when choosing the bullnose tiles. Consider the position and area of the trim tile application to determine the number of tiles you’ll need before installing the tiles. You can also use a pencil or masking tape to outline the edges requiring trim tiles.

Using rail molding to complete the tile edging

Porcelain and natural stone are readily accessible in coordinated tile or rail molding. The rail moldings offer a neat and seamless transition for the house’s final touch, giving it a lovely appearance. What happens if the glazed vitrified tiles you chose don’t include rail molding? Don’t worry. Choose a rail molding that closely resembles the tiles in this situation. Another choice is to choose contrast tiles to give the space a glitzy appearance.

Metal finishing edges

Many different colors, patterns, and finishes are available for metal edges. It provides any surface with an elegant and modern transition. They provide a complete view and a good appearance, so they are becoming trendy. The color of the display head or even the sink tap is frequently considered by homeowners when choosing the color of the metal edge.

As a result, the metal edges give the house’s overall appearance a feeling of elegance. So, these were some tile edging options. If you want to level up your Bathroom decor using tile, click here

How Do You Finish Off Tile Edges?

Here are a few methods for finishing tile edges:

Selection, Purchase, and Installation of Trims

Choose the type of trim you desire. Coordinate the trim to the remaining of your tiles for a seamless appearance. Try tiles in a contrasting color. Or in a different material, such as metal or wood, if you want something more daring. Get white porcelain bullnose tiles, for instance, if you previously used white porcelain tiles.

Another choice is to caulk the edges.

Ensure that the tile thickness and the trim thickness are the same

The trim should be the same thickness as your tiles. Measure the thickness of your tile in inches or millimeters using a ruler.

If you need help obtaining trim tiles in the appropriate thickness, try ordering them on special or find a substitute, like rail liners.

Before making any agreements, examine the trim

Compare your tile to the minor products you consider purchasing when you bring it to the store. Check if the shop offers free samples before placing an online transaction. If the trim succeeds, place your order and purchase however many you require for the project.

Calculate the number of trim tiles you’ll need

If the edge and trim tiles are the same lengths, count how many are along the edge and then purchase that many trim tiles. If the trim tiles you’ve chosen are larger or narrower than those along your edge, divide the edges of your tiled surface by their width.

For example:

You will be trimming a 96-inch-long edge.
The trim tiles you want are 4 inches long.
(96/4) = 24 tiles.
Round up if the number (in this case, 24.5) is not a whole number.

Purchase extra trim tiles at the same time

During the installation process, tiles could crack. Purchase more tiles for your project to save yourself some headaches. After finishing your job, you can return any surplus tiles or keep them for upcoming repairs.

To save time and cash and use glass tiles, eliminate the trim

The edges of most glass tiles will be both cut and uncut. Place the cut edges of the glass tiles so they touch a cabinet or another tile as you put them. Keep the uncut, smooth edges outside for a more natural trim.

When installing your tiles, provide space for the trim

Essential if you’re installing tiles in a kitchen backsplash that have something above or adjacent to them, such as a window sill or a cabinet. Work your way up the project, starting at the bottom. In this manner, you can shorten the last row of tiles if they are too long.

When working at a counter, begin on the side closest to the wall.

After you have done grouting all of your tiles, add the trim

Using tile glue or grout, fasten the trim pieces to your wall or countertop. More grout should be added to the crevices between the tiles, and extra grout should be removed using a damp sponge.

When installing your trim tiles, follow the same procedure you used for the other tiles. To ensure that everything matches, use the same kind of grout that you did for the rest of your project.

You are now aware of how to finish tile edges.

FAQs

What does finished tile edge mean?

A finished tile edge will add professionalism to your tiled surface. Several alternatives, including wood and metal, are available in addition to the traditional bullnose trim.

What is the inside corner tile edge trim?

A cove trim is created by the inside corner tile edge trim for a finish that looks professional. As opposed to the typical grout or silicon corner, the advantages of this trim include a beautiful metallic or colored finish.

How to make exposed tile edges look finished?

You can use caulk, metal or plastic molding, or custom bullnose trim to give an exposed tile edge finishing appearance. By covering the sharp edges, you'll minimize slips and falls, as well as any wear and cracks that can shorten the lifespan of your tile.

Why does my tile seem incomplete?

That is most likely a result of your incomplete tile corners and edges.

Conclusion

The final touch while installing tile may be the most crucial. After reading this piece, you should know the gorgeous tile edging options for the perfect finishing touch. Customers like the completed tile edges’ smooth, cleaner appearance for flooring, bathrooms, and countertops. Sharp, exposed tile edges are more vulnerable to breakage or chipping.