The Truth About Mitres

By Zephyr and Stone

It’s no secret that we love mitres. Like, really LOVE them. Mitred tiles and edges result in a minimal, seamless profile that allows your tile to take centre stage — without the distraction of a trim. Mitred joints create a sleek designer look that speaks of quality and luxury, perfect for bathroom remodeling, kitchen renovations, and other home improvement projects. Mitred edges are one of the finishing details that take a tiled area to the next level.

Zephyr and Stone • Contemporary Coastal Ensuite With Mitred Finish To Niche And Vanity End Wall

What is a Mitred Edge?

A mitred edge, also known as a mitred tile corner or mitred join, is one of the options available to you when tiling external corners. A mitred tile is cut at a 45-degree angle along an edge, essentially removing the ‘biscuit’ or underside of the tile. Two mitred edge tiles are then butted against each other to form a neat finish at the corner so that only the face of each tile is visible.

A quality professional tiler can create a beautiful mitred tile edge, without chipping or damaging the edge of the tile, whether it's a ceramic tile installation, porcelain tile installation, or stone tile installation. That being said, stronger materials like porcelain and stone are generally easier to mitre and create a cleaner cut, compared materials like ceramic tiles.

Zephyr and Stone • Resort Ensuite • Niche Under Construction With One Mitred Tile Edge Visible

When to Choose Mitred Edges: Mitred edges are ideal for:

• Modern and contemporary designs

• Minimalist styles

• Spaces where you want the tile to be the focal point

• Projects where a seamless, high-end finish is desired

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Z + S Tip • Opting for mitres in your home? Ensure the tiler does not grout where the two mitres join, as the grout tends to crack over time. Mitred joins should be siliconed, which allows for movement, protection and flexibility. Never assume that your tiler knows that you wish to silicone the mitred join. Always communicate this detail with your tiler so there is no confusion or room for error.

Zephyr and Stone • Resort Bathroom • Mitred Tiles Corner Pre-Silicone

Benefits of Mitred Edges

• Minimal, seamless profile

• Showcases the tile without the distraction of a trim

• Enhances the overall appearance of your bathroom or tiled area

Zephyr and Stone • Scandi Ensuite • Mitred Tiles in Niche Pre-Silicone

Zephyr and Stone • Classic Coastal Ensuite • Shower Niche with Mitred Finish

Downsides of Mitred Edges

• Thinner, weaker edges prone to chipping

• Potential for water ingress if not properly sealed, which can damage tile adhesive

Z + S Tip • Maintenance and Longevity: With quality workmanship and regular maintenance, such as checking the integrity of silicone seals, mitred edges can last for years.

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Mitred Edge Costs

So you love mitred joins and have decided they’re the best thing since sliced bread? We’d have to agree. Just be prepared to pay for the service, as mitres are an extra bathroom cost that most tilers will charge for. The extra cost is due to the labour required to cut each tile to form the mitre. Expect to pay approximately $45 - $75 per lineal metre for mitres, depending upon your tiler.

Zephyr and Stone • Scandi Bathroom With Mitres On Shower Shelf And Tiled Window Reveal

Zephyr and Stone • Classic Coastal Bathroom Bathroom Shelf With Mitred Finish

Alternatives to Mitred Edges

Are mitred edge tiles n not in the budget? Or worried about chips in your mitred joints?

The alternative to mitred tile installation is tile trims. Tile trims are generally made of plastic or aluminum, and are more durable and chip-resistant than mitred edges. They come in a variety of materials, colors, shapes, and sizes to suit your specific design needs.

When using a tile trim, your tiler may automatically reach for a standard chrome finish trim. , however there’s a range of alternative colours and finishess that may blend and work more seamlessly with your tile, so do your homework and communicate your finish. A white slimline trim may hardly be visible when used against white tiles.

Z + S Tip • Never leave the trim colour selection up to your tiler as they might automatically reach for a standard chrome finish trim, which may not be the best option for your colour scheme. There’s a range of tile trim colours, profiles and finish options, including black, white, brass, brushed and matte. Consider which will suit your bathroom design best and work most seamlessly with your tile.

Melissa Ambrosini • Shower Niche With Trims Colour Matched To Tapware Instead Of Tile Mitres

Mitred Tile Tips for Home Renovators:

• Do not assume your tiler will mitre the tile edges for your tile installation

• Some tilers do not mitre tiles due to the time and skill involved and may try to convince you to use a tile trim instead. Decide what’s right for you and your home improvement project. You may need to find another tiler or be steadfast on your preferred tile finish. A tiler who is experienced with mitre joint tiling will be proud to show you images of their past work and will support you in achieving the result you want for your home.

• Communicate your preference for tile edge finishes clearly when obtaining a tiling quote to avoid cost variations, and before your tiler begins any tiling work — whether it’s for mitred tile corners or a tile trim

• Research and choose the right trim for your tiles if you decide against mitres

• Ensure your tiler uses silicone instead of grout for mitred joins as grout can crack and flake over time

• Look for inspiration from examples of mitred edges in different settings

• Consider tile cutting techniques and tools to achieve mitres accurately

Zephyr and Stone • Retreat House Ensuite With Shower Shelf Featuring Mitred Edge

So there you have it. Mitres, in a nutshell. As much as we love them, there’s definitely a time and place when a tile trim is the best alternative.

Tiling a rental property? Tile trims might not be such a bad idea. Have 7 kids and 4 dogs? Trim everything — they’re more bullet proof than tiles with a mitred edge detail.

But jokes aside, there are mitred edge pros and cons, and having a clear picture of mitred tile alternatives should make it easier to make an informed choice for your home improvement or bathroom remodelling project.

Keep reading? Learn the 5 Steps To Planning Home Renovations

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