Four Ways to Finish Out Unsightly Tile Edges

As you choose to renovate your kitchen or bathroom, you’ll come across all sorts of decisions you never even considered when starting your renovation project. One of the biggest decisions in a tiled space that can impact the aesthetic is how to finish off your tile edges. When a tile is cut for a backsplash or a shower, often times the cut tile can create an unsightly edge that the homeowner doesn’t want and isn’t excited about.

Bullnose Tiles – Bullnose tiles are probably the most common way to finish out tile edging. A bullnose tiles is an actual rounded tile edge that helps the tile transition more smoothly to another material or surface. However, bullnose tiles are not available for all types of tiles and patterns. So, if a bullnose edge is important to you, then it is important to remember to ask when selecting the tile if there is a matching bullnose available for your tile selection.

Schluter Tile Edge – A popular option for tile edging is to use Schluter metal strips that create a straight, finished edge to your tile. Schluter strips can be used on floors, showers, backsplashes, etc to create a clean modern line. These edges come in a variety of edge thicknesses and shapes. For example, you could choose a nickel edge to match fixtures in a bathroom or a white schluter edge to match backsplash in a kitchen.

Mitered Edge – Often used for shower niches, another way to finish out the tile edges is to miter the edges. This takes special equipment to saw both edges at an angle, in order to put them together as a flawless seam. Mitered edges are best for corners.

Rail Moldings – Rail moldings in natural stone and porcelain are usually readily available. Thin, and decorative, these moldings can help you transition between different types of tile, or from tile to drywall. They provide a clean, cohesive transition that finishes the project beautifully.

Selecting tile is so much more than finding a pattern or a material that you like. Make sure to discuss with your contractor what your options are for finishing out the edges of the tile for a more complete, professional-looking renovation.

Let’s Get Started on My Renovation!