Porcelain paving is an obvious choice when it comes to patios; it’s extremely hard-wearing, doesn’t stain or fade, and is available in almost endless designs to match every style of home. But what do you do with the edges? Well, we’ve got a great solution for you in the shape of specialist outdoor tile trims from PorcelQuick.
Why do you need to edge your porcelain paving?
Porcelain tiles are usually rectified, which basically means that the edges are ground down to create a perfectly straight and even edge. This helps to keep the tiles the same size which in turn creates even grout lines. Although rectified tiles are a good thing when it comes to joints, it does leave quite a severe and sharp edge around the sides of your patio. This may not be an issue if you have turf or plants siding up to the tiles, but for exposed edges – such as on steps, raised bedding or swimming pool surrounds – the exposed edges could be dangerous.
Not only are the edges sharp, but because of the way the patterns are printed onto the top of the tiles, the body is often a slightly different shade. If you have an exposed tile edge this will become more visible.
Options for edging outdoor porcelain tiles
When it comes to the edges of your porcelain paving tiles you have three main options:
- Leave the edges exposed
- Have the edges profiled
- Use a stainless steel tile trim
As we said earlier, leaving the edges exposed is fine for some situations but many do not like the idea of having these sharp edges unprotected. Profiling gives an attractive finish as the tiles are cut or ground to create a rounded edge, but it is expensive and requires some planning as the lead times can be quite long. Some porcelain tiles are un-suited to profiling due to different tile body colours or when the glaze chips during the process. Another alternative is to use trim, much like you would when tiling indoors, and that’s what we’re going to focus on today.
What is PorcelQuick outdoor tile trim?
PorcelQuick are specialists when it comes to outdoor tiling. As well as these trims, they also have a cement pedestal system that can be used to install porcelain paving. They spotted that there wasn’t an easy way to create safe and attractive edges on 20mm thick porcelain, so they created a collection of trims specially designed for this purpose. The trims provide the following benefits:
- Simple on-site edging solution for 2cm porcelain tiles
- Easy to see the final finish that will be achieved
- Protects the edges of the tiles from damage
- Pre-formed external angles and formable straight edges for curves
- Hides difference in colour between the top and body of the tiles
- Made of 316 L marine grade stainless steel
Because the trims are made of 316L stainless steel they are strong, durable and long-lasting, and they won't corrode like other metals such as aluminium. They are also unlikely to suffer dents and nicks because of their tensile strength, keeping your patio safe to walk on and free from aesthetic damage.
PorcelQuick outdoor trim available at Tile Fix Direct
At Tile Fix Direct we stock four different styles of PorcelQuick outdoor tile trim, each one is made of 316L stainless steel and measures 2.5m long.
- Straight Edge – a minimalist straight edge trim available with a powder-coating in beige, light grey or dark grey
- Double Pencil – a square trim with rounded edges
- Round Edge – a curved trim designed to look like a bullnose finish
- Straight Edge Formable – the same look as the straight edge trim but can be bent to finish curved edges
We also stock matching corners and end caps so that you can create a professional and attractive finish.
How to install PorcelQuick outdoor tile trims
PorcelQuick trims are quick and easy to install, for best results follow the below instructions:
- Measure the edge you want to install your trim onto and cut the trim to use with an angle grinder, stainless specific (Inox) blade, cool the stainless with water during cutting to avoid burn marks
- When using Double Pencil or Round Edge trims, backfill the void with tile adhesive
- Apply an all weather adhesive, such as EVO-STIK Sticks Like Sh*t, to the edge of the surface the tile will sit on, bed the trim/s into the adhesive and allow it to set
- Apply the all weather adhesive on top of the trim
- Tile as normal with tiling adhesive, leaving a 4mm gap between the tile edge & trim
- Cover the edge of the tile with masking tape and fill the 4mm gap with grout backer rod
- Apply silicone sealant over the backer rod