Finishing Edges on a Commercial/Residential Installation

The big question this week has been how to finish your edges of your installation. If you are used to working with ceramic tiles then you have to realize there is a difference with the glass tiles. Most glass tiles are colored throughout so even the edges are colored. This just means that you don't need a bull nose tile to cover the edge to keep color.


My favorite way to complete the edge is to just rub grout into the small gap along the edge. I will tape it off first so I don't get grout on the wall or surface that the tiles are adhered. Then I will grout as usual making sure to rub the grout down the edge of the tiles. As soon as I clean off the excess grout, I will remove the tape to give a nice finished area.


You can also leave the gap of the tile edges alone. After grouting and cleanup, take a caulk that is your grout color and caulk down the edge. You may be caulking other areas too so do it all at the same time.


Framing it out is another way. It looks good but is a little more work. This is especially nice if you are doing wainscoting with tile on your wall or just running a border of tiles around your bathroom. Take a piece of molding and stain/paint it first. Then nail it in to frame your tiles after installation. It would be best to grout before doing this part.



Some people don't want the tiles to just stop at the end of their cabinets and counters. Try stair stepping the tiles down to give it a more flowing look. You have to have the right size top and bottom of your area to do this though. Refer to the picture at the left.


As you can see, there are several ways to finish the edges of your installation. You can make it as simple or elegant as your space needs.