Tile Edge Trim and Bullnose Tile for Backsplashes, Shower Walls

What Tile Edge Trim Does and When You Need It

Every tile installation has
edges. Where that edge meets a cabinet, another wall or a framed surface, the
raw cut end of the tile is hidden by the surrounding material. But where the
tile ends at an open surface with no adjacent material to conceal the edge,
that cut end is visible. Without a trim piece, the edge shows the unfinished
clay body of the tile, the cut edge of the glass or stone, or a rough grout
line that reads as incomplete. A trim piece resolves this cleanly, matching the
surface material and color of the field tile and creating a rounded or profiled
edge that reads as intentional.

The three most common situations
where tile edge trim is needed are: a kitchen backsplash that ends partway
along a wall rather than being contained by cabinets on both sides; a shower
niche where the tile wraps into the interior of the niche and the edges of that
interior face are visible; and a fireplace surround where the tile field ends
at the edge of the surround rather than being contained by framing or trim.

Types of Tile Edge Trim

Bullnose Ceramic Tile

A bullnose tile has one
finished, rounded edge that is glazed to match the face of the tile. It
installs at the perimeter of a field tile installation with the rounded edge
facing outward, creating a smooth transition from the tile surface to the open
edge. Bullnose tiles are the most traditional and material-consistent way to
finish a ceramic tile edge because the trim piece is made from the same ceramic
body and glaze as the field tile it finishes. The Equipe Mallorca 2x8 bullnose
in white is the primary ceramic bullnose option coordinated to field tile in
the ceramic field
tile collection. Where a matching bullnose is not available for
a specific field tile, metal trim profiles are the practical alternative.

Metal Tile Trim Profiles

Metal tile trim profiles are
thin metal strips with a rounded or squared edge that install at the perimeter
of a tile field, with the tile edge set against the metal profile before
grouting. They come in a range of finishes including brushed nickel, polished
chrome, matte black, brushed gold and oil-rubbed bronze. Unlike bullnose tile,
which must match the specific field tile, metal trim profiles work with any
tile material and are available in standard lengths that cover most
installation dimensions. They are particularly useful for glass tile
installations where a matching glass bullnose is not available.

Glass and Stone Trim Pieces

Some trim options in this
collection are made from glass or natural stone and coordinate with glass
backsplash tile or stone tile installations. These function the same way as
ceramic bullnose but with the material character of the field tile. For glass tile
installations, a glass liner or pencil trim in a coordinating color creates a
more visually integrated edge than a metal profile. For the glass tile
collections these trims coordinate with, visit the glass tile
collection.

How to Choose the Right Trim

Match the Field Tile When Possible

If a bullnose tile is available
in the same series and color as your field tile, use it. The material match
creates the most integrated, professional-looking edge. Check the product
listing for your field tile to see if a coordinating bullnose exists before
ordering a metal profile.

Use Metal Profiles When No Matching Bullnose Exists

If no matching bullnose is
available, choose a metal profile in a finish that complements your fixture and
hardware finishes. Chrome and brushed nickel suit contemporary kitchens.
Brushed gold and unlacquered brass suit farmhouse and transitional kitchens.
Matte black suits modern and industrial design directions.

Size the Trim to the Field Tile Thickness

Metal trim profiles are sized to
accommodate specific tile thicknesses. Check the profile's tile thickness
specification before ordering to ensure the trim will sit flush with the face
of your field tile. Most residential ceramic and porcelain tiles are three-eighths
of an inch to one-half of an inch thick.

Order Trim at the Same Time as the Field Tile

Trim pieces are easy to forget
until the field tile is already installed and the exposed edge becomes obvious.
Calculate the linear footage of all exposed edges at the same time you
calculate your field tile square footage and order the trim with your field
tile. For help with your tile project, reach out through our contact page.