The Truth About Mitres

It’s no secret that we love mitres. Like, really LOVE them.

Mitred edges or mitred finishes to tiles are key to a minimal, seamless bathroom design. The angled, mitred tile profile allows your tile to take center stage — without the distraction of a trim. Mitred joints create a sleek designer look that speaks of quality and luxury, perfect for bathroom remodelling, 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 mitres

What are Mitres?

Mitres, also known as a mitred edge, mitred joint or mitred tile, are one of the finish options available to you when tiling external corners. A mitre cut to a tile, is when the 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 tiled 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 to materials like ceramic tiles.

Zephyr and Stone • Resort Ensuite Niche Under Construction with one Mitred Tile visible

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

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When to Choose A Mitre Joint: 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.

• Equally effective in a large or small bathroom design.

Z+S Tip • Opting for mitres for your bathroom tiling finish? Ensure your tiler does not grout the mitred corner, as grout installed here can crack over time. Mitred joints should be finished with a bathroom silicone sealant, which allows for movement, protection and flexibility. Don’t assume that your tiler will use silicone to seal the mitred join — always communicate tiling details with your tiler so there is no confusion or room for error.

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 Shelf showing Mitre Cut Tiles Pre-Silicone

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

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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.

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 Shelf with Mitred Joint

Zephyr and Stone • Classic Coastal Bathroom Shelf with Mitred Edge

Alternatives to Mitred Edges

Are mitred edge tiles 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 finishes 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 • White Chevron Tile Shower with Brass Tile Trim instead of Mitred Joint

Mitred Tile Tips for Home Renovators:

• Don’t assume your tiler will mitre the tile edges for your tile installation.

• Some tilers don’t 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 joints.

• 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 mitred joint

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 bulletproof 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.

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