Corner profiles — inner and outer corners

Finishing tile edges professionally — trim, mitre, or profile

Three ways to handle corners

Where tiled surfaces meet at a corner, you need a clean, durable finish. The three approaches — trim profiles, mitre cuts, and simple butting with sealant — each suit different situations and budgets.

Trim profiles (external corners)

Metal or PVC profiles that sit over the tile edge, creating a smooth rounded or square corner. The profile is embedded in the adhesive during tile installation — one leg goes behind the tile, the visible part covers the edge. This is the standard approach for most bathroom and kitchen corners.

• Pros: Protects tile edges from chipping, hides imperfect cuts, easy to install, available in many finishes (chrome, brushed nickel, brass, matt black).
• Cons: Visible profile adds a design element that may not suit minimalist aesthetics. The profile width adds a few millimetres to the corner.

Mitre joints (external corners)

Both tiles are cut at 45 degrees and meet at the corner edge. When done well, this creates a sharp, profileless corner that looks premium. When done poorly, the thin tile edges chip and the joint opens over time.

• Pros: Clean, sharp look with no visible hardware. Premium aesthetic.
• Cons: Requires a skilled tiler with a wet saw capable of precise 45° cuts. Fragile at the tip — the thin edge chips easily. Not recommended for high-traffic areas or with soft tiles.

Internal corners

Where two tiled walls meet (inside a corner), never use grout. The joint must be flexible silicone sealant to accommodate movement. Grout in internal corners will crack within months as the building settles and materials expand and contract. Use silicone colour-matched to the grout for a seamless look.