skip to main content

How to end subway tile at window without using bullnose

ResourcefulDesigner

12 years ago

Hi all,

I'm remodeling a kitchen and will be installing a subway tile backsplash and would love some opinions. There is a window above the sink that I need to tile around. Since this is being done on a tight budget and we already splurged on a granite countertop, I need to keep this cheap and want to use the tile I found at Lowes for under $3 a sq ft made by American Olean...problem is that they do not make a tile with a finished edge on the 3" side or the 6" side. I am going for a clean, contemporary look and do not really want to frame out windows in casing or frame it out with the bullnose tile that they do have....I just want to end the tile at the window.

There is some kind of plastic strip that they have that can be used but I would really like to see how that would look around a window if anyone has used it. My other thought was to just paint the unfinished edge but it has little nubs for self spacing that would have to be sanded down first and I'm just not so sure that would look good in such a conspicuous area as a window.

Please help! Anyone else try these things or another solution? If so, please post photos ...close ups would be especially helpful! Thanks!

(Sorry, I don't have a photobucket or other online photo membership so please follow link to my other forum post that allows direct upload of photos) : )

Here is a link that might be useful: House Repair Talk forum

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

holligator
12 years ago
That forum requires membership to view your photos. If you want feedback, you'd be better off opening a free photobucket account and posting those pics here.
palimpsest
12 years ago
This is what came to mind.

Here is a link that might be useful: Schluter
Related Discussions
how to end subway tile
Q
Comments (1)
At the ceiling you can just end it right at the ceiling line. For the partial height, you will need long side bullnose tile.
...See More
shower outcorner without bullnose
Q
Comments (18)
Eric, that's great that your tiler was willing to take the time and care to rearrange tiles when necessary. I think my tiler did a great job of putting together the jigsaw puzzle that was my bathroom (a couple of outside corners, transitions from half-height to full-height, etc.), but he definitely didn't have the patience to pop off and replace individual tiles. As a result, I have a few places where the border isn't as "mixed" as I would like. I agree with you about porcelain vs. travertine. My field tile is porcelain, and I love not having to worry about it. I liked this travertine random brick though, and I decided I wasn't going to fret about care of a small amount of border tile. I like the way it feels when I run my fingers across it, too - very silky. ;-) If I had seen yours, though, I probably would have gone for it. Your bathroom's going to be beautiful!
...See More
Advice on how to frame kitchen sink window/subway tile
Q
Comments (11)
I agree that it needs to be fixed. The rest of the windows in the house did not have any framing when we moved in, it's just a cookie-cutter suburban house with no upgrades. DH has put the same casing around all four sides of each window in the house, and we're in the process of painting them white. Certainly not the proper way to case a window, but it does add something to the room I feel, especially when painted white. He's not going to like hearing that it needs to change, but I stand at that sink like 95% of the day. The tile ends at the casing, so the tile would need to be redone. I really doubt if he'll do that... What would be the easiest and most acceptable way to fix this? Here are a few more pictures that show the rest of the kitchen. Still in the works- butcherblock island top and beadboard for side of cabinets. Thank you for your thoughts!
...See More
Tiling window recess with bullnose question...
Q
Comments (5)
You'll get better with practice! Good luck! Even my very experienced tile guy has to sometimes sacrifice some tiles to get the perfect cut/fit. I used an arrabesque glass tile and we needed to cut a hole in it to fit over plumbing. The first one they put up was 2 pieces patched together and I wasn't happy with the way it created shadows. I asked him to try to drill the hole. I had plenty of tiles. He decide to take them home and do it with patience. He took 4 tiles, which cracked, but he managed to get a perfect hole on that 4th tile. he was really happy and texted me a photo and then wrapped that "precious" tile in towels!! The end result looks perfect.
...See More
Buehl
12 years ago
The pictures on your other forum are too small to make any kind of educated comments on. See Holligator's recommendation...with bigger pictures.
billp1
12 years ago
We used the metal edging which we purchased at Home Depot and love the look. Easy to work with and gives a nice smooth look and finish. They had many different finishes and sizes.
ResourcefulDesigner
Original Author
12 years ago
Holligator, I didn't realize that you had to be a member to enlarge my photos in the other forum. Not sure why you couldn't see them because you can see the thumbnails without a membership. Really that should be enough to get an idea of the area I'm concerned with. (Sorry but just not comfortable after reading Photobuckets policys on info sharing to sign up just to post a photo here...Guess I may have to reconsider when I have more time).
Palimpsest - The plastic strip that I mentioned that Lowes has is the same thing as the Schulter system. Problem is, I can't seem to find any good photos of it being used to see how it looks...especially around a window. Even Schulters site only shows 1 little close up photo of an outside corner that isn't helpful at all.
BillP1 - Please Please Please post a photo of your metal edging....if you used it around a window, that is what I'd really like to see...a close up and from a distance if you could! It would help me so much! I have a bare ugly wall and really need to make a decision so I can move forward.
Thanks so much!
Anyone else try something else? Maybe just painting the edge? Just really don't want any vertical lines to take away from the clean look that I have in mind.
Hoping for any photos that show options other than bullnose or framing around window. I want to take tile all the way up around the window but if I have to frame out the window it will look weird since there is only 2 1/2" on the right side before the cabinet starts, and 10" on the other side. The side with 2 1/2 would be taken up by the framing so would look like tile only on one side if you can visualize what I mean.
Thanks!
Circus Peanut
12 years ago
I can't see the detail from that tiny thumbnail either, but I'm confused about the concept - how can a window not have any trim around it? Are they those 1950's aluminum sliders?

If there's no trim, I'd consider simply tiling around the (drywall?) corner right up to the window sash edge. I believe Gardenweb member Plllog did this, if you google-search this forum for her photos.
trancemission
12 years ago
Use tinypic.com... Nothing to sign up for and you can host any size picture...
palimpsest
12 years ago
You won't get a clean edge with the exposed side of tile showing at all, particularly with cut tiles which you will have if you install the tile with a typical running bond. The cleanest edge without bullnose will be with the Schluter type thing.

But I am sure AO makes the bullnose pieces, you may just have to order them through Lowes since they are not on the shelf.

Related Stories

REMODELING GUIDES Classic Subway Tiles Go Uptown

By Scheer & Co. Interior Design

Get a polished, high-end look from subway tiles old and new

KITCHEN DESIGN 10 Gorgeous Backsplash Alternatives to Subway Tile

By Vanessa Brunner

Artistic installations, back-painted glass and pivoting windows prove there are backsplash possibilities beyond the platform

BUDGET DECORATING 8 Cost-Effective Ways to Get a High-End Look

By Toronto Interior Design Group

Don’t discount that expensive material yet. By using a small amount in a strategic way, you can get a luxurious look without the expense

DECORATING GUIDES Look-Alikes That Save Money Without Skimping on Style

By Affecting Spaces Design Studio

Whether in woodwork, flooring, wall treatments or tile, you can get a luxe effect while spending less

BATHROOM COLOR 8 Ways to Spruce Up an Older Bathroom (Without Remodeling)

By Liz Miller Interiors

Mint tiles got you feeling blue? Don’t demolish — distract the eye by updating small details

LIFE How to Make Your House a Haven Without Changing a Thing

By Alison Hodgson

Hung up on 'perfect' aesthetics? You may be missing out on what gives a home real meaning

MATERIALS 6 Spot-on Places to Use Penny Tiles

By Karen Egly-Thompson

You’ll flip for these coin-shaped wall and floor tiles in bright colors, subtle neutrals and even clear glass

COLOR Bathed in Color: When to Use Gray in the Bath

By Jennifer Ott Design

Go for elegance and sophistication without going overboard on coolness, using these gray bathroom paint picks and inspirational photos

REMODELING GUIDES The Perfect Finish for Your Tile

By Debbie Snider

Bullnose? Quarter round? V-cap? Demystify trim terms and finish off your kitchen and bath tile in style

COLOR Bathed in Color: When to Use Green in the Bath

By Jennifer Ott Design

Splash some spring-conjuring green paint, tiles or accessories around your bathroom for natural appeal

Sponsored

More Discussions

I’m already over it. This kitchen trend is everywhere and overdone.

107

fantasy brown counters/ need backsplash. finished basement bar.

2

Cambria Ridgegate countertop

0

how to seal walnut island

9

poggenpohl Replacment wheel for pull out

0