How to Edge Kitchen Tile
Kitchen tiles on the backsplash and other parts of the wall often end mid-wall -- so part of the wall is tiled and part isn't. If that's the configuration of your kitchen tiling project, you'll have to decide how to edge that tiled area, since standard tiles have unfinished sides. Bullnose tile, which is finished on one side, is a common solution. You can get bullnose tiles to match the standard tiles, or use a different color to create a visual design as you create the edge. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Bullnose tile
- Tile mastic
- Notched tiling trowel
- Tile spacers
- Tile cutter
- Grout
- Grout float
- Sponge
Instructions
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1
Measure the length of the span that you want to edge where it meets the untiled area. Find the halfway point. Mark it with a pencil.
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2
Spread tile mastic over the back of a bullnose tile, using the notched side of your tiling trowel. Cover the back of the tile completely.
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3
Set the bullnose tile alongside the edge of the tiled area, on one side of the center mark and with the finished edge facing outward from the tiles. Set two tile spacers between the bullnose tile and the regular tile as you hang it.
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4
Hang the remaining bullnose tiles in the same manner, lining them up side by side along the edge of the tiled area. Build from the middle to the sides, with the finished edges of the tiles all facing outward and lined up with each other. Put spacers between the tiles as you hang them.
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5
Measure and cut the tiles at the ends of the line, as needed, using your tile cutter.
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6
Wipe a damp sponge along the bullnose border to remove any mastic that has seeped out from under the tiles.
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7
Let the tiles set for 12 hours. Remove the spacers.
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8
Grout the spaces between the tiles with a grout float, pressing the grout into the spaces. Let it sit for 10 minutes. Wipe up the excess grout with a damp sponge.
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