Shower nook / shelf. How do I finish the edges?

12 years ago

I'm tilting my shower and tub surround in ceramic tiles that look like marble.
I'm wondering what are my options on finishing the recessed shelves in the shower and the edges?
My tiler is telling me bullnose / pencil edges which are round and I don't like that. I'm looking at photos and I'm really preferring just a clean straight finished edge, how is that a achieved .. ??

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John James O'Brien | Inspired Living, by design

12 years ago

Several options come to mind, but as in all things, there are compromises in each. If you have selected a tile line that includes a finished edge version, then you have no problem. The key is to recognize the need and make that a requirement in selecting the tiles. Expect a higher priced line and variations in how that finished edge look is achieved.

The Schullter system for wet areas includes a range of metal finishing edges. There is a white that seems "too there" when you are initially considering it, but actually becomes just "what is" once installed. This does provide a visible white frame, but being flat is not really obtrusive. I've used this in porcelain-marble areas with success.

A marble edge molding works well, but if the heavier look of the frame around your niche is not wanted, then I would go with Schutter, or see out a narrower, more modern profile for the true marble edge. I'll see if I can find a photo...

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Comments (29)

Theresa Joy
Original Author
12 years ago
This is what my tiler had suggested and I'm not a fan
Theresa Joy
Original Author
12 years ago
Id really like a flat clean simple edge like these but he says we'll see the edge of the cut tile. So how is it done in these photos?
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PRO
Brickwood Builders, Inc.
12 years ago
It is done using the bullnose tile that matches your field tile. That way there are no rough edges. It really has to be planned well though or you will have some odd cuts (sizes) for the tile around the opening.
PRO
Design Distinctions
12 years ago
Use bullnose tile on the edges and butt the cut edge up to it.
PRO
CDR Design, LLC
12 years ago
You can also use a schluter stick.
Theresa Joy
Original Author
12 years ago
This is what Iv been shown as my only option by the place I purchased my tile. ... A 'pencil edge'.
Theresa Joy
Original Author
12 years ago
So a 'bullnose tile' is different from the 'pencil edge'? A bullnose tile is a tile with one finished edge??
cathyjoco
12 years ago
Theresa - just make sure to get the shampoo and soap bottles and hand them to your tile guy - tell him they must fit in the opening...I started with a large opening, but after he installed the piece to hold the soap, my bottles didn't fit :(
Theresa Joy
Original Author
12 years ago
@cathyjoco. Oh no! That would be horrible ... Ok I'll do that for sure.
dsmail
12 years ago
I used a flat, straight edged brushed steel trim from Topps Tiles - it looks really really smart and is also available in white (at least here in the UK it is). I had it fitted with the thinnest face to the front. Hope this helps!

http://www.toppstiles.co.uk/tprod4377/section1152/Metal-Trim-S-Steel-Eff-8mm-Straight-Edge.html
Theresa Joy
Original Author
12 years ago
Just reading about 'mitered edges'?
PRO
Design Distinctions
12 years ago
Hi Theresa, Bullnose is a tile with a finished edge. It is made for exactly the kind of installation you have here, and many others. It is different than pencil edge. The Schluter strip is another animal completely. If a bullnose is not available in the tile you have selected, it is sometimes possible to find a natural marble that closely resembles the tile you have chosen and cut/set/finish, whatever you need, and use it for the edges. Natural stones products can be beveled or cut and the edges look the same as the surface.
PRO
Design Distinctions
12 years ago
If you are using ceramic tile vs porcelain, the mitered edge probably will look messy. Test it before you go with it.
PRO
Brickwood Builders, Inc.
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
How does your tile supplier/tile setter plan on transitioning the tile at the end of the shower to the wall? This would generally be done with a bullnose tile. The same type tile would be used in the shelving area. Bullnose tiles will have one side that is curved to provide a finished edge so that the rough side of a tile is never seen at points where the tile stops and the wall starts or in situations like a seat in the shower or a shelf/niche in a shower.

I have attached a photo that I could find quickly. Hope it helps. The photo happens to be where the tile meets the wall, but it is the same type piece that would be used on a shelf.
PRO
Brickwood Builders, Inc.
12 years ago
Note of caution on bullnose - we have been surprised once when the bullnose came in and the finished edge was painted and looked awful. We now ask to see a piece before we order and if the tile shop does not have one in stock, we ask them to order a sample before the order is placed.
Theresa Joy
Original Author
12 years ago
I checked and the tile I am using (ceramic) does not come with bullnose edge ... So I guess this is the problem ... I will check for a similar tile with bullnose edge, but I have a feeling it will be hard to match ... The transitioning to the wall will be a problem as well, I see now that is what my tiler was asking for. I'm surprised my tiles don't have the bullnose option they were pretty expensive.
Theresa Joy
Original Author
12 years ago
@debbiesmail that looks very nice! I'm wondering if that's the same concept as 'shluter'.
PRO
ASVInteriors
12 years ago
Hi TheresaI work in Europe and tend to avoid bullnose tiles. what does the side of your tile look like when it has not been cut? Some tiles carry the colour right the way through. I have done two things:1. I have recessed the edges to make a negative right angle - see example below2. I have painted the edge with laquer paint to match the tile.
Master Bathroom · More Info
Theresa Joy
Original Author
12 years ago
Paint the edge with lacquer I like that idea. These are my tiles and the cut edge. I think painting the edge with a high gloss finish would be fine. The are very thick tile
PRO
CDR Design, LLC
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
Thersa, yes, same concept. See how it tucks under the tile, but has a clean finished look. Comes in several finishes like stainless steel, brushed nickel, etc. Should be available at tile stores and I believe Home Depot sells it also.

http://www.schluter.com/2171.aspx
PRO
CDR Design, LLC
12 years ago
[houzz=
Cameron model Show Home · More Info
[houzz=
LG House - Ensuite Shower and Bath · More Info
]
Theresa Joy
Original Author
12 years ago
Ahhhhh ... I'm going to look at the schluter system today, looks good or the laquering of the tile as well .. :)
Mila Ilieva_Dominguez
12 years ago
Theresa, you can just ask your tile person to make a miter cut joint utilizing the finished end of the tile. It takes a little time matching, but the effect is clean and straight. I know exactly what you are going for and my tile guy did it in my kitchen 10 years ago with black glossy tile and growth - it is doable! :)
dsmail
12 years ago
Hi Theresa - have had a look at Schluter and it looks very similar. Just make sure your tiler knows which edge you want facing into the room - the "proper" way of doing it would be thick face into room, but I had the thinner edge showing, with the wider bit in the nook. Another benefit of this is that there are no mitres to worry about! Good luck, and thank you for your comment - yes, I love this bathroom!
rinked
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
I used square Schluter edging in my bathroom, on the tub edge. It's 1x1cm, so it has some body (I used 2x2cm glass mosaic around the tub, so needed a good edge). They have a large variety of profiles and colors, so there must be something you like.
PRO
CDR Design, LLC
12 years ago
Another really clean application for it is if you are installing tile baseboards, it looks really good as a top finish for the baseboards.

Consider it for decorative edging also. Here is a bath I did, using schluter.
weekendmedic
11 years ago
I DIY more than deal with contractors for this reason - here's a suggestion (and I'm sure there are reasons not to do this). Start at the front edge with your tiles, and lay them into the nook/pocket. Put the cut edges in the back of the pocket, be sure they are grouted/caulked properly. This will leave you with 'factory' edges where they show, and cut edges where they don't (back in the shadows).
paix2
8 years ago
Question regarding bullnose- do I only need it on the tiles in the niche versus both the ones in the niche and the ones on the shower wall that end up framing the niche/abutting it? I’m not sure if I’m being clear in my question.