How to choose an aluminum profile for a tile?

When entering a new apartment, each person wants his shelter to be beautiful, comfortable, and cozy. The same criteria are taken into account when performing repair work. When transforming housing (in particular the kitchen, bathroom and toilet), many people opt for ceramic tiles, which in these rooms looks more advantageous than wallpaper. An integral part of this design is the profile. Few know how to choose an aluminum profile for a tile, but everyone understands perfectly well that without this element it will not be possible to lay tiles beautifully.

The tile profile is a long stick, with the help of which the issue of joining ceramic plates is quickly resolved. In addition to the connecting function, this element helps to hide some tile defects (for example, chips at the edges), which are sometimes formed during the cutting of decorative plates. The aluminum profiles, which are most often used in the surface cladding process, have a standard length of 250 cm. With their help, they shape the corners, and the finish gets the final appearance, becomes more elegant and attractive.

The modern building materials market is distinguished by a large assortment of various models of profiles, which differ from each other in raw materials, options for fastening to the surface, and appearance.

To the most popular types of profiles, which, according to builders, best used during the installation of ceramic tiles, include:

• aluminum;
• PVC models;
• corner;
• decorative (outdoor).

Trims (another name for profiles) are also divided by functional purpose. They produce connecting, protective-decorative, and compensatory models.

The first ones are necessary for the joint of two dissimilar coatings. (for example, tiles and carpet). The latter are used so that different types of tiles (for example, in the corners between walls) have a beautiful appearance and do not dissonant with the overall design. They are also needed to protect tiles from destruction (in cases where the edge of the decorative canvas touches the door). Expansion trims are indispensable for cladding large rooms where expansion joints cannot be avoided. Expansion profiles compensate for the thermal expansion of the tile when the temperature changes. These trims are often equipped with a decorative trim.

The most common is the aluminum profile. It can be made of pure aluminum or with the addition of various impurities (brass, stainless steel). They also differ in form. It is mainly presented in a rounded or flat design, there is also an L-shaped profile (end), T-shaped, it can have a different color scheme and decor.

The aluminum profile has a number of positive aspects, which include:

• resistance to corrosion processes;
• light weight;
• affordable price;
• durability;
• the ability not to change its shape and structure during the period of temperature changes;
• attractive appearance;
• ease of care;
• plastic;
• reliability.

Aluminum profiles are most often used when it is necessary to fasten straight and curved joints. Due to the material characteristics of these trims, there is no risk of mold or corrosion, even in rooms with high humidity.The installation of the profile between the tiles is carried out with a special tile glue that looks like a ceramic border or frieze.

The use of an aluminum profile for tiles allows you to solve many technical issues, contributes to a beautiful appearance of the finish. This type of construction products is perfect for decorating rooms of different functionality, with its help you can hide flaws and emphasize the advantages of finishing.

Some people do not understand why a tile profile is needed, what is the meaning of its use. There are some reasons why the use of trims is very obvious and logical.

Cutting tiles at an angle is difficult. Any inaccuracy will immediately manifest itself. The surface on which the tiles are laid will no longer be called ideal. If you use a corner, all the edges of the tile will be whole and even, and you won't need a wash down at all.

The corner for the edging of the tile has a groove where the edge of the decorative plate fits. Due to this feature, all irregularities and defects become invisible, and the angle is neat.

The profile also acts as a decorative element. For example, the combination of a metallic corner with red tiles will be an original design solution.

Trims are indispensable when planning complex configurations where there are many corners and turns. These products facilitate work, it is easy to carry out the most complex elements with them.

The profile can only be selected when the tile is purchased. The modern building materials market offers different models of aluminum profiles that will satisfy the taste and needs of the most demanding esthete. After purchasing the connecting product, it remains only to install all the interior details, which should not cause problems, even if the installation of ceramic tiles is carried out by a non-specialist.

When choosing a profile, you must take into account the following criteria:

• basic characteristics of the profile (width, length, height), the number of strips in the package;
• technical features (main material of the profile, type of fastening and finishing);
• external parameters (color, presence of decorative details).

By choosing a worthy tile profile model with a price corresponding to its properties and quality, buyers are guaranteed to get the perfect coating design in any chosen room.

See the next video for more on this.