Here are 5 alternatives to common bullnose tile edge trim.One of the mistakes that I see a lot of homeowners and DIYers make with tile installations is that they sometimes don’t use any tile trim on the exposed tile edges. Show
Many times they think the edge of the tile looks OK or they simply didn’t want to pay the increased cost of all the bullnose pieces. Yes, the bullnose pieces are expensive, and, yes, they do add up. So they simply don’t use any bullnose and you’re looking at the edge of the tile as the finished product. Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
 This post contains affiliate links. The site owner may earn a commission should you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase. Read more Worse still is the DIYer tries to grout the edge to make it look more finished. PLEASE don’t do this! If you know someone that is considering one of these two options then I’m asking you to gather close friends and family and stage an intervention. Then show them this blog post.
Why Not Bullnose Trim Tiles?There’s nothing wrong with bullnose tile trim. In fact, it’s a great way to finish off the edge of the tile. However, not everyone is crazy about bullnose trim and most people really don’t like the prices of them. Oftentimes, they cost the same amount of money as the field tile, and sometimes, they cost more. Also not all tile comes in bullnose trim especially if you are looking for some of the more modern and contemporary tile looks. A quick mention: if you are looking at subway tile make sure to read my post-Subway Tile Installation: Three Basic Tips which does talk about bullnose trim options for subway tile. So if not bullnose, then what? Here are 5 alternatives to the classic and common bullnose tile trim. Natural Stone tile edge trim
Natural stone can be polished so that the edges look finished. In some cases, the edges may not even need polishing. These types of natural stone include:
You can buy a few pieces of travertine and cut them down into smaller sizes. Not only is this an economical use of material but it can make for an elegantly finished edge to your ceramic or porcelain wall tile. Special equipment is required for polishing. However, you can always hire a granite fabrication shop or another tile contractor to do the polishing if it’s something that you would rather not take on. Finally, premade trim pieces are a great option:
Glass tile edge trim
Glass is another material that naturally has a finished edge. Although, unlike natural stone, the edge is usually finished without any additional steps. There are a lot of different glass tiles available these days. Examples of glass tile that can be used as tile edge trim include:
If you can find one that coordinates with your tile then this may be a good tile edge trim option. How to Cut Glass Tile: 7 Tips Revealed Metal Profile edges
I know that just the mention of metal edge trim is going to cause some to skip right past this section. No doubt some will envision dreary hospitals and cold modern minimalist homes when thinking of metal tile trim. But metal profiles are a fast-growing market and there are a lot more options and styles than there used to be. Typically, the most common style is called “L” style that leaves a flat edge. These tend to be the least expensive, are widely available, and are great for achieving minimalist styling. Additionally, squarish and rounded profiles are becoming more popular. Examples of the different styles are:
As for pricing, the simple “L” style is quite economical as long as you like the usual finishes:
These can be as low as $1 per linear foot. However when you get into the squarish and bullnosed shapes and/or finishes such as:
then the costs can be $30-$80 per 8 ft stick and higher. Side note: The “L” style is commonly used for tile floor transitions, as well, such as tile to carpet and hardwood to tile transitions. Mitering
An often overlooked option is to miter the tile edges. This option is only for corners and it isn’t the most durable option. Mitering tile on stairs is something that I don’t think is a good idea as I don’t think the corners will hold up over the long term. A lot of the more modern tile saws will have a head that tilts so that it bevels the edge of the tile at an angle but even the old ones can work with a wedge-type guide. This well-reviewed saw from Amazon is under $100 and has a table that allows for mitering. DELTA CRUZER 7-INCH TILE SAW VS DEWALT D24000 | TOOL REVIEW
Custom Bullnose TileLastly, there’s the option of making your own bullnose tiles. This requires that your tile is a through-body porcelain tile. What that means is that instead of just a clay body with a glaze over the top the tile would have the color throughout the tile. This allows the edge of the tile to be bullnosed and the color will be the same, or similar, to the surface. Much like a natural stone. They make a “blade” for this that can fit on a tile saw for the DIY’ers that want to try this. I’ve had mediocre results when I tried this but it works. Again this requires special equipment but a granite slab shop has the tools and will usually perform the service if you ask. Also simply polishing the flat edge can be done if you desire a square but finished edge. One last option for custom bullnosing is American Bullnose that will bullnose any tile (I believe). They can bullnose the tile and glaze the edge so that it looks finished. This is for when your tile doesn’t come with its own bullnose tile edge trim. ConclusionSo there are 5 options, plus bullnose makes 6, that are on the table for considering how to finish the edge of your tile. The trend in tile choices is exploding and there just aren’t enough matching trim tiles being made. Hopefully, one of these tile edge trim alternatives will work for you. What can I use if I don't have bullnose tile?Using a wet saw that has been fitted with a bullnose blade, it's possible to grind down and finish one edge to create a bullnose. An angle grinder with a polishing pad can then be used to buff the edge to match the finish on the rest of the tile.
Can you use pencil tile instead of bullnose?Bullnose tiles are great for a smooth transition. Consequently, if you're after a decorative look consider a chair rail instead of bullnose tiles. Similarly, a pencil liner adds more interest than bullnose. In short, pencil liners, bullnose, and metal strips are all interchangeable for most applications.
Do you have to bullnose tile?No, bullnose tile isn't necessarily outdated. In many home designs, it could be the best choice for achieving a finished tile look. However, it's not the only option for tile projects these days, so you'll want to think about whether bullnose really fits your style.
How do you finish the outside edge of a tile shower?4 Easy Ways To Finish Tile Edges. Caulk the Edge. This is the easiest and most cost-effective solution. ... . Rail Moldings. Coordinating tile moldings in natural stone and porcelain are usually readily available. ... . Metal Edges. Metal edges are available in a wide array of styles and finishes. ... . Create a Bullnose Edge.. |
How do you tile a shower without a bullnose?
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