Tile Trims: Metal or Plastic?

No tile job is complete without trims. Essential for protecting edges and creating smooth transitions, tile trims are the finishing touch that guarantees the long-term durability and success of your tiling project. When selecting tile trims, you’ll most likely be thinking about which shapes and colours will complement the tiles and grout you’re working with. But there’s a whole host of tile trim materials to choose from, with brass, aluminium, stainless steel and PVC tile trims all providing different end results.

One of the most common questions for the Trimline team is: what’s the difference between metal and plastic tile trims? That’s why we’ve put together this short blog to tell you everything you need to know about tile trim materials.

Metal tile trims provide that sleek and shiny finish that many people expect from a high-quality tiled area. Available in a variety of colour finishes: from warm coppers and brass to cool-tone chromes and silvers, metallic tile edging offers a vibrant, on-trend finish. But that’s not all – the benefits of metal tile trims are:

Durability: Metals tile trims are more durable than plastic and able to withstand abrasion, resulting in far less wear and tear over time.

Easy to clean: Able to withstand corrosion from chemical cleaners, metal tile trims are perfect for kitchens and bathrooms where tough chemicals are more likely to be used.

High-end aesthetic: Many tilers opt for metal tile trims as they think they provide a higher quality finish. Whilst materials like brass might be more expensive than PVC, the final look might just be worth the extra spend if you’re in need of a first-class finish.

PVC doesn’t mean poor quality. Whilst plastic tile trims might not be as durable as their metal counterparts, they do the job just as well and they come in a wide range of colours and sizes, providing bright, glossy finishes for years to come. Here are some of the key benefits of using plastic tile trims:

Cost-effective: If you’re looking for value for money, PVC tile trims are budget-friendly and don’t compromise on a top-quality finish. Coming in a lot cheaper than some of the more expensive metal tile trims, PVC is the trusty choice that doesn’t break the bank.

Easy to cut: Another key benefit of fitting plastic tile trims is that it’s easy to cut. All you need is a mitre block and saw and you can cut PVC tile trims to your perfect size in a matter of seconds.

Flexible installation: PVC tile trims are flexible and easy to install. They’re lightweight and easy to transport and fit in large quantities. Easier to cut and manipulate than metal tile trims, PVC options are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes to suit the job at hand.

As the UK’s largest wholesaler in the tiling industry, Trimline offers a comprehensive range of tile trims, tiling materials, tools and equipment. We deliver complete product solutions to our clients, promising rapid delivery, low prices, rewards and expert customer service with every order. Transform your tiling project: start your journey with Trimline today.