Tile Edging
Tile Edging for a Clean and Professional Finish
Every tile installation ends at an edge. The raw edge of tile gets covered or chipped, stained, and dangerous within one year where it meets carpet, drywall, stair nose, or open air. A tile edge trim fills in that space and provides a completed installation that looks as good as the work underneath it.
Edge is more than just a way to cover up a cut line. It prevents the tile from cracking due to foot traffic and keeps moisture out of the substrate. Miss it, and you'll have a sharp and unfinished edge that chips in a few months. If tile is used in an application where it is adjacent to another surface, then edging is not an option. It's just a part of doing the job right.
Types and Uses of Tile Edge Tools
There are many profiles and finishes for tile edges, and the selection of the appropriate type depends on the specific profile and finish you choose. The 3/8" and 1/2" trims are the most popular sizes to match the most common tile thicknesses. The 5/16" size is designed for thinner porcelain and ceramic runs. For rooms where tile meets carpet, the 1/2" reducer in chrome or brush nickel gives you a smooth, walkable slope between the two surfaces instead of a hard step.
Chrome, gold, bronze, and titan matt metal edging for tile will not chip like plastic, and will stand up to heavy foot traffic. It also provides you with clean metal corners for tile that miter tightly at inside and outside turns, which is most important in kitchens and commercial areas where corners are subjected to the most use. Budget jobs or lighter use areas can use plastic edging, which will not maintain the same appearance as metal will.
What Tile Edging Tools Are Required for Your Project
There are 3 factors to consider when selecting the right trim: tile thickness, surface to be transitioned, and the finish desired by the client. Measure the depth of the tile first. If the trim is too shallow, there will be a gap, and if too deep, it will stand up from the tile face.
Edging is not added after the tiles have been set, but during the tile-setting process. It will bond into the same thinset as the tile and will lock into the exposed edge, so consider the trim when planning your layout before you begin setting. If a section was not cut, it can be retrofitted, but it requires more cutting and a cleaner hand to make it look original.
After the edging is in place, it requires very little maintenance. Clean with the same cleaners used for the tile and test to see if the sealant around the edge of the trim remains intact over time.
A Supplier Contractors Rely On
For over 35 years, we have been providing contractors and tile setters with the tiling tools they actually order job after job. Brands such as Tooltech and IB Tools are available on our shelves as trusted names you can rely on.
