Quarter Round Trim: Stone Options and How to Choose
Quick answerQuarter round trim is a small curved stone molding that finishes the edge where a floor meets a wall or cabinet. Our quarter-round pieces are in travertine families such as Noce, Scabos and Gold/Yellow, so match the stone and finish to your tile.
Quarter round trim is a small stone molding with a curved, quarter-circle profile. It finishes the edge where a tile floor meets a wall, baseboard or cabinet, and it softens exposed edges for a clean, built-in look. This guide explains what quarter round trim is, where to use it, and how to choose a stone to match your tile. It is part of our stone trims and edges series. To browse, start with travertine trim and moldings and marble trim, moldings and baseboards.
What Is Quarter Round Trim?
Picture a small rod cut into a quarter of a circle. One side is flat so it sits against the wall, and the other is flat so it sits on the floor, with a rounded face between them. That is quarter round. Unlike wood trim that is nailed on, stone quarter round is set with adhesive, just like tile. It is narrow, so it works as a finishing detail rather than a feature.
Stone Quarter Round for Floors and Edges
Stone quarter round is used in three common places. At the base of a wall it hides the small gap between the floor tile and the wall or baseboard. On a shower curb, step or niche it rounds off an exposed edge. Along a counter, backsplash or fireplace hearth it gives a neat transition. Because it matches your tile, the edge reads as one continuous stone rather than a different material. Compare it with the baseboard stone trim, bullnose stone trim and molding stone trim guides.
Travertine Quarter Round
If you are looking for travertine quarter round, we list a quarter-round piece in several travertine families, including Noce, Scabos and Gold/Yellow. Travertine quarter round pairs with matching field tile from the same family, so the color and surface match. See travertine trim and moldings, the what is travertine guide and tumbled travertine tile. Not sure about the finish? Read filled vs unfilled travertine.
Marble Quarter Round and White Quarter Round Trim
Many people search for marble quarter round, marble quarter round trim or quarter round trim white because they want a clean, bright edge. Our quarter-round pieces are currently in travertine, so for marble the closest finishing options are the bullnose liners, pencil liners, chair rails and baseboards offered in many marble families. Browse marble trim, moldings and baseboards, white marble tile and the white marble tile guide. If you need a specific piece, contact us and we will help you find the closest match. For a soft, light travertine edge, see white travertine tile.
Quarter Round vs Bullnose vs Baseboard
These three trims are easy to mix up. Quarter round is a small curved strip that covers the joint at the floor. Bullnose is a piece with one rounded edge that finishes the edge of a wall or step, see bullnose liner trim. Baseboard is a taller flat or profiled strip that runs along the bottom of a wall, see baseboard trim. Many projects use baseboard on the wall and skip quarter round, while others add quarter round next to a thin baseboard for a softer line. Pencil liners are another narrow option, see pencil liner trim.
How to Choose Quarter Round Trim
Match the Stone and Finish
Choose the same stone family as your tile. Match the finish too, whether honed, polished or tumbled. A polished trim next to honed floor tile can look off. See stone tile finishes and honed vs polished stone.
Check the Size and Profile
Trim pieces are small, so measure the gap you need to cover and compare it with the size on the product page. Think about the profile of the other trims in the room, such as crown or chair rail. Browse chair rail moldings and crown and specialty moldings for a coordinated look.
Order Samples
Natural stone varies, and trim should blend with your field tile. Any 5 samples are $25 and ship free, so order sample tiles and hold the trim against the tile before you buy.
Installing Stone Quarter Round
Stone quarter round is usually set after the floor tile, or as part of the same job. It is cut with a wet saw to fit corners, and mitered cuts look the cleanest at inside and outside corners. Many installers also seal the stone and use flexible caulk where trim meets a wall. Your installer will advise on adhesive and caulk. Read the installation guide, mortar and thinset guide, stone tile cutting guide and grout guide. If you need a pro, see ask us about installers.
Where Quarter Round Looks Best
Quarter round suits bathrooms, kitchens, entryways and fireplaces. In wet areas, seal the stone and use a proper waterproofing system as your installer advises. Browse ideas in bathroom tile, kitchen tile, entryway tile, fireplace tile and natural stone floor tile.
Care and Planning
Trim needs the same care as your tile. Seal it, wipe up spills quickly and use a stone-safe cleaner. See natural stone care and the travertine sealing guide. Use the tile calculator and project planning guide to count trim lengths, add a little extra for cuts, and check our same lot guarantee. Local? Try Anaheim pickup, or request a quote.
Quick Checklist Before You Order Quarter Round
Walk the room and mark every place where the floor meets a wall, cabinet, tub or step. Decide whether you want a baseboard, a quarter round or both. Measure the total length of each edge, then add extra for cuts and corners, because each corner uses a little more trim than the straight length suggests. Match the stone name and the finish to your field tile. Check whether the piece is sold by the piece or by a set length on the product page, and compare it with the length you need. If you are working with a contractor, share the product link so they can confirm the size works with their plan. For a wet area, ask your installer how they will finish and seal the edge.
Looking for more design ideas? Browse the tile inspiration gallery or read about stone tile patterns to see how trims frame a finished floor.
Common questions
What is quarter round trim?
Quarter round is a small molding shaped like a quarter of a circle. It covers the gap where a floor meets a wall, baseboard or cabinet and gives a neat finished edge.
What is stone quarter round used for?
It finishes floor-to-wall joints, rounds off exposed edges on steps and curbs, and gives a clean transition at hearths and counters. Stone matches your tile so the edge looks built in.
Do you sell travertine quarter round?
Yes, we list a quarter-round piece in travertine families including Noce, Scabos and Gold/Yellow. Check the product page for size and finish.
Do you sell marble quarter round trim?
Our quarter-round pieces are currently in travertine. Many marble families offer bullnose liners, pencil liners, chair rails or baseboards instead, and you can contact us to ask about a specific piece.
What is white quarter round trim?
It is a quarter round molding in a white or light finish. For stone, the lightest options are in white marble and light travertine families, so check each product page for the profiles it offers.
What is the difference between quarter round and baseboard?
Baseboard is a taller strip along the bottom of the wall. Quarter round is a small curved strip at the floor. Many projects use baseboard alone, and others add quarter round for a softer line.
What is the difference between quarter round and bullnose?
Bullnose has one rounded edge and finishes the edge of a wall, step or tile run. Quarter round is a small molding that covers a joint at the floor.
Do I need quarter round if I have baseboard?
Not always. Baseboard often covers the joint on its own. Quarter round is optional and adds a softer detail or hides a small gap.
How do I install stone quarter round?
It is set with adhesive after the floor is down and cut with a wet saw, with mitered corners for the cleanest look. Your installer will advise on adhesive and caulk.
Should quarter round match the floor tile?
Usually yes. Match the stone family and the finish so the edge blends with the tile. Order samples to compare them side by side.
Does stone trim need sealing?
Yes, natural stone trim needs the same sealing and gentle cleaning as your tile. In wet areas, follow your installer's advice on sealing and waterproofing.
How much quarter round do I need?
Measure every edge you want to cover and add extra for cuts and corners. Use the tile calculator and project planning guide, or contact us for help.