How to Choose and Compare the Best Tiling Trims

When planning a professional tiling project, the tiles often steal the spotlight, but it’s the finishing touches that truly elevate the final result. One of the most overlooked yet essential elements is the tile trim.

A tile trim not only adds a polished edge to your design but also provides vital protection against chipping, cracking, and moisture ingress. Whether you're working on a luxurious bathroom renovation, a modern kitchen splashback, or a commercial wetroom, choosing the right trim is just as important as selecting the perfect tile.

With so many profiles, materials, and colours available, from basic PVC trims to brushed metal finishes, it can be difficult to know where to begin. That’s why we’ve created this practical guide to help you compare and choose the best tiling trims for your project.

Here at QTrim, we stock an extensive selection of trims in our range — including brushed, satin, chrome, PVC, and designer finishes — to ensure every installation is finished to perfection.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Tiling Trim Size

Before you start thinking about finish or style, the most important factor to get right is size.

Each tile trim is designed with a channel (or recess) that the tile sits inside — this must closely match the total thickness of your tile plus adhesive bed. If the trim is too shallow, the tile may sit proud; if it’s too deep, you’ll be left with a visible lip or uneven edge.

How to calculate the right tile trim size:

• Measure the thickness of your tile (e.g., 8mm)

• Add 2–3mm for adhesive (this may vary depending on your trowel notch size)

• Choose a trim that matches or slightly exceeds this combined depth

For example, an 8mm tile + 2mm adhesive = 10mm total. In this case, a tile trim 10mm size would be ideal.

Our range includes trim depths to suit virtually every tile type, from slim 6mm ceramic tiles to thick 20mm porcelain or natural stone. We stock:

• Tile trim 6mm

• Tile trim 8mm

• Tile trim 10mm (our most popular size)

• Tile trim 12mm

• Tile trim 15mm

• Tile trim 20mm

Getting the trim depth right ensures a clean, professional finish — and avoids uneven grout lines or awkward edges.

Step 2: Compare the Potential Trim Finishes

Once you’ve selected the right size, it’s time to choose the finish and material that best suits your design and installation environment. Trims aren’t just functional — they’re a visible part of your project. The right trim adds style, protects your tiles, and complements surrounding features like brassware, flooring, or wall colours.

QTrim Finishes for Every Design Style

Our QTrim range offers one of the widest selections of tile trim finishes in the UK & Ireland. Whether you're working on a subtle domestic bathroom or a bold commercial feature wall, we have a finish to match:

• Chrome – For a bright, polished edge that works beautifully with modern bathrooms and minimalist kitchens.

• Brushed or Satin Metal – Understated and elegant, great for blending with stainless steel fixtures and matte tiles.

• Black and White Powder-Coated Finishes – Perfect for contemporary bathrooms and monochrome spaces.

• Stone-Effect Powder Coated – Designed to match popular tile styles like limestone, granite, or sandstone.

• Gold or Brass Finishes – Add a touch of warmth and luxury to high-end bathrooms or statement projects.

• Mill Finish – A raw, industrial look often used for behind-the-scenes or budget-conscious installs.

  
  

We also offer a choice of aluminium, stainless steel, and PVC base materials depending on application needs.

Looking to match a tile border in bathroom installations? Our tile trim in white, black, gold, or chrome options make it easy to create visual cohesion.

Where Will Your Trim Be Used?

Different rooms and environments call for different materials:

• Wet Areas (bathrooms, showers, wetrooms)

  Use PVC or anodised aluminium trims to prevent rust and maintain longevity.

  
  

• High Traffic Areas (hallways, commercial spaces)

  Opt for tile edge trim stainless steel for unbeatable durability and impact resistance.

  
  

• Feature Walls or Designer Installations

  Choose a metal tile trim in brushed gold, black, or chrome to enhance the aesthetic and tie in with fittings.

  
  

Should You Match or Contrast?

• Matching trims (e.g., stone-effect or white) create a clean, seamless tile edge — ideal for subtle transitions.

• Contrasting trims (e.g., black with white tiles or gold with marble) turn the trim into a feature element.

  
  

Step 3: Consider the Function of the Trim

While the look of a tile trim is important, it’s just as vital to consider its purpose within the installation. Trims don’t just tidy up edges — they protect against damage, improve safety, and even support hygiene in areas like wetrooms or healthcare settings.

At QTrim, we offer a full range of tile trims to suit every edge, corner, and transition. Understanding the role of each trim type will help you choose the best one for your project.

Popular Trim Profiles in the QTrim Range

Here’s a breakdown of the most common tile edge trim styles and where they’re typically used:

Straight Edge Trims

Also known as L-shaped trims, these are perfect for creating clean, flush edges along walls, countertops, or around tile borders. Use them for:

• Window reveals

• Transitioning to paint or plasterboard

• General perimeter finishing

  
  

They’re available in various heights — from tile trim 6mm up to tile trim 20mm — to match your tile thickness and adhesive bed.

Round Edge Trims

Also called bullnose trims, these create a smooth, curved finish for external corners. They’re ideal for:

• Family bathrooms

• Shower wall corners

• Projects where safety and soft aesthetics are important

  
  

You’ll often find round edge trims used in tile trim internal corners to soften hard transitions and reduce sharp edges.

Square Edge Trims (Cubec)

Also known as box trims or cube trims, these bold, modern profiles make a statement. Use them when you want the trim to stand out:

• Feature walls

• Black or gold tile trim accents

• Decorative horizontal borders

  
  

Formable Tile Trims

Need to follow a curve? Our formable tile edge trim stainless steel profiles can be shaped to suit arches, columns, or curved steps. Use with:

• Designer bathrooms

• Spa or wellness spaces

• Curved feature walls

  
  

Skirting Trims

Designed to join vinyl/Altro flooring to tiled walls. Our skirting trims are ideal for:

• Commercial kitchens

• Medical and hospitality settings

• Hygienic wetroom edges

  
  

Internal Corner Trims

Tidy and practical, these trims give a clean edge where walls meet countertops or tiled corners. They reduce grout cracking and mould build-up in:

• Shower cubicles

• Kitchen splashbacks

• Wall-to-floor transitions

  
  

Transition Profiles

If you’re moving from tiles to a different flooring (e.g., wood, laminate), these trims bridge the gap while avoiding trip hazards. Ideal for:

• Doorways

• Open-plan homes

• Commercial spaces

  
  

Stair Nosing

A practical must for tiled steps. Stair nosing trims:

• Protect edges from chips

• Improve slip resistance

• Visually define steps to prevent accidents

  
  

Function First, Finish Second

When choosing your tile trim:

• Think about where it’s going

• Decide whether it needs to blend in or stand out

• Pick the correct size (e.g. tile trim 12mm for thicker tiles)

• Choose a material and finish that suits the use case

Step 4: Choose the Trim Accessories

Once you’ve selected the perfect tile edge trim, don’t forget the finishing touches — trim accessories. These small but essential components help achieve a clean, cohesive look while ensuring your installation is secure, sealed, and professional.

Essential Tile Trim Accessories

End Caps

End caps create a neat stop point where your tile trim terminates. They’re ideal when:

• Your trim ends mid-wall (e.g., around a splashback)

• You’re not tiling the full wall height

• You want to seal off exposed trim edges

  
  

Corner Pieces

Internal and external corner pieces remove the need for mitre cuts, giving you:

• Faster fitting

• Seamless finishes at 90° angles

• Reduced risk of sharp trim edges or gaps

  
  

Perfect for:

• External tile corners

• Shower reveals

• Niche framing

Connector Joints

If you're running long sections of tile trim, especially in commercial settings or across large walls/floors, connectors are essential. These discreet accessories:

• Bridge two trim lengths together

• Maintain alignment and support

• Improve structural integrity

  
  

Used in both straight runs and corner applications

Adhesive or Anchoring Clips

Some profiles, like our skirting trims or joint covers, require clips or silicone anchoring to stay firmly in place. These ensure:

• Strong, long-lasting installation

• Resistance to movement and flex

• Neater application in high-traffic or hygienic areas

  
  

Forming Tools (For Formable Trims)

If you’re working with formable stainless steel trims, a forming tool or bending machine can help create perfect curves without damage. While not required for PVC trims, it's ideal for:

• Spa or wellness areas

• Rounded pillars and arches

• Decorative curved features

  
  

Why Trim Accessories Matter

Think of accessories as the finishing toolkit for your tiling trims. They don’t just make installation easier — they help you:

• Speed up fitting times

• Avoid messy mitres or cuts

• Create a more professional result

• Ensure durability in high-moisture or high-traffic zones

Why Tile Shops & Showrooms Choose QTrim

At QTrim we understand that for tile retailers, it’s not just about supplying tiles, it’s about offering your customers a complete, professional solution.

Qtrim is part of the Quantum Group, and we’re proud to be one of the UK and Ireland’s leading wholesale suppliers of tile trims and accessories, trusted by independent tile shops, national retailers, and specialist merchants alike.

The QTrim Advantage

When you stock QTrim, you're offering more than just a product — you're offering:

• Consistent availability – Our full range of trims is in stock and ready for next-day delivery.

• Superior quality – From entry-level PVC to premium stainless steel and powder-coated finishes, every QTrim profile is engineered for performance.

• Design-led options – We supply stone-effect, metallic, black, white, and chrome finishes to match today’s most popular tile trends.

• Comprehensive sizing – With depths including 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 15mm, and 20mm, you can support every tile and adhesive build-up.

• Retail-ready support – We supply branded POS stands, display boards, brochures, and sample kits to help you sell more, faster.

  
  

Designed for Professionals — Backed by a Wholesale Team

Whether you cater to trade professionals, DIY renovators, or commercial specifiers, QTrim makes it easy to:

• Upsell with confidence

• Reduce returns and remedial issues

• Stay on trend with modern finishes and profiles

• Offer technical guidance and compatibility across multiple tile types

  
  

From formable trims to skirting profiles, round edge trims to tile-to-tile transitions, QTrim covers every edge of the market — literally.

Ready to Stock QTrim in Your Store?

We make it easy to get started:

• Request a sample kit or POS display for your showroom

• Add QTrim to your trade counter or tiling bay

• Speak to our team for volume pricing and merchandising advice

  
  

Call us on +44 (0)28 7131 2064

Or contact your local rep to arrange a meeting