Countertop Trim

• The term "countertop trim" generally refers to tiles with two finished faces that meet at a 90-degree angle. The top face of a countertop trim tile sits flush and level with the countertop's surface tiles, called "field tiles." The bottom face of a countertop trim tile extends downward, perpendicular to the field tiles, to cover the edge of the countertop's substrate or base. The corner of standard countertop trim tiles forms a slightly raised lip; this ridge forms a contained counter surface and prevents liquids from spilling over the counter's edge. Many tile manufacturers produce countertop trim pieces to match field tiles. However, these specialized trim pieces cost more than standard countertop tiles.
  
  

Bullnose Tile

• In the building trades, the term "bullnose" refers to a rounded edge. Bullnose tile has a finish-quality, rounded edge on at least one side. Tile setters use bullnose tile in conjunction with other edging materials to create a finished edge on tile countertops. For example, the rounded side of a bullnose tile forms the corner of a countertop's edge, and a separate trim piece forms the vertical surface of the countertop's edge.
  
  

Specialty Tile Trim

• Specialty tile trim includes decorative countertop trim pieces, bullnose tiles and flat tiles. Many tile pieces described as "molding" tiles are suitable for countertop edging. Common types of specialty trim include pencil molding and rope molding. Both pencil and rope trim feature intricate patterns or routed channels. Installed beneath the exposed, rounded edge of a standard bullnose tile, specialty trim forms a decorative, vertical edge to a kitchen countertop.
  
  

Alternative Trim Materials

• Alternative trim materials include several types of metal, plastic and wooden trim that effectively cover and protect a countertop's edge. Like countertop trim tile, most alternative trim consists of two faces that meet at a 90-degree angle. However, alternative countertop trim is available in long strips, often several feet in length. Unlike countertop trim tile, the horizontal face of a tile edging strip typically attaches to the underside of the counter and the vertical face extends upward to create a fence-like border around the field tiles' perimeter.