How To Make Exposed Tile Edges Look Finished: 4 Easy Ways To Finish The Exposed Tile Edges

4 Easy Ways To Finish The Exposed Tile Edges

In order to give your tile a professional look, it is important to finish your exposed tile edges. To finish the tile edges, a standard bullnose trim can always be used, however, there are several other options as well, such as wood and metal. Using the right trim, it is highly possible to create all sorts of looks, ranging from classic and seamless, to bold and contemporary. Bullnose tiles have finished edges that are usually meant to be placed or fixed with wall tile. They generally have a smooth rounded edge that is used to create a transition betwixt the tile and the wall. Remember that all the tiles do not have bullnose pieces available, however. In these cases, one of the other methods can be used when it comes to finishing the edge of a tile installation. In a shower installation, this may include the vertical edges at the front of the stall as well as maybe the front edge of the ceiling tile.

Way 1: Caulk The Edge

One of the main reasons that bullnose tiles are not available for all types of tile is due to the reason that some tiles have the capability to finish the edge themselves. Glass tiles, tumbled stone tiles, as well as some of the porcelain tiles, have edges that do not need an individual edge piece. They can be placed or fixed right up to the edge of the shower that does not need any transition to the wall. In order to give the edge a clean, waterproof finish, put down a piece of masking tape one grout joint away from the edge of the last tile. Fill this gap betwixt the tile and the masking tape with the help of a smooth bead of caulk. This will help in finishing the edge without extra tiles.

Way 2: Use A Rail Molding

When it comes to finishing the edge of an installation, bullnose tiles are not the only tiles that can be used. Other edges can include different types of decorative moldings, for instance, pencil moldings, dental moldings, rail moldings, as well as cornice moldings. If possible, you can use decorative molding in the same material as well as the color as the rest of the tiles. Some stones, for instance, may have moldings that complement the color of the field tile. If a rail molding having the same color is not available, take into consideration using one in a complementary color. This may be a color that takes hold of and lift or move an accent from elsewhere in the room or put together a new color on its own. You can use a blue tile edge with white field tile, having Bardiglio marble with Carrara marble, or using a glass tile edge with a ceramic tile installation.

Way 3: Use A Metal Edge

Metal edge profiles are usually used on both floors as well as wall installations. They will help you safeguard the edges of the tile & at the same time provides a clean, modern look. These metal strips are shaped exactly like an "L," with the long arm going underneath the tile and the short arm protecting the tile's edge. Metal edge profiles are placed or fixed by untangling or arranging the mortar out to the edge of the installation. The long arm of the "L" is moved into the mortar. Apart from that, mortar is untangled or arranged on top of the metal strip, before the tile is put down over it so that its edge comes up against the short arm, which covers it.

Way 4: Create A Bullnose Edge

If you are planning to install bullnose tiles around the perimeter of a shower or at the highest or uppermost point of a wall of tiles, then the bullnose can be set using the same method that you use when installing the rest of the tiles. The mortar is untangled or arranged by drawing a comb through it, with the indented side of the trowel out to the edge of where the tiles, or edge pieces, will be placed or fixed. The bullnose tiles are put down into the mortar at a slight angle, before being twisted straight into place. If the bullnose is being put down or laid into a tight area, then they can be back buttered or have the mortar applied to their backs before the installation process.