Tile Trim Selection Guide

Author: Mike Gardiner

As odd as it may seem, there are many options to consider when selecting tile trim. These solutions run from bad to best.

Bad 

• Using Custom Bullnose with a Painted (“cold glaze”) Edge

OK

• Using the Natural Edge of the Tile
  
• Grouting the Edge of the Tile
  

Good

• Using Metal or Plastic Trim
  

Better

• Using Bullnose Trim made by Tile Manufacturers

Best

• Using Custom Bullnose with a Kiln Fired Edge

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Using Custom Bullnose with a Painted Edge

Bad - When choosing your bullnose I would discourage the use of painted edge bullnose over any other trim method. Nothing would be worse than spending thousands of dollars on a tile installation and having the color scratch or rub off your bullnose.

Pros:

• There are no pros for the end user. 
• The pros to the tile supplier are painting the bullnose edge is a less expensive way of producing bullnose.

Cautions:

• You can check to see if the bullnose is painted by scratching you keys across the edge. Don't worry, if the bullnose edge has been kiln fired you aren't going to do any damage.
• Should you choose to install bullnose with a painted edge take the following precautions: a) Be very careful in cleaning as the paint will come off, and b) When painting the walls do not use tape to protect the bullnose, the tape will “pull” some of the cold glaze (paint) off.

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Using the Natural Edge of the Tile

OK – If you’re on a really tight budget this may be the way to go. Just remember you will have to live with this for many years.

Pros:

• Inexpensive. 
• Easy to install.

Cons: 

• Let’s face it, this is an ugly installation.
  
  

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Grouting the Edge of the Tile

OK – see above (Using the Natural Edge of the Tile).

Pros:

• Inexpensive.
  

Cons:

• Difficult to grout.
• Like the above this an unappealing look.
  
  

 

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Using Metal or Plastic Trim

Good – If you are looking for a contemporary look you might explore this option.

Pros:

• Inexpensive. 
• Metal trim can match bathroom faucets (chrome, stainless, nickel, brass).

Cons:

• Difficult to install
• Over time metal trim can scratch, rust and corrode.
• Over time plastic trim can chip or break, and if outside or near a window the sunlight can fade or alter the color.
• Overuse of metal trim can make your tile installation look like a trip to the orthodontist!

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Using Bullnose Trim made by Tile Manufacturers

Better – If the size is what you want and dye lots match, this is good way to go.

Pros:

• Professional look (if colors match).

Cautions:

• Limited to the bullnose size available.
• Be sure to check that bullnose and field tile are from the same dye lot.
• Be sure to check that the bullnose is the same size (length) as the field tile.
• Sometimes the bullnose can be made of ceramic "body" and the field tile porcelain (and vice versa) which might not be appropriate for your installation.

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Using Custom Bullnose with a Kiln Fired Edge

Best – With this option bullnose is available for any tile, in any size, with perfectly matched dye lots and the durability of a kiln fired edge.

Pros:

• Bullnose for every tile.
• Bullnose in any size or any shape.
• Bullnose with a kiln fired edge for a durable finish.
• Because the bullnose is made from your field tile there is never a dye lot or size issue.

Cautions:

• None.

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