The guys have installed tile all around the niche, (discontinued tile that I was told to order months before they ever got around to the install), and it is my understanding that the brushed nickel Schluter should have been installed first, underneath. They forgot there was no bullnose. Now that the surrounding tile is in place, I am asking if Schluter can be put in by cutting grooves behind the tile to slide the trim in. The field tile is not colored all the way through and thus needs a finished edge. Also, of course, it will be hit by water. My guys have already told me it is impossible to use Schluter now but I am trying to verify that. In the meantime I looked for another solution, and that is to cut white 2x6s into thin strips to attache to the edges as a substitute. But I am worried that will look like a patch job.

Hi. Now I understand. I'm sorry to say that the metal tile edge trim can not be installed 'after the fact'. Why would they install a tile in a shower without it? It is standard practice to do so. I'm sorry that you have gone through this. The idea of a small bullnose accent tile of some sort may work... but you will need to some digging around to make certain of the look of course (which you already know) .

The only other thing I can suggest is a "L" shaped metal edging that can be attached to the outsides edges concerned (as opposed to a tile edging place underneath the tile). It may not look exactly as it should of in the first place but will simulate the look somewhat, plus with a proper water tight sealer it should do the job just as when you use bathtub caulking. Finished metal edging can be found at your local building home stores, and come in various sizes so it should be ok. Hope that helps.

The contractor looked at the piece cut off a 2x6 and he thinks that will work. No one else has told me about any other solutions. I had not heard of L-shaped edging. This project for three bathrooms has gone on since August and it has been one crisis after another. I feel like I paid for my own design education!

Did you have a designer?

The L shaped edging is used for many different solutions.... sometimes on edging of tables or counter-tops etc.. But I definitely know it would work for what you need it for..... I've used it personally in my own home as metal edging on my stairs to gain a modern/industrial detail. I would love to know how this turns out for you.

Yes we did have a designer.... She did not include a niche in her design. The last time she was here, choosing another light fixture (because the one she ordered didn't fit), she said that you can't choose a niche location until you know where the studs are. Though that didn't stop her from planning for niches in our other two bathrooms. The guy who prepped for it forgot that there was no bullnose. So later when I asked her what to do she said there was pencil trim that would work. She did not help me so I starting researching it myself. I have very little time left to look at the L-shaped edging, but I plan to go to another tile store tomorrow. If they don't have it or I decide I don't like it I will have to go with the cut off pieces of white bullnose which at least look similar to the grout. But I do thank you very much and will look it up online tonight, too.

My recommendations were schluter trim or pencil liner which comes in multiple materials.

I went to a different tile store day before yesterday to look for pencil trim for another area. The tile for the shower/bath above that was discontinued was on their shelves under a different name. It is a new product for them. I wondered if by any chance it came with bullnose. And yes, it did, so I special ordered it rush. Lucky day for me.