Finishing Edge of Tile: Schluter, Pencil, or Bullnose?
Yep, it matters how your tile ends. Here’s how to avoid the wrong finish.
Let’s talk about finishing the edge of tile, because if you’re in the middle of a kitchen renovation on a budget, this is one of those sneaky little details no one mentions until it’s staring you in the face.
Most tiles don’t come with a nice, clean edge. They’re raw and unfinished on the sides, which means if you leave them exposed, they can chip, look sloppy, or make your whole backsplash or shower wall feel incomplete.
So let’s walk through your options. Whether you’re tackling a full DIY home renovation or just trying to finish things off with intention, here’s how to make your tile edge look polished, not like you forgot a step.
Schluter Trim: A Popular Option for How to Finish Tile Edges (But Use With Caution)
First up, Schluter trim. (Pronounced SHLOO-ter, if you want to impress your tile guy.)
This metal edging is basically the go-to choice for finishing off tile. It’s what most installers reach for by default, and most tile shops will hand it to you without even asking.
Does it work? Yes.
Does it always look great? Not necessarily.
If you go this route, my one rule is: match, don’t contrast.
You want your trim to match your tile as closely as possible or disappear entirely. Bright gold with white tile? Nope. Black with beige? Also no.
Go neutral. Let the tile be the focus.
So if you’re wondering how to finish tile edges without making them a focal point, this works, as long as it’s subtle.
Bullnose Tile: A Seamless Finishing Tile Edge (If You Can Get It)
If your tile line comes with a bullnose option, snatch it up. Bullnose tile has one rounded, finished edge and is designed specifically for this kind of thing.
It’s clean. It’s simple. It finishes the edge without needing extra materials.
And it’s a great option for spots like:
Kitchen backsplashes
Shower walls
Any straight edge that needs a polished wrap-up
The only catch? Not all tiles offer it. Or they might only offer it in limited sizes. Still, it’s often the cleanest, most natural-looking solution. Especially if you’re trying to keep your kitchen renovation on a budget from going off the rails.
Pencil Trim: A Low-Drama Way to Finish the Edge of Your Tile
No bullnose? No problem. Enter: pencil trim.
Pencil trim is a small, rounded edge piece that gives you a clean finish without needing to mess with metal. It usually comes in a variety of materials and colors, so even if it’s not an exact match, you can get pretty close.
I like it because:
It feels intentional without being loud
It works for lots of spots (backsplashes, bathroom walls, accent tile moments)
It adds that “yep, I thought about this” look to your finishing tile edge
If you’re trying to figure out how to finish tile edges in a way that looks elevated without requiring fancy cuts or big spend, this one’s for you.
No Trim? That’s Also an Option (Sometimes)
This one’s a little more advanced, but if you’ve got a skilled installer, you might be able to skip trim entirely and go with a mitered edge.
That means your installer cuts the tile at a 45° angle so two pieces meet at a perfect corner. It’s clean, seamless, and high-end… but it’s also:
More labor-intensive
More expensive
Not something every installer can pull off well
If you're going for a minimalist look and want the finishing edge of tile to completely disappear into the background, this can be stunning. Just make sure your installer has done it before.
Bottom Line? How to Finish Tile Edges Without Regret
The finishing edge of tile is not the most exciting part of the job, but it matters. It affects how your tile holds up and how finished the space looks.
Just don’t let someone pick it for you by default.
Make sure it’s something that fits the style of your space, holds up over time, and doesn’t stand out in the wrong way. Whether you’re doing a full kitchen or a small DIY bathroom renovation, the trim is what makes your tile feel finished and thoughtful, not rushed.
Budgeting for a Kitchen Reno?
If you’re still in the planning phase of a kitchen renovation, the truth is, tile trim isn’t the only place people trip up. Cabinets are a huge one. There’s one cabinet decision in particular that can derail your layout (and your timeline) if you don’t catch it early.
So I made something for you:
👉 Grab my FREE guide→ Kitchen Renovation on a Budget: Top 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Kitchen Cabinets
It’s short, clear, and will help you dodge some common regrets. Especially if you're in the weeds figuring out the details now.