When you're planning a flooring tile stone project, the first fork in the road is usually whether you need a trim piece to finish an edge or field tile to cover a wall or floor. That's the decision between the American Olean Robin's Egg bullnose and the Laufen African Slate tile set. One is a blue corner trim; the other is a brown floor tile. Choosing wrong means either an unfinished edge or overpaying for surface area you don't need.
Quick Verdict
If you're restoring a mid-century tile installation or need a blue accent bullnose, the American Olean piece is the one to order. If you're covering a floor or wall with a slate-look ceramic tile, the Laufen set gives you more coverage and a more natural stone aesthetic.
| Product | Price | Size / Qty | Finish | Price Bar | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Olean Robin's Egg Bullnose | $17.50 | 4-1/4" square, 1 piece | Glossy | Outside corner trim | |
| Laufen African Slate Tile | $38.50 | 12" x 12", 4 pieces | Matte | Floor or wall coverage |
Where Each Product Wins
American Olean Robin's Egg Bullnose wins when you need a true outcorner trim with a 3/4" radius on two perpendicular edges. It's made in the USA from American Olean's #44 color line and belongs in a project that calls for a period-correct blue accent.
Laufen African Slate Tile wins for surface coverage. The set is made in the USA and uses a 12" x 12" format that means fewer grout lines and faster installation than smaller tiles.
American Olean Robin's Egg Bullnose
This ceramic mud corner trim has a 3/4-inch radius on two perpendicular edges, so it wraps an outside corner without a sharp seam. It's finished in American Olean's Robin's Egg blue with a glossy surface, and it was made in the USA. The 4-1/4-inch square format makes it a natural accent for a backsplash border, a niche, or a vintage tile repair where you need a specific blue from the #44 color family. The strength is that glossy trim look, plus the historical American Olean edge profile. The limitation is quantity: you're getting a single piece, so a long edge requires multiples. And because the finish is glossy, it is not the best choice for a floor where slip resistance is a priority.
Laufen African Slate Tile 4-Pack
The Laufen ceramic tile set uses a brown African Slate design with a textured, matte surface. That texture gives it a natural stone appearance and helps it hide minor foot traffic scuffs. Each tile measures 12 by 12 inches and the set includes four pieces, so you have enough material for a small floor or a larger vertical accent. It's made in the USA and the matte finish works well in kitchens, living rooms, hallways, and utility rooms. The main reason to choose it is the combination of a large-format slate look and a non-reflective finish. The limitation is color specificity: the brown slate tone is very particular, so it needs to coordinate with your existing cabinets or walls. Also, the set is sold as open-box, so inspect the surface texture before installation.
Final Choice by Use Case
For finishing an outside corner with a blue accent, the American Olean Robin's Egg bullnose at $17.50 is the right pick. For covering a floor in a brown, slate-look ceramic tile, the Laufen African Slate set at $38.50 gives you more surface to work with. Choose the bullnose when the job is about completing a trim edge; choose the Laufen when the job is about laying tile on a floor or wall.
