What Is The Purpose of Tile Edge Trimming?
Ceramic and stone tile have been popular design choices for centuries, and there’s good reason for it. With renowned durability, low levels of required maintenance, and endless creative options, ceramic and stone tile are some of the most common coverings seen on walls, floors, and even countertops. When installed correctly with proper systems and techniques, these assemblies can last for decades – and tile edge trim profiles play an important role in a successful tile installation.
¿Qué es un perfil de borde de baldosa?
Dicho de manera simple, un perfil de borde de baldosa, conocido simplemente como perfil, es un borde de acabado que se posiciona a lo largo de los bordes de la baldosa durante el proceso de instalación. Adherido por debajo de la baldosa con un ala de fijación, el perfil se pega al mismo mortero de capa fina que la baldosa y forma parte permanente del mismo ensamblado.
Las razones para incluir un perfil de borde de baldosa en un ensamblado de baldosas son dobles. En primer lugar, el uso de un perfil metálico a lo largo del borde inacabado de cualquier baldosa agrega una capa de protección al material, que puede ayudar a evitar que se astille o se agriete. Estos problemas son comunes en áreas de mucho tránsito como pisos o encimeras de cocina. La instalación de un perfil de borde en la encimera evita que los bordes de las baldosas se astillen y es mucho más duradero que el tradicional perfil de madera, mientras que un perfil de piso protege los bordes de las baldosas y crea transiciones prolijas hacia las superficies contiguas.
La otra razón por la cual se utilizan los perfiles de baldosas es estética. Disponibles en una gran variedad de materiales, colores, acabados y formas, los perfiles para bordes de baldosas ofrecen multitud de opciones de diseño, lo que permite personalizar cualquier espacio. Tanto si se trata de un perfil para el borde de un respaldo de encimera que completa el conjunto con un perfil contrastante, como de un perfil para un nicho de ducha que se funde con las baldosas en un color a juego, los perfiles para baldosas maximizan el potencial de diseño proporcionando un acabado atractivo a un borde de baldosa que, de otro modo, resultaría antiestético.
Además, un perfil de acabado de baldosas tiene múltiples usos. Además de utilizarse en pisos, respaldos de encimera y encimeras, los perfiles también pueden usarse en aplicaciones de pared como zócalos o rodapiés, para agregar un borde decorativo al ensamblado de baldosas. En las salas de baño, los perfiles de borde se utilizan comúnmente en nichos de ducha y tabiques de pared. Hay incluso perfiles diseñados específicamente para escaleras.
La mayoría de los perfiles para baldosas son una variedad de perfiles de borde metálicos. Los perfiles Schluter están disponibles en una gran variedad de acabados de aluminio anodizado, acero inoxidable, así como revestidos en colores que pueden combinarse con la baldosa. También hay opciones de PVC para aplicaciones de baja intensidad. Si ha decidido utilizar suelos LVT en lugar de baldosas, ¡también hay perfiles para eso! Los perfiles LVT de Schluter son delgados y discretos, creando un aspecto mucho más moderno que los bordes tradicionales de madera o caucho.
Choosing the Right Tile Edge Trim for Your Needs
Not all tile edge profiles can be used in any situation. When choosing the right tile edge trim for any project, it’s crucial to consider a variety of aspects. There are specific profiles designed for various uses and areas. Whether it’s the size of the edge trim, its shape, or its material, there are specific tile edge trims for every application.
The first thing to consider is the thickness of the tile that requires the trim. Profiles come in a variety of heights, and most of the time the goal is to have the trim fit flush with the tile. If a profile is selected that is too tall for the floor tile being used, this creates a tripping hazard. On the other hand, an edge trim that is shorter than the adjacent tile won’t provide adequate edge protection. Choosing the right edge trim that corresponds to the thickness of the tile is the best way to ensure a smooth assembly.
Another area of consideration is practicality in design. The most popular areas for ceramic tile edge trims are floors and walls, and a variety of shapes exist to create the perfect look to go with any tile. Typical tile trim shapes include rounded edges, squared edges, or flat ones. You could also choose a profile with a sleek, minimalist reveal for a look that blends in, or choose something a bit wider to have the edge trim stand out. If you’re looking to add trim to an inside corner that has a habit of getting dusty, consider a cove-shaped profile that will lower maintenance requirements. Tile edge trims also help ease the transition between two floor surfaces. Certain profiles can act as a carpet edge trim, creating an elegant transition between a tiled floor and carpet.
Using tile edge trims can be a great way to assist with those who are aging in place. While it may not be the first thing that comes to mind, tile edge trimming can also help make spaces accessible to those with disabilities. Oftentimes when transitioning between a tile floor and an adjacent flooring, there is a height discrepancy. Choosing the right profile can accommodate this by creating a small ramp while also visually denoting a change in height, eliminating a tripping hazard. The same can be said of stair nosing profiles, creating a highly visible marker indicating the height of each step.
Instalación de perfiles de borde para baldosas
En la mayoría de los casos, el perfil de borde de las baldosas se instala al mismo tiempo que la baldosa. Se adhiere un ala de fijación con perforaciones al sustrato utilizando mortero de capa fina, y se coloca una baldosa sobre el ala de fijación. Una vez que el mortero se seca y fragua, el perfil del borde queda fijado en su sitio. Vea en el vídeo siguiente cómo se instalan varios perfiles Schluter en ensamblados de baldosas.
It is possible to install tile edge trim after tiling. While in most cases the edge trim is installed with the tile, there are certain profiles designed for retrofitting existing tile assemblies. These profiles are generally T-shaped, with the anchoring leg being set into the gap between the tiles and adjacent flooring. The top of the “T” covers the edges on both sides for a clean look.
Tile Edge Trim Inspiration
Tile edge trim profiles can be used to both complete and enhance a tile installation. Think of it like jewelry for tile: it can be the statement-maker or it can blend right in.
En esta imagen, se utiliza un perfil JOLLY negro mate para rodear este nicho de ducha, destacándolo de la baldosa gris. Al enmarcarlo de esta manera, no solo se protege el borde de baldosa expuesto, sino que se brinda a la ducha un aspecto general de unidad al hacer juego con los estantes y la rejilla del drenaje lineal.
In this image, a matte black JOLLY profile is used to outline this shower niche, making it stand out from the grey tile. Framing it as such not only protects the exposed tile edge but gives the shower an overall cohesive look by matching the shower shelves and linear drain grate.
In this application, the tile edge trim was selected to match the adjacent tile, creating a more subtle, elegant look. You can’t go wrong whether you choose to match or contrast your tile – it’s all up to personal preference. With tile edge trims from Schluter, your design choices are limitless.
In traditional tile applications, bullnose trim, a piece of tile with rounded edges, is used as an edge treatment to cover corners or frame the perimeter of a tile field. While not necessarily outdated, bullnose trim can be more expensive than metal tile edge trim and matching pieces are often hard to find. For a more contemporary look on backsplashes, shower niches, or countertop edge trim, consider using metal profiles instead.
Using a metal or plastic edge trim for tile also makes it easier to get the job done – especially when dealing with corners. Mitering bullnose tile can accomplish the job but requires time and a lot of precision measurements and cuts. With prefabricated inside and outside corners, metal profiles can get the job done in less time with a smoother result.
Final Thoughts on Tile Edge Trim
It’s clear that tile installations in residential and commercials spaces isn’t going away any time soon. With more and more options in tile shape and design becoming available every day, it’s easier than ever to create a space that is personalized to every taste. To ensure your tile installation lasts as long as possible, make sure to include tile edge trim in your project: you’ll preserve the integrity of the tile, and be able to give it the exact look you want.