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Trim options for tile backsplash - schluter or custom tile?

last year

I am doing a 3x9 subway tile backsplash in a green color (Kelp by Fireclay Tile, got a good deal on some overstock). I have some exposed edges that I'm not sure how I want to handle. Fireclay does custom trim tiles, but because I'm buying overstock tile, any custom trim I buy will be fired separately from my field tile and may be different - I think this rules out bullnose because it may stand out. I was thinking either a 1x6 flat liner OR a schluter trim in brass (to match hardware / faucets).

The custom tile would have a 6-8 week lead time and would be ~$700. The Schluter would be much quicker and less expensive.

Pics of exposed edges (green). Eventual open shelving in brown on the sink wall.

Custom tile trim

Schluter (brass or other metal)

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Comments (9)

PRO
Lomo
last year
last modified: last year
Schluter Jolly in anthracite or black, to blend in with the tile better. Brass would stand out way too much. Edges are not features to accent.
chicagoans
last year
You can paint Schluter. We just had some installed last week with large format tile that doesn’t have matching trim pieces. We bought metal Schluter (not PVC) in the closest color we could find, sanded lightly, and sprayed a few coats with matching paint. If we hadn’t been able to find matching spray paint, we would have taken a sample of the tile and had it color matched for paint. Ours is now practically invisible because it blends with the tile so well.
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Well anything is better than what we have. They’re old floral tiles lol. We’re doing blue pearl granite countertops. We have ugly laminate yellow right now. Eh trends come and go, but I really like the look. It’s also One of the only backsplash tiles my boyfriend agreed to I do like the stainless steel tile. We’re using a pro so I’m assuming they know that it has to be installed before the backsplash? I’ll bring it up I guess just in case? Hoping I can find something slightly less expensive since we have a budget.
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Thanks both. mvcanada, we were thinking of buying a vanity/sink combo online so not necessarily able to buy extra material for backsplash and counter shelf, though if we go with a basic white it shouldn't be too hard to match, right? I can't decide if I would prefer a shelf that extends from the sink countertop, or one that is separate and between the sink and mirror. Might depend on which vanity we choose (still looking, as evidenced by my other post). But good point on running whatever we have to meet the large mirror. pamal66, can you clarify your last bit about the metal strip or pencil liner? Is that for the end of the backsplash on the edge of the sink so it doesn't feel like it just ends by accident? We did consider tiling the wall with the sink/toilet but we were feeling like the current half wall of tile was making the room feel smaller, and with the layout, we'd have to tile everything or just the tub (because tiling by the sink/toilet plus the tub but not the last wall where the vent is would just feel unfinished). We haven't decided on wall or floor colors yet, though the fixtures and tub tile will probably be a basic white. We love this floor: And these are some of our vanity inspirations: (this last one with a white top instead) One thought I had about the tile border was that if it doesn't match the tub tile, it could match whatever we put in the shower niche, but that's as far as I've gotten in finding an actual tile!
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With that classic herringbone pattern, I wouldn't do a Schluter edge. Get a matching white pencil liner or flat liner tile. 1/2" wide if you can find it. In this photo, you'll see the liner trim around the herringbone feature in the shower: And here's a pencil liner we did in marble to trim out a niche: Just showing you the style of trim, not the material. See if the herringbone tile you have has matching trim pieces.
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I tiled right up to the hood bottom, and used Schluter on the sides...my backsplash stops at the range hood level...no uppers near by. I didn't use grout for that area, but in stead used the sanded siliconized caulk which was an identical color match to my grout. If the hood ever moves, vibrates even a bit, this will have some flex not to break down like grout would.
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chicagoans
last year
ETA We were careful to use paint that works on metal.
0
chicagoans
last year
last modified: last year
ETA2 (sorry I’m on my phone and can’t seem to figure out how to edit previous comments.) instead of painting the Schluter to match your tile, you might be happier painting it to match your grout or wall color since it will be next to those. Schluter is inexpensive enough that you can buy an extra piece or two and test different colors.
Fori
last year
I would do the skinniest quarter round Fireclay can make. If you use Schluter, don't use a contrasting tone (black? seems wrong). Match the wall color or grout instead.

I'd be tempted to use oak. :)
jlc712
last year
I think I'd go with stainless Schluter. It would kind of just disappear. Oak trim to match your cabs is also a great idea!!
0
rebunky
last year
I agree with Fori. I would do the thinnest edge piece that Fireclay makes.

I would not worry about the Kelp color being slightly off due to the field tile being made at a different date. I am sure it will be close enough in color to not stand out as a mistake. Being handmade, I think the glazing has slight variations of color, pooling darker towards the edges. No two are exactly the same. Is this close to what your tile looks like?

So I am thinking that a small quarter round or what ever edge style you choose being slightly lighter or slightly darker then the field, would still look good. Certainly way better then the schluter imho. Maybe order a few trim pieces and see how they look?

What color grout are you doing? A green to match the tile or a lighter grout that contrasts? In your kitchen, I would prefer to have the grout match the tile.

I would definitely not do the gold schluter. To me, even as thin as it the jolly is, I think it would stand out too much and would cheapen the look of the gorgeous tile. Jmho..

I am also not sure on the idea of painting it a green color to match the tile and grout, but it is worth a shot to try it and see how that looks. I just don’t think it will look as good as the tile trim..

BTW, let me just say, I love your kitchen! The wood cabinets are so beautiful, and look great with the marble counters and the brass faucets and hardware! The Kelp backsplash is going to look awesome!
0
PRO
HALLETT & Co.
last year
I would do white schluter to disappear into your walls and trim. Not a detail to highlight
Lisa
Original Author
last year
@rebunky I think I'm gonna do the trim. I was mostly concerned about the cost, but... I want it. I hadn't really thought about grout color too far, most of the kelp installations I saw on Fireclay's website had white/off-white grout. I'm not sure what's available in terms of greens, maybe something mint-y?

And thanks for the compliment! I used this forum so much for decisions on it and I hope to post when it is completed (if ever) - right now it's messy from handling a bunch of our garden produce.

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