Porcelain paving is a great choice for a patio because the tiles are not only hard-wearing and long-lasting, but they are also stylish with an impressive range of colours and patterns. All these benefits make porcelain paving tiles well-suited to any property. However, when it comes to edging your patio, the cut edge on porcelain tiles isn’t quite as attractive as it is on natural stone and the rectified tile means that the edge can also become quite sharp. One way to edge a paving slab is by profiling it. Profiling does have its disadvantages, so PorcelQuick have created a range of stainless steel profiles designed precisely for use with porcelain paving.
Profiling your porcelain tiles can look great, but there are some downsides to this edging method. In the manufacturing of porcelain tiles, the powder is pressed in the shape of the desired tile and then fired at very high temperatures. This process is called vitrification and it removes almost all of the moisture, transforming the powder into an extremely hard material. Whilst this is necessary to make the tiles hard-wearing and well-suited to high traffic areas, it also makes porcelain tiles extremely difficult to cut on site. This means that for the tiles to be profiled or cut, to avoid those sharp edges, they usually have to be sent away to specialist companies with the machinery that can handle this tough material. This can take up to 6 weeks to fully cut and edge your tiles – so be prepared to wait. It’s also a costly process since specialist machinery is needed to cut and profile porcelain.
Luckily for us PorcelQuick have launched their latest range of 316 marine grade stainless steel trims which provide a low maintenance, aesthetically pleasing and simple solution. The trims are easy to look after, to clean simply wipe down with a wet warm cloth or sponge once or twice a month. If the trim is scratched or showing minor rust stains, use a mild abrasive cleaner such as Cif and follow up by wiping with a damp warm cloth or sponge. If the metal is contaminated with oil or grease clean with acetone (nail polish remover) and follow up with a warm water wipe.
PorcelQuick Stainless Steel Double Pencil Profile
The double pencil trim has a square look with rounded edges, it creates a bold and durable look on steps, edges and swimming pool surrounds:
- Ideal for straight steps with or without overhang of up to 10mm.
- Available with pre-formed external corners and end pieces.
- Can be used on pool surrounds and steps.
PorcelQuick Stainless Steel Round Edge Profile
The round edge trim has a curved shape designed to look like a traditional bull-nose finish:
- Ideal for edging copings or straight steps.
- Available with pre-formed external corners and end pieces to create a neat finish easily.
- Can be used on pool surrounds and steps.
PorcelQuick Stainless Steel Straight Edge Profile
A simple stainless steel profile that creates a subtle, contemporary look – perfect for patio edges on tiles up to 20mm thick:
- Minimalist look.
- Ideal for edging copings or straight steps.
- Available with pre-formed external corners.
PorcelQuick Stainless Steel Straight Edge Formable Profile
This trim has the same subtle finish as the above, but can be bent to finish curved edges such as on patio edges, steps and swimming pool surrounds. The formable trim can be bent up to a maximum radius of 85cm:
- Suitable for use on curved steps.
- Can be used within curved patterns as a transition piece.
Tile Fix Direct is stocking the full range of PorcelQuick trims today.