Why not bullnose trim tiles?

Why not bullnose trim tiles?

Why not bullnose trim tiles?

5 alternatives to the classic and common bullnose tile trim

There’s nothing wrong with bullnose tile trim.

In fact, it’s a great way to finish off the edge of the tile. However, not everyone is crazy about bullnose trim and most people really don’t like the prices of them.

Often they cost the same amount of money as the field tile and sometimes they cost more. Also, not all tiles come in bullnose trim especially if you are looking for some of the more modern and contemporary tile looks.

So besides bullnose trim tiles, what are the alternative options?

Here are 5 alternatives to the classic and common bullnose tile trim.

Natural Stone tile edge trim

Natural stone, such as marble, granite, and travertine, can be polished so that the edges look finished.

In some cases, the edges may not even need polishing.

But you can buy a few pieces of travertine and cut them down into smaller sizes.

Not only can an economical use of material but it makes for an elegantly finished edge to your ceramic or porcelain wall tile.

Special equipment is required for polishing.

However, you can always hire a granite fabrication shop or another tile contractor to do the polishing if it’s something that you would rather not take on.

Glass tile edge trim

The glass is another material that naturally has a finished edge.

There are a lot of different glass tiles available these days.

If you can find one that coordinates with your tile then this may be a good tile edge trim option.

Metal Profile edges

I know that just the mention of metal edge trim is going to cause some to skip right past this section.

No doubt some will envision dreary hospitals and cold modern minimalist homes when thinking of metal tile trim.

But metal profiles are a fast growing market and there are a lot more options and styles than there used to be.

Typically the most popular styles are the round and straight edge trim that leaves a flat edge.

These tend to be the least expensive, are widely available, and are great for achieving the minimalist styling.

But more and more common are the aluminum square edge trim, rounded edge tile trim(bullnose) and textured options.

As for pricing, the simple “L” style is quite economical as long as you like the usual finishes:  brushed aluminum, chrome-finish and powder coated, and plastic tile trim. These can be as low as $1 per linear foot.

However when you get into the square and bullnosed shapes and in finishes such as chrome, textured, and stainless steel, then the costs will be more expensive.

Mitering

An often overlooked option is to miter the tile edges.

This option is only for corners and it isn’t the most durable option. Doing this on stairs I don’t think is a good idea as I don’t think the corner would hold up over the long term.

A lot of the more modern tile saws will have a head that bevels so the tile edge can be cut off at an angle but even the old ones can work with a wedge-type guide.

Custom Bullnose Tile

Lastly, there’s the option of making your own bullnose tiles.

This requires that your tile is a through-body porcelain tile. 

What that means is that instead of just a clay body with a glaze over the top the tile would have the color throughout the tile.

This allows the edge of the tile to be bullnosed and the color will be the same, or similar, as the surface, much like a natural stone.

Again this requires special equipment but a granite slab shop has the tools and will usually perform the service if you ask.

Also simply polishing the flat edge can be done if you desire a square but finished the edge.

Honstar Aluminum Products offers total solution for floor covering aluminum profiles, contact us now to get a reliable no-obligation quote on your aluminum tile trim products!