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Roberts Designs Buyer's Guide — TradieCart
Roberts Designs is an Australian-owned supplier of professional tiling tools, tile trims, drainage solutions, and bathroom accessories — trusted by tilers and caulkers for over 30 years.
Product Range
| Product | Best For |
|---|---|
| L-Shape Trims (Aluminium) | The most popular tile edge profile — 14+ finishes including matte black, matte gold, brushed copper, and Maxisil colour-matched options. Sizes 4.5mm–22.5mm in 3m lengths. Punched (standard tiling) or unpunched (waterstop). The most cost-effective trim material with the widest colour selection. |
| L-Shape Trims (Brass) | Premium tile edge trim with a natural warm finish that develops character over time. Sizes 6mm–22.5mm in 3m lengths. Heavier and more durable than aluminium — ideal for high-end residential projects where a luxury finish matters. |
| L-Shape Trims (Stainless Steel) | Corrosion-resistant tile edge trim in Grade 304 (standard wet areas, bathrooms, kitchens) and Grade 316 (pools, coastal, salt and chlorine exposure). Sizes 8mm–22mm in 3m lengths. A step up from aluminium where moisture and chemical resistance matter — Grade 316 is the only choice for pool surrounds and beachside projects. |
| Expansion Joint Trims | Essential for controlling tile movement in large floor areas, balconies, and areas subject to thermal expansion. Black and grey PVC inserts in heights 8mm–22mm and widths 6mm–10mm. Required by Australian Standards for tiled areas exceeding certain spans. |
| Tile Insert Drains | A seamless drainage solution — the tile sits inside the drain frame so it blends into the floor. Chrome, matte black, matte gold, and antique brass finishes with 50mm, 80mm, and 100mm outlets. More compact than linear grates — ideal for smaller shower bases and ensuites. |
| Linear Grates & Drains | 316 stainless steel and matte black linear grates in strip, square, and tile insert styles. Widths 70mm–100mm, lengths 800mm–1500mm. Watermarked with 50mm outlets. The preferred choice for curbless walk-in showers and wet rooms — handles higher water flow than point drains. |
| Square Edge & Specialty Trims | Square edge (box tiling angle) for clean modern edges. Cove trims for wall-to-floor transitions. Ramp trims for thresholds. Diminishing trims for uneven surfaces. Retro fit options for renovations. |
| Balcony & Stair Trims | Balcony trims with internal/external corners for outdoor tiling. Stair nosings comply with AS 4586 — grooved (residential) or carborundum insert (anti-slip commercial). |
| Niche Boxes & Bathroom Accessories | Pre-formed shower niches with inbuilt 2mm fall — three sizes. Ceramic shelves and soap holders in black and white. Puddle flanges for waterproofing connections. |
| Tiling Tools, Blades & Grouting | Maxi Grip trowels (1.6mm–15mm), splash trowels, adhesive mixers, floor scrapers, knee pads, and suction cups. Diamond blades 105mm–350mm and vacuum brazed drill bits 6mm–50mm (M14). SIRI wash buckets, hydra sponges, and epoxy grouting pads. |
Roberts Designs also distributes Maxisil (silicones, sealants & grout), ATR (tile levelling), Sigma (tile cutters), Baron (forced-action mixers), Barwalt (knee pads & tools), and SIRI (grouting tools).
Quick Recommendation Guide
- Tiling a bathroom wall and need edge trim? → Aluminium L-Shape Trim in your tile thickness — matte silver or matte black for a modern look. Upgrade to brass for a luxury finish.
- Tiling near a pool or on the coast? → Grade 316 Stainless Steel L-Shape Trim — the only grade built to resist salt and chlorine long-term
- Large floor area with expansion concerns? → Expansion Joint Trim — match the height to your tile thickness and choose 6mm or 10mm width
- Installing a curbless shower? → Linear Grate Tile Insert for maximum water flow, plus Puddle Flange Recessed for waterproofing
- Small ensuite or standard shower base? → Tile Insert Drain for a seamless, compact finish — more cost-effective than a full linear grate
Key Features & Benefits
- Trim range covers 14+ finishes including exclusive Maxisil colour-matched options
- Stainless steel in Grade 304 (standard wet areas) and Grade 316 (marine/coastal/pool)
- All trims come in 3m lengths for fewer joins on the job
- Niche boxes feature inbuilt 2mm fall for proper drainage
- Stair nosings comply with Australian Standard 4586
- Tools designed for the professional — Maxi Grip handles, heavy-duty construction
Common Questions
What size trim do I need? — Match the trim size to your tile thickness. A 10mm L-Shape Trim suits 10mm tiles and sits flush when installed correctly.
Should I choose aluminium, brass, or stainless steel trims? — Aluminium is the most cost-effective and comes in the widest range of finishes. Brass is a premium option with a warm, natural finish — best for high-end projects. Stainless steel suits wet areas, pools, and coastal environments where corrosion resistance is essential.
When should I use Grade 304 vs Grade 316 stainless steel? — Grade 304 handles standard wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Grade 316 is required for swimming pools, coastal areas, and anywhere exposed to salt water or chlorine — it contains molybdenum for superior corrosion resistance.
When do I need expansion joint trims? — Australian Standards require expansion joints in large tiled floor areas to allow for thermal movement. Use them at junctions between different substrates, around columns, and at regular intervals in large open areas. Match the trim height to your tile thickness.
Should I use a tile insert drain or a linear grate? — Tile insert drains are compact, cost-effective, and ideal for standard showers and ensuites — the tile sits inside the frame for a near-invisible finish. Linear grates handle higher water flow and suit curbless walk-in showers, wet rooms, and larger bathroom designs.
What is a retro fit trim? — Retro fit trims install after tiling is complete — ideal for renovations. Standard trims must be installed during the tiling process.
Why Choose Roberts Designs?
- Australian-owned family business with 30 years in the tiling industry
- One of the widest trim colour ranges in Australia — including exclusive Maxisil colour-matched finishes
- Professional-grade tools trusted by tilers and caulkers nationally
- Available through 170+ retailers including Bunnings, National Tiles, and specialist stores
- Same-day Metro Melbourne delivery available through TradieCart