Is an edging strip necessary?

[Sefirah]

Hi all, really hope someone can help me! I'm having my bathroom done soon. However, I really don't like tile edging strips, chrome, or plastic. I'd really like to know whether it is possible on my tiles to not use a trim, I think it looks more contemporary and cleaner.
There is a window reveal, niche and long shelf to be done.
The tiles are an ivory coloured rectified porcelain 300 x 600 tile, I have attached a photo of the edge of it. thank-you!

 

[Bond]

If you don't fancy trim, you could try painting the edge to suit, maybe unconventional I know, however, worth considering.

 

[Sefirah]

Thank-you, I'm not sure, I really know nothing about tiles! just want to know my options so I can tell my fitter what I want.
And if I really had to use trim, which one is best and long-lasting for bathroom use? Brushed steel, aluminium, chrome?

 

[Bond]

Either or much the same really, personal choice. Can also get flat metal edging strips from the likes of B&Q, usually self adhesive, in gold, silver etc. And plastic also. Lots of options, just down to personal preference.

 

[Sefirah]

Personal preference - I just don't like tiling strips! So they are necessary, is that correct? I'm sure I've seen photos where they are not used..

 

[Bond]

Aye if your tiler is skilled enough , ask him to miter tiles, rather than use trim . ( may cost more, rather dependant on your preference).

 

[Sefirah]

Thank- you.. So it's possible with my tile edge as in the photo? Using mitre joints you don't see the tile edge is that right?
Does it have disadvantages - like is it harder to keep clean, or will it look messy?!

 

[Bond]

Thank- you.. So it's possible with my tile edge as in the photo? Using mitre joints you don't see the tile edge is that right?
Does it have disadvantages - like is it harder to keep clean, or will it look messy?!

You will just see a grout line. This done correctly is by far your best option. definately not messy nor harder to clean. Quality finish. Well worth paying the extra, for this type of finish, in my opinion.

 

[Sefirah]

Ah thank-you that's what I wanted to know!
I'm no expert in tiles but I think that would look the best... now how to delicately ask if the tiler will be able to do it well?!
Is that why people don't do it more, because it's easier to use tiling strip?

 

[One Day]

Ah thank-you that's what I wanted to know!
I'm no expert in tiles but I think that would look the best... now how to delicately ask if the tiler will be able to do it well?!
Is that why people don't do it more, because it's easier to use tiling strip?

Mitreing porcelain is not an easy skill. In many ways it's far harder than mitreing stone. It takes a lot of time and practise to get it right.
You want to see real evidence that they have and can carry it out well.
Expect to pay not only for the additional time, but also the experience and skill of the person doing it.- in other words; the skill comes with a premium (from me it does at least!)
It will look fantastic if it's done well. If not so well - it'll look rubbish.

And yes - it is far easier to use an edge trim!

 

[Bond]

Ah thank-you that's what I wanted to know!
I'm no expert in tiles but I think that would look the best... now how to delicately ask if the tiler will be able to do it well?!
Is that why people don't do it more, because it's easier to use tiling strip?

Definitely easier with trim. More skill and time required for mitering tiles.

 

[Sefirah]

oh dear that's what I thought. Difficult one...thank-you!

 

[One Day]

There are some very nice edge trims though. Not everything has to be polished chrome or brushed steel effect. Have a look on Schluter and Genesis

Many shapes, colours and textures are available.

 

[Bond]

oh dear that's what I thought. Difficult one...thank-you!

You can only ask! At least worth raising the question.

 

[Bond]

Nice links, will save these.

 

[GAZ5518]

A lot of better grade Porcelain are a solid Colour all the way through..
I have had customers that prefer to see the natural edge of the Tile as apposed to trim.. ( Which I prefer the look of)..As trim can sometimes be too eye catching and evident.

 

[Reli London]

My guy mitred all tiles in kitchen and bathroom and i love how it looks. I feel it looks and feels more minimalist and polished like this.