A miter tile, often referred to by its finish as a mitred edge, mitred tile corner, or mitred joint, is a tile that has been specially cut for use in specific tiling applications.
Defining a Mitred Tile
Based on standard practice, and as referenced:
"A mitred edge, also known as a mitred tile corner or mitred joint, 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."
This means that a mitred tile isn't a different type of tile material, but rather a standard tile that has been modified. The modification involves precisely cutting one edge of the tile at a 45-degree angle. This angled cut effectively removes the thickness of the tile body, often called the "biscuit" or underside, from that edge.
Purpose and Application
The primary purpose of creating a mitred edge on a tile is for finishing external corners during tiling projects. When two tiles with 45-degree mitred edges are brought together at a 90-degree corner, their angled edges meet seamlessly, creating a crisp, clean 90-degree joint. This is particularly useful on wall corners, shower niches, or around window reveals.
Using a mitred joint for external corners is one of the options available to tilers and homeowners, providing an alternative to using tile trim profiles (like plastic or metal strips) or bullnose edge tiles.
The Technique Behind the Miter Cut
Creating a mitred tile involves cutting the edge at a precise 45-degree angle. This requires skill and specific tools, such as a wet saw with a tilting head or a dedicated miter saw for tiles. The goal is to achieve a perfect angle so that when two pieces are joined, they form a clean and strong corner without exposing the raw tile body.
Key Characteristics of a Mitered Tile Edge
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Angle of Cut | Precisely 45 degrees along the edge. |
| Result | Removes the "biscuit" or underside from the cut edge. |
| Primary Use | Forming seamless external 90-degree corners. |
| Alternative Names | Mitred edge, Mitred tile corner, Mitred joint. |
| Application Context | One of the options for finishing external tile corners. |
In summary, a miter tile refers to a standard tile that has been expertly cut with a 45-degree angle on its edge specifically to create a clean, flush joint when forming external tiled corners.
