do you offer trim or edge pieces with your tile?
Tile Trim History
Trim in America is a very common element of most tile installations. In fact, most U.S. installations carried out by U.S. installers are completed by using tile trim to finish the various edges and turns of the finished tile project. However, the use of tile trim is a tradition primarily found in the United States, where tile use has a relatively young history.
Other countries throughout the world that have had a long history (centuries) and a rich culture of tile making and tile usage have not used tile trim. In fact, the rest of the world utilizes far more tiles than the U.S. per capita, all without the use of trim tiles. Instead, these countries consider the craft of tile installation every bit as artistic as the craft of tile making. Both require technical skill and a devotion to artistry. Finishing a tile installation by crafting and forming the tiles to the surface turns and project details is done completely without the use of these newer trim tile forms.
Tile Trim as a Design Feature
Tile is best when cladding surfaces seamlessly and in a monolithic fashion. This look which forgoes the use of tile trim is not only more affordable (as trim tiles are generally expensive) but it also offers a more custom finish. Additionally, most tiles are made outside of the U.S. and therefore do not come with tile trim.
clé Trim Recommendations
Based on the historic tradition of setting tiles without trim, as well as the improved aesthetic presentation, clé prefers and recommends tiling without trim. This is also in keeping with how the rest of the world crafts the perfect tile surface. A tile project completed without the use of tile trim is one that offers a heritage-quality finish.
For more information on trim, check out our guide below: