Education
Welcome back to another exciting post from Tile Mart University. We're thrilled to share insights from our latest episode featuring Julee Ireland, a renowned design architect and the founder of Home Renovation School. In this episode, Julee teaches us three ways to trim tile so your installation looks finished, not just tiled.
Quick answer: Julee's three methods are a coordinating trim piece (pencil rail, quarter round, or chair rail), self-trim using the field tile itself, and a metal edge profile like Schluter for a cleaner, more minimal line.
The Art of Tile Trimming: A Game-Changer in Design
Tile and stone installations are all about the details, and a key part of that is how you finish the edges of your tile. Julee stresses that an exposed edge of tile can detract from your design, but the right tile trim can transform your space into something worthy of a magazine feature. Let's walk through the three methods Julee highlighted.
3 Ways to Trim Tile, According to Julee Ireland
1. Traditional Trim Options
The first option involves using a pencil rail, quarter round, or chair rail that matches or contrasts with your field tile. This approach adds a classic, finished touch to your design. Fun fact: Tile Mart carries over 150 trim options across more than 20 tile series with matching trim, in a range of colors, shapes, and sizes to suit every design style.
2. Self-Trim With Wall Tile
The second method is to use the same wall tile to self-trim your design. For stone, this can mean cutting it down to create a border; for tile, it means using it to frame the design both vertically and horizontally. Julee still recommends pairing this with the first method to properly conceal the tile edge, such as running a pencil tile liner along the perimeter.
3. Sleek and Modern With Schluter
The third option is Schluter, a metal or PVC edge profile that comes in various depths and finishes, available in 8 and 10-foot lengths. It can have a straight edge for a modern look or a rounded, bullnose-style edge for a more traditional appearance. Julee loves Schluter for its clean, simple look and its ability to tie in other elements like lighting, hardware, or plumbing finishes. Tile Mart doesn't carry metal Schluter profiles directly, but the same rounded, finished edge is available in a ceramic or porcelain bullnose that matches your field tile instead of introducing a second material.
Pro Tip: Miter the Corners
Julee's pro tip is to miter the corners, or "picture frame," your trim where pieces meet. This technique elevates your design and shows real installation skill. A clean miter is easiest to pull off with corner trim pieces designed to meet at a seamless angle.
FAQs
What's the best way to finish a tile edge?
It depends on the look you want. A coordinating trim piece like pencil rail or bullnose gives the cleanest, most finished edge for most homeowners. A metal profile like Schluter suits a more modern, minimal design, and self-trimming with the field tile works when you want the edge to disappear into the design instead of standing out.
Does tile trim need to match the field tile exactly?
No. Trim can match the field tile for a seamless look or contrast with it for a decorative accent, like a pencil liner in a different color. Both are valid choices; it comes down to whether you want the edge to blend in or stand out.
Does Tile Mart carry Schluter trim?
No. Tile Mart's trim selection is ceramic, porcelain, and stone, including bullnose, cove base, corner trim, and pencil liner. For the same clean, rounded edge Schluter offers, a bullnose in your field tile's material gets a similar result without introducing metal into the design.
Do I need to miter tile trim corners myself?
Not always. Many corner trim pieces are made to meet at a finished angle without cutting, which is the easiest way to get a clean corner. A hand-mitered corner is possible but takes more installation skill to get a tight, even seam.
Share Your Tile Trim Project
Julee can't wait to see your beautiful tile and stone installations using these methods. Don't forget to email us your designs!
Thanks for tuning in to Tile Mart University, and we'll see you in our next post!