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Choosing a Border; Making all the Difference in a Tile Project.

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There are many choices and decisions to make when it comes to planning and designing a tile project. One important design decision is often overlooked in the early planning stages of the process; how are you going to give your tile a finished look? Each tile project requires a way to finish a horizontal or vertical line/change of tile, without exposing the factory edges of said tile. The use of borders will ensure that a project is finished, and with a professional look.


There are three commonly used borders: bullnose, pencil, and profiles.

1. Bullnose, is a time-tested border, in which matching tiles have an edge, that is tapered and rounded; thus, providing a finished surface.

2. Pencil borders are much like bullnose in that they are still tile, but the difference is in design. They are often very thin, and they provide a border that comes further off of the wall than the tile.

3. A profile is placed/slid underneath the edge of the regular tile giving a clean edge on the end.



This is an example of both bullnose border on the left side of the wall, and penciling around the accent strip.
This is an example of both bullnose border on the left side of the wall, and penciling around the accent strip.
Pencil border at the end of the tile.
Pencil border at the end of the tile.


















With each choice, comes certain strengths and weaknesses. Bullnose and pencil tile are tried and true options of implementing borders, and there is no color/design contrast. The bullnose matches the regular tile its been paired with. Penciling can often be color-matched if the style of tile doesn't exclusively have a pencil option. However, both kinds of tile can be very expensive, hard to find, and the installation process is longer compared to the profile option. Profiles, made of metal or PVC, and pioneered by Schluter, come in a variety of shapes and colors. Profiles are made in 8 foot sections, and are often much more cost-effective than their bullnose counterparts. The drawback of profiles, is once they're installed, there's no removing them without damaging/removing the tile (in which they are slid under). Profiles will require extra design planning when they are being matched to bath or sink fixtures, if they vary in colors.


Schluter-Quadec profiles were used on the edges of the walls, and across the shower opening on the ceiling.
Schluter-Quadec profiles were used on the edges of the walls, and across the shower opening on the ceiling.
Schluter-Jolly used on the borders around the shower, and bathtub surround - including the ceiling, and the niche shelves.
Schluter-Jolly used on the borders around the shower, and bathtub surround - including the ceiling, and the niche shelves.





















Projects in which borders are most frequently used, are showers, backsplashes, and half walls. In short, where the tile ends and exposes the factory edges. When the tile ends at an adjacent wall, the opposite wall will prevent the factory edges from showing. Faithful Tile Installation still uses borders from time to time to give that edge, and even more finished look. Also, Faithful Tile's standard method of installation requires borders at the top of shower walls (where the tile would meet the ceiling). There are two reasons for this: first, often the ceiling can have slight movement in joists, or vibrations, and that movement can crack a grout seam over time. Secondly, it gives it a crisp, clean, finished line. Conversely, at the bottom of the tile, where a backsplash meets the counter, Faithful Tile uses a Schluter-Dilex-AS profile instead of a bottom grout seam, because of the clean, finished line it also provides. It also aids in cleanliness, as grout can absorb liquids, the borders are easier to wipe clean. In all, borders can certainly make or break a project; its the distinction brought forth in professional work and a finished, higher-end detail, that makes a world of difference.




Schluter-Dilex-AS - white makes for a finished and smooth bottom seam.
Schluter-Dilex-AS - white makes for a finished and smooth bottom seam.
Dilex-AS profile matched to the tile and grout.        Schluter-Jolly profile on the end.
Dilex-AS profile matched to the tile and grout. Schluter-Jolly profile on the end.






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