Blondelle, it's the edge meeting at right angles. I've got a few of those - a couple are on half-tiled walls, so I've got to go around the corner *and* finish off nicely on the top edge (and top corner). Then there are a couple of corners that also transition from half-height to full-height in the tub/shower. The "cuarto de cana" (quarter round) and "angulo cuarto de cana" (quarter round corner - can't do the tildes!) pieces, along with some bullnose, would solve the problem for me, but I'm not sure I can get those pieces for my preferred tile (and possibly not even for my less-preferred tile) in time for work to start on 9/29. Bill, I understand how to use bullnose to finish off one side of a corner edge and have the other side butt into it... but how do I finish off the top of the corner when it's a half-tiled wall? Do I just miter the bullnose strips along the top? Can I miter the (possibly glass) border tile beneath the bullnose, and then just use the vertical bullnose/butt technique down the rest of the side? (Hope that made sense... I'm just learning this stuff!)

I agree. This slab install we polished the ends as well - don't you love the clear look trim on this fireplace! This install was 6 pieces of tarvertine installed onsite. If you look close at the fireplace in this picture you will see we polished the top stone to lap the skinny piece. Travertine is soft and the quality of the sealers and filler varies. The look of this install was enhanced because we ordered a 40% waste factor. We Cherry picked the stone and spent 4 hours doing layout. The extra waste stone will become a laundry room floor. What type of fireplace is it? Make sure to test the effects of heat on your tile. Place a few in front and bring the fire up to full heat for a number of burn cycles. Get one tile set loosely above the fireplace for the same test. Test with the sealer as well. I case you didn't know - I build a lot of fireplaces - I just don't talk about it. I hear Mike Holmes next issue will talk about fireplace renovations. Lets see what the "Experts" have to say... ;)

The caulking should be where the tile butts up to the window frame. one thing you might consider is using a piece of travertine slab for the shelf.

The job is supposed to make you happy, not them. You know if the job is good or not. Put in writing what you want corrected, give them a copy and keep one for yourself. Everything should be consistent including the color of the grout and the caulk. Take some pictures or get some from a magazine and show them to your contractor so he knows for sure what you want. Find a tile guy who has done work that you like and ask him to come out and give you a opinion. You'll probably have to pay him a little but it will be worth it. He will explain what is correct and what isn't and then you won't have any questions. Make sure you tell your contractor what you want in writing and keep a copy. I had my shower retiled and told the guy I wanted all the corners coved. He came out and started setting the tile without cove corners. I had coved corners written in the estimate. He said the tile maker didn't make the cove tiles. I told him to stop the job and I would order from a manufacturer that made coved pieces. Next day he had the coved tiles. Another instance, I remember my uncle making a tile guy redo a curve around a kitchen four times. After all that, if the guy can't do the job you want, get someone else, but keep your letter and take photos of his work.