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Tile Edge Options

Christopher Platow

What are my tile edge options? What are the pros and cons to each?

When deciding the design features of your project, tile edges are part of the decisions to be made. Your tile installer will be the best person to go to with questions about what will work best for your design. We’ve added the different options below with a brief summary of the pros and cons to selecting each.

1. Raw Edge

Pros:

  • Most Economical

  • Most Time Efficient

Cons:

  • Shade/color variations

  • Looks “unfinished” 

  • Edge may need painting 

2. Mitered Edge

Pros:

  • Clean & Seamless

  • Less Design Requirements

  • Pattern Continuation

Cons:

  • Hard Angle Edge

  • More Fragile

  • Higher Labor Cost

3. Pencil Edge

Pros:

  • Soft Corners/Edges

  • Durability

  • Extensive Style Options

Cons:

  • Can Be Hard To Match Some Patterns

  • Higher Cost of Materials 

  • Additional Grout Joints

4. Metal “Schluter” Edge

Pros:

  • Few To No Seams

  • Extensive Shapes/Finishes

  • Maximum Edge Protection

Cons:

  • Some Finishes Can Scratch Easy

  • Can Look “Commercial/Industrial” 

  • Different Material 

5. Bullnose Edge

Pros:

  • Durable Edge

  • Matched to Tile

  • Soft Edges

Cons:

  • Additional Grout Lines

  • Limited Availability 

  • “Dated” Design

The options above are by no means comprehensive to the options of tile edging that are available. These are, however, the primary categories of edging options that are most commonly used. There are seemingly endless options and sub-categories to all of these, but this will hopefully ofer the reader a good place to start in terms of what to expect and what to consider when deciding on the right edging for a tile project.

For more information or any questions you may have, please feel free to reach out to us anytime and we'll be happy to help!