If you’re wondering how to finish a tile backsplash in a way that hides the raw or cut edges, here’s how to finish tile with metal edging. We recently tiled the kitchen backsplash, creating a pretty herringbone pattern using basic subway tiles:
Because we didn’t tile the whole wall (and stopped on the outer edges of the room, where the walls end abruptly) I wanted a nice way to finish the tile. We used metal edging – you can see it above the sink in the photo below. You can find this metal edging in tiling shops and home improvement stores and it comes in different sizes and and metal finishes. It’s very subtle, you can barely see it, but it just finishes off the tile nicely. I think it makes a DIY tile job look more professional!
We used schluter brand edging, but there are many different brands making a product like this. Installation was super simple. We figured out where our tiling would stop and affixed the edging to the wall using screws. We used a level to make sure the metal edging wasn’t wonky.
Then we just tiled up to the edges, ensuring a nice tight meeting. Our edging had a little “lip,” for the tile to slide under, so there are no awkward gaps. We used the edging at the top of the tiling, and also the sides. It created a nice “frame” for the pattern.
Here’s a prettier photo of where the tile just ends at the doorway opening:
Hopefully this is helpful to anyone figuring out how to finish off tiling!
Click here to read about how we re-varnished the cabinet fronts and click here to see more of the tiling process.
I just found your blog from a link you posted on apartment therapy, and I just wanted to say that it is awesome and very inspiring.Tina
wonderful finish.. i always wondered what would be a feasible way to round off the rough edges on ceramic tiled walls…need to show this to my folks
I'm so impressed by the beautiful, professional-looking job you did on the tile. That's always been a DIY project I was afraid to tackle. The edging is perfect…simple, clean and subtle.
This is a great idea that I have not read/heard about yet. Thanks for the tip.
Wow, I love that! It gives it such a clean and crisp finish.
Thanks, everyone!Dana: I found tiling way trickier than anyone let on. But I would do it again. I recommend watching some videos – especially for mixing the grout, so you can see the right consistency. And, we were way to ambitious trying this pattern. A small mosaic tile on big sheets would have been a much better first timer's choice.
for some reason, edging had never occurred to me. that looks great, and nice and sleek!
looks great! I'm a big fan of the herringbone pattern for tiles.
Great tiling job! I love the detailed edging you did. It looks so polished. And the herringbone idea is gorgeous! I also love your kitchen table chairs too! 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today.
Great info on that detail. It gives it a very modern feel. M.
Love the tile job, and that silver edging looks fantastic. By the way, love the little aqua blender. So cute. What brand is it?
What finish did you use with Schluter strip?
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It was so long ago so I don’t remember what they called it but it was a brushed nickel tone. They might have completely different names now…But I always look for a brushed nickel finish.
The blender is by Hamilton Beach. My mom's friend bought it, never used it and sold it to me for $50. I bought it for the exclusive use of making smoothies, but it refuses to blend ice or frozen fruit. So I have an inrtricate system of letting my fruit soften a bit, then blending. But it looks pretty, so it is hard to stay angry at it. Martha Stewart also makes an aqua one and I almost bought it as a replacement, but I bought the hand mixer from the same line instead. And I LOVE the hand mixer, so I'm thinkin' the blender might be good too.
I love the edging. There is something about neat boundaries that make me happy. What a clever solution to unfinished tile! Congrats!
Your kitchen is looking so good! The edging is a great touch.