Guide to

Tile Trim
Trim is one of the most important details you’ll need to consider for your tile project. While trim can be tricky, it
doesn’t have to be. Our comprehensive guide takes the guesswork out of trim to ensure all your bases are covered.

WHY TRIM?

• Trim gives your installation a clean, finished look • Trim can reinforce stress points between the wall
by creating seamless transitions and hiding mud and floor by repelling water.
set and thin set.
• Fireclay Tile is one of the only companies that
• Trim is vital for wet environments to keep water offers fully customizable tile trim. Contact your
from pooling in corners. Design Consultant or email [email protected]
for details.

F I R E C L AY T I L E : G U I D E TO T I L E T R I M 1
Trim Glossary
GLAZED EDGE BEAK
Tile with a glazed edge. Named for its’ resemblance to a bird beak.
A Beak is used to finish a three-way corner.
Uses: Be sure to specify which edge needs to
SHORT SIDE be glazed. We recommend requesting Glazed Uses: A Beak is essentially a Quarter Round
Edges for Thin Brick and Handpainted Tile with a pointed tip made specifically to connect
installations that will have exposed edges, as with two regular Quarter Rounds. Sometimes
these pieces do not have Bullnose options. you’ll see Quarter Rounds mitered at the edge
to create a corner, but Beaks can offer a more
polished look.
LONG SIDE
Size(s): 5½

FLAT LINER
CORNER
A thin, flat trim piece. Glazed edge(s)
upon request.
Uses: Flat Liners can be used to frame statement
SURFACE BULLNOSE (SBN) tile and backsplashes. Flat liners do not have a
A tile piece that has a rounded, glazed edge glazed edge, but we can add a glazed edge or
that can be placed horizontally or vertically. bullnose edge upon request as an alternative
It can also come as a corner piece (right or to Bullnose or Quarter Rounds. Flat Liners
left) that features two perpendicular rounded with Glazed Edges are popular trim pieces for
glazed edges. specialty shapes and tile patterns that aren’t
straight set.
Uses: If your tile installation doesn’t extend to
the ceiling or ends flush with a cabinet wall, Size(s): 1x4 and 1x6
the Bullnose’s rounded edge can help cap it off
and create a smooth transition between the tile
and the wall. It also hides exposed tile edges ROUND LINER
LEFT CORNER as well as mud/thin set. Please note that our A curved, solid trim piece that is fully glazed
Glazed Thin Brick, and Handpainted Tiles do on both sides.
not have Bullnose trim options and will require
Uses: Adding a little more dimension than a
a Glazed Edge or some other trim piece.
Quarter Round, Round Liners are a simple yet
Size(s): Available for field sizes greater decorative way to cap off the edge of tile or
than 2x2 frame a statement installation. It’s also a simpler
RIGHT CORNER Other available piece(s): Corner alternative to the more ornate Architectural
trim pieces. Round Liners can only turn corners
if they are miter cut.
Size(s): 5/8x6, 3/4x6, and 1x6
QUARTER ROUND
A thin, curved trim piece that is glazed on the
outside. Its edges are unglazed on both sides. COVE BASE
Uses: Quarter Rounds are one of the most A tile piece that has a concavely curved edge.
popular and frequently used trim pieces. Use it A regular Cove Base has a flat top edge that
as a transition between wall and tile to hide the allows you to add tile right above it. A Cove
mud setting and create a clean, curved glazed Base Round Top has a glazed, rounded top
edge. You can also use it to round corners or like a Surface Bullnose.
frame out shower niches, window sills, and Uses: A Cove Base is often used to join wall
under-mount sinks. REGULAR tile to floor tile, especially in wet environments
COVE BASE
Size(s): 1x4 and 1x6 like the bathroom and shower. The concave
edge keeps water from collecting in the grout.
Commercial projects are required to have
Cove Bases so water isn’t retained in the grout.
However, it’s recommended for residential
applications as well.
Size(s): 4x4, 4x6, and 6x6
COVE BASE
ROUND TOP

F I R E C L AY T I L E : G U I D E TO T I L E T R I M 2
Trim Glossary (continued)
COVE BASE OUTSIDE CORNER DOUBLE RADIUS BULLNOSE
A thin, convex corner piece that’s glazed on A Radius Bullnose with two curved edges.
the outside. Uses: A Double Radius Bullnose has two
Uses: When two Cove Bases intersect at rounded edges that extend on either side
an outside corner, you’ll need a Cove Base to cap off shower curbs and other situations
Outside Corner to join them and keep water where the installation might jut outwards.
from being retained in the grout. If you opt for Double Radius Bullnose trim,
Size(s): 4 and 6 do not begin building your shower curb
until you’ve received your trim to ensure a
proper fit.
COVE BASE INSIDE CORNER Size(s): 21/2x6
A thin, concave corner piece with a beaked Other Available Piece(s): Stop-Ends
tip that’s glazed on the inside.
Uses: When two Cove Bases intersect at an
SQUARE CAP
inside a corner, you’ll need a Cove Base Inside
Corner to create a junction and keep water A tile with a rounded, concave edge.
from being retained in the grout. Do not use a Uses: The Square Cap wraps around an outside
Cove Base Inside Corner to continue up a wall corner to create rounded edges for a finished
vertically. This piece does not match up with look. It pairs well with a sink cap and can be
the Finger Cove. used when tile transitions over a sink, window
Size(s): 4 and 6 sill, or niche.
Size(s): 11/2x6
Other Available Piece(s): Corner
FINGER COVE
Concavely curved Quarter Round trim piece
that’s glazed on the inside. STANDARD CORNER (BRICK ONLY)
Uses: Finger Coves are a good way to frame A custom corner made for glazed thin
out the inside corner of an installation in a Brick installations.
wet environment. It keeps the corner from Uses: Because our glazed thin Brick should not
retaining water inside the grout, such as in a be mitered, you’ll need a Standard Corner if
shower floor or niche. your installation wraps around a corner. Edges
Size(s): 1x4 and 1x6 can be glazed upon request (be sure to specify
which edge).

RADIUS BULLNOSE
A trim piece with a rounded edge that extends ARCHITECTURAL MOLDING
further down than a Surface Bullnose. A decorative tile trim inspired by
Uses: If your installation needs to round an classic architecture.
outside corner around a wall, a countertop, Uses: Our exclusive collection of Architectural
or when it meets a window, a Radius Bullnose Moldings features decorative trim that
can be used to create a soft edge. It also enhances traditional spaces. You’ll often
keeps water from pooling, especially in wet find our Architectural Moldings bordering
environments like bathrooms or behind off tile wainscoting or lining the top of a tile
the sink. installation where the wall and ceiling meet. To
Size(s): 2½x6, 4x4, 6x6 see our full Architectural Molding offering, visit
Available Piece(s): Corner, Stop-Ends www.fireclaytile.com/resources or contact
your Design Consultant.
Other Available Piece(s): Stop-Ends for
all moldings

F I R E C L AY T I L E : G U I D E TO T I L E T R I M 3
Trim Use Cases
We’ve detailed a few scenarios where you’ll need tile trim. The examples illustrated can
vary based on the style you’d like to achieve. Be sure to speak with your Design Consultant
before finalizing your trim options to get the best possible result.
Please note, glazes run when fired so the color on curved edges (Quarter Rounds, Bullnoses, Cove Bases, etc) may vary from flat pieces.

SHOWER NICHE TRIM

Tiled shower niches have the dual function of

incorporating storage into your shower without
taking up space. It’s also an opportunity to add an
extra pop of color or pattern.

For shower niches, it’ll be useful to order longer tile

trim to reduce grout lines on surfaces where soap
and shampoo might rest. It’ll also make your niche
easier to clean.

Quarter Rounds will offer the most classic look,

while Glazed Edge pieces are best for contemporary
and modern styles.

Bullnose

Quarter Round Glazed Edge

F I R E C L AY T I L E : G U I D E TO T I L E T R I M 4
Trim Use Cases (continued)

SHOWER CURB TRIM

Shower curbs are used to keep water from escaping

a walk-in shower. It’s also a great opportunity to set
your project apart with tile and tile trim. Shower curb
trim will prevent grout and raw tile edges from being
exposed, resulting in a more stable installation.

The most common shower curb trims are Radius

Bullnose and Glazed Edge. Doubling up on these
trims will give you a seamless grout line down the
middle of your curb that can be cut to fit your
installation. Your tile installer will be able to cut
tile to the appropriate width and length trim. We
recommend overage so your curb is fully covered.

Double Radius Bullnose can be used for traditional

styles. Important: If you opt for Double Radius
Bullnose, you must build your shower curb after
you receive your trim in order to account for its Double Radius Bullnose
handmade size variation.

Radius Bullnose Glazed Edge

F I R E C L AY T I L E : G U I D E TO T I L E T R I M 5
Trim Use Cases (continued)

SHOWER BENCH TRIM

For walk-in showers with a built-in bench, tile offers

a waterproof and easy-to-clean solution while
establishing a visually seamless design.

The most common trim for Shower Benches

are Bullnose, Quarter Round, and Glazed Edge.
Bullnose may be the most comfortable because it
offers a softer edge for sitting. However, a Glazed
Edge may better suit your shower’s aesthetic. The
choice is purely personal, but all trims will meet
your needs. Quarter Round will offer the most
classic look.

Bullnose

Quarter Round and Finger Cove Glazed Edge

Finger Cove (1) and Quarter Round (2)

F I R E C L AY T I L E : G U I D E TO T I L E T R I M 6
Trim Use Cases (continued)

PONY WALL TRIM

Pony walls are used as a shower or toilet partition 1

and can offer additional privacy. They also offer a
unique architectural detail in your bathroom. Tiling 3
2
your pony wall with the same tile as your shower
creates a seamless transition between spaces.

When tiling a pony wall, you’ll essentially need

three types of trim: (1) a Right Corner (3) a Left
Corner, and (2) an Edge piece. See illustrations
for reference.

A Quarter Round will achieve the most traditional

look, while a Glazed Edge will be the most modern.
Keep in mind that specialty shapes do not come in
Glazed Edge options. Your Design Consultant can
provide you with a visual rendering to find the trim
that best suits your style.
Bullnose
Long Edge (1), Left Corner (2), and Right Corner (3)

1
2

Quarter Round with Beak Glazed Edge

Beak (1) and Quarter Round (2) Right Corner (1), Left Corner (2), and Long Edge (3)

F I R E C L AY T I L E : G U I D E TO T I L E T R I M 7
Trim Use Cases (continued)

FLOOR TRIM

Cove Base Trim can elevate the look of your floor

tile. While not a necessity, Cove Bases can add a
finished and refined look to your space depending
on your aesthetic. Cove Bases also make corners
more stable and easier to clean since you won’t
have a grout line at a 90-degree angle.

If your floor tile transitions into wall tile, you’ll want

to choose Cove Bases with Straight Tops to connect
the two planes. If your floor tile won’t transition
into wall tile, you should opt for Cove Bases with
Bull-Nosed tops for a finished look.

If you opt for Cove Bases, they’ll likely meet at an

inside or outside corner. Miter cutting Cove Bases
can be tricky, so Cove Base Inside and Outside
Corners offer easy solutions for your installer.
Cove Base

Cove Base Cove Base

Inside Corner Outside Corner

F I R E C L AY T I L E : G U I D E TO T I L E T R I M 8
Trim Use Cases (continued)

WINDOW SILL TRIM

A thoughtful detail that ties your space together,

tiled window sills can set your kitchen or bathroom
installation apart. If your window sill is deep enough
for setting soaps, plants, or accents, tile trim also
offers a waterproof and easy-to-clean surface.

Similar to a shower niche, window sills will typically

require Bullnose, Quarter Round, or Glazed Edge
Tile. The longer the trim, the less grout lines you’ll
have around the window.

If you have a particularly deep window sill, you’ll

also want to consider a wider trim piece to reduce
grout lines. Your Design Consultant can help you
determine which trim size is right for you.

Bullnose
Long Edge

Quarter Round Glazed Edge

Long Edge

F I R E C L AY T I L E : G U I D E TO T I L E T R I M 9
Trim Use Cases (continued)

BACKSPL ASH TRIM

Backsplash tile will require trim if you expect your

installation will have exposed edges. This will be the
2
case if your backsplash only goes part-way up the 1
wall or meets the wall at the edge of your kitchen
or bathroom counter.
3
If you expect your tile backsplash to transition to
the wall, you have a few trim options to hide the
unglazed edges. For field tile, we recommend
Glazed Edge or Bullnose trim. For specialty shapes,
we recommend Flat Liners with Glazed Edges or
Round Liners. See illustrations for reference.

Make sure to specify which edge(s) and corner(s)

needs to be Glazed or Bullnose before placing your
order with your Design Consultant. Bullnose
You can specify which edge you want bullnosed:
Long Edge (1), Corner (2), or Short Edge (3)

Round Liner Flat Liner

Quarter Round is also acceptable. Long Edge

F I R E C L AY T I L E : G U I D E TO T I L E T R I M 10
Trim Use Cases (continued)

FIREPL ACE – FIREBOX TRIM

Fireplace tile is a beautiful way to highlight the

architectural focal point of your space. When tiling
your fireplace surround, you’ll want firebox trim for
a polished and professional look.

If your fireplace surround has field tile in a straight

set or offset pattern, Glazed Edge trim should be a
sufficient solution.

For specialty shapes and patterns like herringbone,

Flat Liners with Glazed Edges offer a modern
finish, while Bullnoses match well with transitional
and traditional styles. For a classic look, consider
Quarter Rounds or Round Liners.

Bullnose
Long Edge

Flat Liner Glazed Edge

Long Edge with 45 degree miter to be cut by installer. Long Edge (1) and Short Edge (2)

F I R E C L AY T I L E : G U I D E TO T I L E T R I M 11
Trim Use Cases (continued)

FIREPL ACE – HEARTH TRIM

Whether it matches your fireplace surround or you

want to update it on its own, tiling your hearth can
lend your fireplace extra character.

If you’re thinking about adding tile to your hearth,

you’ll only need tile trim if it’s on top of or above
the floor. If your hearth is flush with the floor, you
won’t need trim since the floor’s edge will cover the
tile’s exposed edges.

When designing your hearth trim, you’ll need to

specify the types of edges you need for your hearth,
as well as the amount. Your Design Consultant
1
can help you calculate how much you’ll need.
3
See diagram for examples.
2

Bullnose
You can specify which edge you want bullnosed:
Long Edge (1), Left Corner (2), or Short Edge (3)

Round Liner Glazed Edge

45 degree miter to be cut by installer. You can specify which edge you want glazed:
Long Edge (1), Left Corner (2), or Short Edge (3)

F I R E C L AY T I L E : G U I D E TO T I L E T R I M 12
Trim Use Cases (continued)

FIREPL ACE – RETURN

If your fireplace protrudes out of the wall, tiling the

“buildout”, or the plane that projects from the wall,
can lend visual continuity to your space. This tile
will typically match the tile you choose for your
fireplace surround.

Since your tile will be turning an outside corner,

you’ll need return trim. For field tile in a straight
set or offset pattern, Glazed Edges should be
sufficient. If using Brick, we also offer Brick
Standard Corner trim.

For specialty shapes, you can use Flat Liners

with Glazed Edges or Round Liners. Your Design
Consultant can help you determine which style is
best for you.

Brick Corner

Round Liner Flat Liner

Long Edge

F I R E C L AY T I L E : G U I D E TO T I L E T R I M 13
This vs. That

QUARTER ROUND RADIUS BULLNOSE FLAT LINER ROUND LINER ARCHITECTURAL MOLDING

Both Radius Bullnose and Quarter Round trims create Flat Liners, Round Liners, and Architectural Moldings are all
smooth transitions when your tile installation wraps around transition pieces in instances where a tile installation will change
a wall corner. The difference is mainly aesthetic. If you want from one field of color or pattern to another. The difference
to keep the color consistent throughout your installation, among these pieces is simply aesthetic. Flat Liners will lie flat
a Radius Bullnose may be your best option. However, if you against the wall and offer a contemporary look, while Round
want a tile border in a contrasting color (perhaps to frame Liners and Architectural Moldings protrude further out, adding
a niche or window sill), a Quarter Round can create a classic detailing to more traditional spaces.
polished, curved contour.

QUARTER ROUND BEAK QUARTER ROUND W/ MITER COVE BASE TILE-TO-TILE

If your Quarter Round Trim joins at a 90-degree angle, you’ll Commercial kitchens and commercial bathrooms associated
need to piece the two together with either a Quarter Round with kitchens or food prep are required to have Cove Bases*.
Beak or a miter cut. The advantage of a Quarter Round Beak Although you’ll often find residential installations with simple
is that it offers a polished, customized transition between Tile-to-Tile transitions, these areas can be more vulnerable
two intersecting Quarter Rounds. Alternatively, your installer to water and dirt in the long run. However, Tile-to-Tile
can connect Quarter Rounds by cutting the edges into transitions achieve a more modern look that some
angles so that they meet, i.e. a miter cut. This will still create might prefer.
a flush, 90-degree angle. However, the result may be less
polished than the look a Quarter Round Beak can offer. *Cove Bases make for stronger installations.

TA L K TO T H E E X P E R T S

SURFACE BULLNOSE GLAZED EDGE Still have questions? We’ve got answers. Whether you’d like to
learn more about styles, sizes, pricing, or all of the above, our
in-house tile experts are here to help you every step of the way.
Surface Bullnose and Glazed Edge trims are both used to
Contact your Design Consultant or email [email protected]
hide exposed mud set or thin set once an installation
for complimentary design assistance.
transitions into drywall. A Surface Bullnose gives you a subtly
curved edge for a classic look. For modern spaces, a Glazed
Edge offers a sleek alternative. Whichever one you choose,
be sure to specify with your Design Consultant which edges
need to be Bullnose or Glazed.

F I R E C L AY T I L E : G U I D E TO T I L E T R I M 14
L A S T U P D AT E D 0 9 - 0 5 -1 9