5 Creative Ways to Use Metal Floor Tile Trim for Stylish ...

• Post author:TBK Metal
• Post category:Decorative Profiles

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Among the options of interior design, metal floor tile trim is more of a background figure, which works behind the scenes, although it does not remain unnoticed. This blog looks at the possibilities of using metal trim to modern funky home decor in a novel way.

Find out how this beautiful and opulent design element can be used for borders and the focal point and speak about a striking change in an area. Now that we&#;ve decided on creating a unique metal trim design let us take a look at the possibilities for using it.

The Basics of Metal Floor Tile Trim

Metal floor tile trim is used for any home decor project, being both diverse and very beautiful. In this section let me explain to you the basics of metal floor tile trim, which will include the understanding of its need, the kinds available as well as the features of it.

What is Metal Floor Tile Trim?

Tile trim or edging is the metal flooring piece that gives a neat appearance to the floor tiles. Both the functional and the ornamental use in home decoration projects. The main purpose of the application of metal floor tile trim is as follows:

Protection

Metal trim is used to finish the face of tiles thereby avoiding instances where the edges are chipped or cracked where there is a lot of traffic.

Transition

It makes it easy to demarcate areas with different types of flooring or even between surfaces with tiles and those with other types of floors.

Decoration

This type of trim provides tiled areas with refinement, contemporariness, or juxtaposition, thus improving the appearance of the room.

Types of Metal Floor Tile Trim

Metal trim can be purchased in various types and forms depending on the kind which also comes in various forms to enable the designing of various forms of trim. Here are some of the commonly experienced types:

Stainless Steel Trim

This trim is highly durable and resistant to corrosion while having a contemporary look that appeals to many people. It is widely applied in the interior design of modern houses.

Aluminum Trim

Aluminum trim is rather light and is not vulnerable to corrosion. Available in brushed, polished, or anodized type, the finish yields versatility in the design aspect.

Brass Trim

Brass trim in specific portions of tile adds a hint of richness and comfort to tiled areas. It has the bonus of forming a natural patina over time that only adds to its aesthetics.

Tile Edge Trim

This type of trim is used basically to enhance the protection of tiles, especially the edges. It can be installed on countertop edges, staircases, and many other areas.

Decorative Trim

Some of the trim profiles are of metals that can have patterns, grooves, or texture onto which designs can be made thus enabling designers to come up with incredible designs.

Matching Metal Trim to Your Decor

The metal floor tile trims are of several types based on the appearance of the home improvement project, type of tile, and owner&#;s choice kind of tile trims. The following factors should be taken into consideration while selecting metal trim:

Color

Make sure that the metal trim&#;s color complements or contrasts with your tiles and color scheme for a matching or contrasting look.

Profile

The round, square, rectangular, etc trims also provide lieu of different looks. Select the one that will fit well with your design perspective.

Finish

The surface that the metal trim has (for instance matte, glossy, textured) can greatly influence the overall look of the room.

Knowing the fundamentals of metal floor tile trim is the initial thing you&#;d be able to do to incorporate this into your home design. In the next parts of this article, you will learn more about the creative bend of using metal trim in today&#;s designs.

Creative Applications

It is good and could be useful to give this project a metallic look for interior floor tile trim. Here we will indicate several directions on how it is possible to use a metallic floor tile trim and add sophistication and modernity to interiors.

Luxurious Borders

Metal trim can act as a classy frame for tiling systems; in areas such as fireplace surrounds, kitchen backsplash, or a single full-wall tiling. It is used to give surface reflectiveness, which makes them stand out giving a luxury look.

Accent Features

Try out some trendsetting designs which can be achieved by putting metal trim with your tiles. They can be used as border decorations, transition elements between floors, or designs that will create the center of attraction in any room.

Contemporary Staircases

Staircases are usually ignored in interior design but with the trim of metal floor tiles, they can turn into magnificent masterpieces of the contemporary world. It is advisable to fit the trim along the edges of the stairs for elegance and security.

Frame Mirrors and Artwork

As for the interior decoration of the house it is expected that there should be holders of metal in one place for the mirror or paintings. This function makes it possible to interconnect some design elements and it is used in any zone of a house.

Shower Niches

Accent metal floor tile trim frames shower niches in the bathroom and also adds more utility, an ultramodern note to the bathroom. This also enhances the aesthetics, it enhances the creation of a luxurious look that fits the setting of a spa.

Metal floor tiles transition shows that this product can be used and is capable of changing the home areas. Whatever the case, be it for a modern stylish finish or for that added touch of elegance, it is the metal trims that hold your decor together.

DIY Tips and Installation

Adding metal floor tile trim is not a very difficult job that any homeowner can undertake and transform the look of their homes. Below are some of the best ideas and Proven rules when giving your house that professional and stylish look.

Gather Your Tools and Materials

Before initiating the working process, it serves as a highly crucial rule to work on the working equipment. This is crucial to bolster a very smooth run all along the process and in effect become successful:

• Metal floor tile trim (in the desired finish and profile)
• Measuring tape
• Miter saw or hacksaw
• Adhesive (appropriate for your tile type)
• Caulk and caulk gun
• Level
• Safety gear (gloves and safety glasses)
• Pencil

Measure and Plan

Before installing the metal floor tile trim, you should discuss the particular areas of the structure that you have to trim. These are still trim pieces so you have to label these parts while you double-check all your dimensions to make sure.

For more information, please visit steel floor tile manufacturer.

Cut the Trim

With a miter saw or hacksaw, cut the metal floor tile trim into the proper length and thickness. In this stage, the finer cuts you make and the more cautious you are especially at the corners and wherever there is a joint, the better it will be.

Test Fit and Adjust

It is recommended to perform a fit with no adhesive on the trim pieces so they are perfectly aligned and fit well. Trim any excess material off the trim pieces as may be needed depending on the angles or length of the trim pieces desired.

Apply Adhesive

Apply glue on the back of the metal floor tile trim and spread it to a reasonable thickness. Seat the trim to the tiles and try to level and align the trim use trimmers and a saw to remove the extra glue with the help of a wet cloth as soon as possible.

Secure the Trim

Regarding the trim, it is recommended to use the painter&#;s tape or the masking tape so that the adhesive sticks to the substance as it dries. The curing time for the adhesive as estimated by the manufacturer should be strictly followed to the letter.

Fill Gaps and Joints

This is followed by painting the seam between the trim as well as the tiles with a caulk when the adhesive has dried. Scrape off the excess caulk with your finger or a narrow tool to achieve a clean look, Smooth the area as much as possible.

Clean Up

All tape and any other transitional supports that may have been used during the installation process have to be cleaned. Rinse the trim and the other tiles with water and vinegar to get rid of adhesiveness and smears of the adhesive paste.

Final Inspection

When the adhesive and the caulk are set then there is always a need to ensure that there is no other opportunity for the space to remain open. If a higher or lower sheen or smoother surface is wanted, smooth or even further as needed.

These are the procedures that he/she should follow to install the metal floor tile trim to give a professional look to the work for the homeowners. Be deeply concentrated meticulous and slow in work and be thankful for the opportunity.

Maintenance and Care

But to retain the shiny look of the shiny metal floor tile trim, this requires some level of maintenance to be done. The following are the care tips for the product; adherence to these would improve the outlook and longevity of the product:

Regular Cleaning

Dust and grime will settle at the bottom of your metal trim and this reduces the sheen it once had. Clean it with clean water using a soft rag once every week and for those stains wash it like you normally do but kindly do it gently with liquid soap.

Avoid Abrasives

The use of strong solvents or scrubbing the surface with coarse material will erode the metal finish and hence appear to be dark. Do not use strong detergents or scrubbing materials to wash the trim to minimize strain on the appearance.

Prevent Corrosion

When the metal trim is exposed you find it in bathrooms and kitchens the metal should be dried as it may develop cases of corrosion. Additional protection can be provided by paint with a metal sealer to avoid creases and water marks.

Inspect for Damage

The metallic floor tile trim should also be checked from time to time for signs of wear including denting, scratching, and loose parts. Fix problems when they are still small to prevent worsening and smoothen scratches with metal polish.

Protect from Harsh Chemicals

Avoid spraying chemical cleaners directly on the metal trim because they can penetrate the metal causing a change of color on the new surface. As a measure to avoid injury use the trim or immediately clean it after application of the substance.

Maintain Grout Lines

Reapply Sealant

Prevent Impact Damage

Below are the measures on how you can maintain your metal floor tile trim to keep it fashionable and durable. Thus, by doing this you&#;ll only gain the element of ornamentation and the possibility to continue to use the item for a very long time.

Conclusion

Metal floor tile trim beautifies homes adding elegance and style to your house. It is used on luxurious borders, and accent features as well as on modern stairways. Discover its artistic possibilities and learn about successful installation to turn your home into a true masterpiece of contemporary interior design.

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YES! Installing stainless steel tile is similar to installing regular tile, with a few notable exceptions. In many ways, stainless is easier than stone or ceramic tile. Many people choose to install our tile tightly together. This way, you do not need spacers and will not have to grout. Not grouting will shorten the job by at least two days. You have to let regular tile cure before grouting, then the grout has to cure before sealing. You skip those steps if you choose not to grout. If you are using the standard hardboard backer, the tile is installed with a construction adhesive (like Liquid Nails) instead of Thinset. You apply the adhesive using a standard caulk gun, directly to the back of the tile, and press it on the wall. Cutting metal is probably the most challenging part of the process. However, if you are comfortable cutting regular tile with a wet saw, you should have no problem mastering stainless tiles. There will be less waste as well. You will not crack our tiles, but you may have a bad cut or two. Typically, we do not recommend getting a lot of extra tiles (10% to 20% for a regular tile project). So if you are moderately skilled and have the right tools, this project is well within the capability of many homeowners. We are just a call away and enjoy working with our customers to achieve a great result.

We also have two installation guides available here: How To Install and here: Installation Guide

When the tile is formed, it creates a void on the back of the tile.  By applying a backer inside this void, the tile gains added rigidity and provides a suitable surface to bond to the substrate.  The hardboard is the standard backer and works great in most situations.  It is not affected by occasional splashings, like behind a sink.  We use a 3/16" thick hardboard which stays mostly hidden by the the stainless steel tile's fully-formed factory edge.  It has the lowest profile, as it makes a tile that is about ¼&#; thick.  It installs easily using a construction adhesive similar to Liquid Nails.

If you are going to use the tile in an area that gets soaked frequently, like in a shower or outside, you will need to use the Fiberock backer.  It works great in areas that see a lot of moisture. Because it is a little thicker and makes a tile that is about 3/8&#; thick, it is sometimes chosen when mixing stainless tiles with other types of tile, such as stone, ceramic or glass, to better match their thickness. However, because Fiberock is thicker, it does protrude from the back side of the tile and is NOT hidden by the stainless steel tile's factory edge. It is typically installed with Thinset, like regular tile.

To summarize, the hardboard backer is 3/16" thick, makes a 1/4" thick tile, and stays mostly hidden behind the tile's fully-formed factory edge. It's our most popular backer and is used in most situations. The Fiberock backer is 1/4" thick, makes a 3/8" thick tile, and because it's thicker, it does protrude from the backside of the tile and is NOT hidden by the stainless steel tile's fully-formed factory edge.

More information on our backers is available here: Tile Backing Options

We only use U.S. produced stainless steel. Our steel is a ferritic stainless (430 series) that offers a wide range of properties that make it suitable for decorative and functional walls and backsplashes. It is one of the most common stainless steels used for decorative and functional purposes (like commercial sinks, outdoor gas grills, architectural trim, etc.) There is an ongoing debate on what type of stainless steel is best for a backsplash. The two most common types of stainless are 300 series and 400 series. While the 300 series offers slightly better corrosion resistance (primarily because of its nickel content), 400 series offers excellent corrosion resistance and we have never had a complaint of corrosion with our standard 430 stainless. It has a couple of other advantages that make 430 stainless our choice. It is a little less expensive because it uses molybdenum for corrosion resistance and ours is annealed to further improve corrosion resistance. 300 series is more expensive because nickel is not a raw material that the United States is a significant producer. Because the nickel is imported from competitor countries (like Russia and China), it adds to the cost of production and comes with a political cost. A further benefit of 430 series steel is that magnets will stick to it. That makes sticking your menus and notes on the backsplash with a magnet possible, just like on your refrigerator (also usually made with 430 series stainless).

The PVC film that is on the face of the tile serves an important function during production, shipping, and installation. It protects the brushed finish of the tile and reduces the chance of nicks and scratches. It is recommended that the film is left on until after the tile is installed. Once the tile is adhered to the wall and cured, the PVC can be peeled off. There will be a little adhesive residue on the tile and it will need to be cleaned. We recommend a cleaner and polish combination like Sheila Shine, which we carry on our website. However, there are many other products available to you locally. There is a discussion on our blog with great tips on cleaning and a good list of products.

Before leaving this topic, I want to mention that the PVC film can be a little tedious, but it really works well to protect the tile. Prior to adhering the tile, we recommend that you begin peeling the film off all sides and just leave the face covered. This will make peeling the PVC off easier. Some people report good results with peeling the PVC while installing and use extra care to avoid scratching the tile. If you are going to grout the tile, you definitely want the PVC clear of the joints so that you don&#;t ruin the grout when peeling or get the film trapped in the joint. Also, instead of floating the grout, you may consider using a grout bag with a thin bead tip to apply the grout directly to the joint and smooth with a wet finger. In any case, you want to avoid using a sanded grout, unless absolutely necessary.

There are several ways to cut stainless steel tile. First, the primary concern while cutting stainless steel is to avoid generating a lot of heat that may discolor the steel. Until recently, we have recommended that tile is cut with a tile wet saw with a diamond blade. That is still a very acceptable method to cut tile; however, there is a method we found recently that is easier and less expensive. Stainless can be cut using a band saw or jig saw using a fine-toothed blade with 17 or more teeth to the inch. The trick is getting a straight cut and protecting the tile. There are two relatively new products that solve these issues. First, Rockwell has a tool called Blade Runner X2 that is essentially a small tabletop tool that has a jigsaw blade mounted from underneath the table. The upper end of the blade is supported between two rollers. This tool was purchased on Amazon and delivered to our shop for right around $100. Jigsaw blades are cheap while diamond blades used on wet saws are not. This tool could pay for itself the first time it is used. There is also a table made by a company in Germany (Neutechnik) that you can mount your jigsaw on, with the same advantages as the Rockwell tool. We are in the process of evaluating both tools and will provide more information and instructions in the near future. Meanwhile, the tile wet saw works well for straight cuts. When you have to notch a tile (like around an outlet), you can make the straight cuts with the wet saw and the inside cuts with an abrasive cutoff wheel in a Dremel rotary tool.

We have posted a video on YouTube that shows several methods for cutting stainless steel tile:

Yes, we enjoy working with you to help you get the best result possible for your project. In the future, we will be offering videos to address some of the more common layout issues. In general, work to create a design and layout that fits your space best. A couple key considerations are: 1) how the pattern fits within openings and 2) how the tiles end, both in corners and the ends of the pattern. By fitting in an opening, we are talking typically space above the stove and below the vent or microwave, and the area above the sink. If possible, we want the pattern to be symmetrical in these spaces. By that, we mean that the pattern is centered within the spaces. After that, we want to see how the tile will end in the corners and on the sides. On small walls, it is good to make both sides end with the same size tile (symmetrical). Also, we don&#;t want to see a pattern end with just a sliver of a tile. The very small tile will be distracting. When the tile is to continue around a corner, experiment with how that transition is best made. There are two good methods. One is to make it a continuation of the pattern around the corner. Let&#;s say we are using 4&#;X8&#; tile and when we reach the corner, we have to cut a tile to 6 inches to fit. Take the 2-inch leftover and turn the corner with it. This makes for a nice flow. Another option is to make the opposite walls mirror each other. So in the above example, if you finish with a 6-inch tile, make the next wall start with a 6-inch tile. Both patterns will be symmetrical and produce a contiguous look. With any type of tile that you install, it is not likely that every consideration will be accommodated. In that case, you choose the most visible element to make right and the least visible element will require some compromise.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of automotive shop flooring. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.