Porcelain tiles are a fantastic choice for patios as they is extremely strong and hard-wearing. Like all patio coverings though, they do require some attention when it comes to the edges. Factory finished or cut edges can be sharp, particularly if the tiles have been rectified. Worse still, they can be unsightly if the body of the tile differs slightly in colour from the surface.
With traditional stone or cement paving slabs you would usually use a contrasting colour brick, block or edging piece to create a border. These all have quite rustic looks, which don’t suit a contemporary outdoor porcelain tile. We’ve outlined some of the most popular and practical options for finishing your patio edging without compromising on modern looks and appeal.
Machine Profiling
Your tiles will be sent away to a specialist profiling company to create the finish of your choice – the most popular being bullnosing, half bull-nose or pencil edge. This process involves grinding your tiles to the edge finish of your choice. This process will take around 6-8 weeks and can be costly depending on the number of tiles you require profiled. You should always check your stockist takes tiles from the same batch for profiling to ensure the finished pieces look the same.
Chippings or Stones
If your patio is surrounded by lawn or similar you can use natural materials such as stones or chippings to create an attractive finish around the edges. Stone edging is relatively inexpensive and contrasting paving edging can bring out the colours, tones and finishes of your porcelain paving.
Brick or Blocks
Many people choose to create a border around the edges of their porcelain patio with other paving materials such as brick or blockwork. Again, this is relatively inexpensive and your installer should be able to recommend a suitable option for this.
Stainless Steel Trims
Tile trims are usually seen indoors, but PorcelQuick have created a range trims for outdoor use, all made of 316 grade stainless steel. There are a range of designs available including a square finish, round edge and even a formable straight edge trim that can be used on curved edges. Cheaper than machine profiling, tiles trims for outdoor tiles are a great way to add a professional looking finishing touch to your outdoor space.
Plants
For a natural look you can hide the edges of your tiles with plants. Bear in mind if the plants have any seeds, fruit or leaves that may drop onto the tiles that this area could need more regular cleaning.
At Valverdi we do not supply any pre-made edge pieces. There can be slight variation in colour and sizing between different batches, therefore your edging pieces would not perfectly match your finished patio.