The most common application of aluminium tile trims is to create a professional finish with floor tile and wall tile areas.
The purpose of an aluminium tile trim is to protect and decorate the outside of wall and floor edges. As well as, finishing and protecting edges of tile surfaces. The Aluminium tile trim will assist with preventing damage such as cracking and chipping to the body of a tile.
What is an aluminium tile trim?
Aluminium trim is available in a range of designs and finishes including matt black, silver, polished silver and more. Aluminium trims are usually made of stainless steel, aluminium or plastic.
How to select a tile trim
When selecting your trim size, always make allowance for the thickness of your Tile Adhesive between the floor and tile. Example: - 8mm Tile used with 2mm Adhesive would require a 10mm trim. you should aim for the top of the tile trim to sit flush / even with the surface of the tile.
Aluminium tile trim will commonly come in lengths of 3m.
Cutting an aluminium tile trim
Cutting an aluminium tile trim is very simple. In some cases you may need to cut on an angle to achieve a flush finish along corners or to join to other tile trims.
When cutting the aluminium tile trim it is generally recommended that the best tool to use is a hacksaw. A hacksaw with at least 28-32 teeth per inch will cut an aluminium tile trim best. Please note that the use of a diamond blade (often used for cutting or grinding tiles) is not recommended. We do not recommend using a diamond blade on non ferrous metals such as aluminium tile trim. This is because a diamond blade's speed may be too fast and can result in molten metal clogging up the diamond blade.
Grouting with aluminium tile trim installed
When grouting floor tiles or wall tiles it is important to note the ingredients or make up of the grout and that an aluminium tile trim is installed. Incorrect application of tile grout with an aluminium tile trim installed may result in damage of the trim. Most grouts are cement based and as a result are alkaline in nature. Alkaline substances can etch the surface of aluminium tile trims if not immediately wiped clean. This means that the tile grout can irreparably burn the surface of the tile trim.
Most aluminium tile trims will come with a protective foil on the visible surface of the aluminium tile trim. It is important to check that your aluminium tile trim has this protective foil when grouting to ensure minimal damage to the surface of the trim.
Even if the aluminium tile trim has a protective foil it is important and recommended by manufacturers that all grout and adhesives are removed and cleaned before removing the foil. This will give you a better finish and reduce the chance of damage to the trim.
Nerang Tiles has a range of aluminium tile trims in stock that can be used in any residential or commercial internal or external application using porcelain or ceramic floor tiles or wall tiles.
For more information regarding which tile trim is best suited to your design, contact your tiler or visit in store and speak to a member of the Nerang Tiles team.