Miter Or Bullnose Edges: Which Is Right For Your Tiles?

Want to make your tile look more expensive than it is? One of the best tricks you can use is finding the right edges for your tile. While it's tempting to just install any type of tile and call it a day, adding a finishing edge will make the project look much more clean and professional, even if you're doing it on your own. While there are tons of options out there, many homeowners gravitate toward two popular edge choices for home projects: bullnose and miter edges. Bullnose tiles might have an unusual name, but their rounded edges make them a staple for many tile projects. Mitered edges are tiles cut at a 45-degree angle, allowing the edges to sit together neatly.

When deciding whether mitered or bullnose edges are right for your tile project, there are a few factors to keep in mind. Consider the project itself, where it's located in your home, your current lifestyle, and your expertise or budget, depending on whether you're doing the project yourself or hiring a professional.

Bullnose tile's rounded edges are a popular option because they provide a clean, polished look that still feels soft. This style fits in with classic home decor styles, like the popular modern farmhouse or eclectic. It's also popular with families with young children, since the rounded edges are less of a hazard when your kids go skidding through the kitchen or bathroom. Due to its popularity, bullnose tile is typically easy to find, which means finding the right finish for your project should be simple.

If you're looking for a modern or minimalist look, however, bullnose might not be for you. Its curved edges typically don't complement the crisp lines of modern homes, but feel free to play around with a few different options before you decide.

Another thing to keep in mind is that bullnose tile isn't always the easiest to cut and install. Its trademark curve presents a bit of a challenge to cut properly, and it may take more time to install it. Practice the cut on some inexpensive tile first and build a buffer into your install so you can take your time putting it up.

Where bullnose edges are soft and curving, mitered edges are sharp and crisp. This tile edge style is popular in minimalist and contemporary-style homes because their edges are designed to highlight the tile itself. Like bullnose tile, they can be used throughout the home, but they truly shine in bathrooms, especially in recessed shower niches. Mitered edges are also popular because they can carry the tile's pattern over corners and edges to create a nicely blended look. Plus, since many tiles can be cut to have mitered edges, you don't have to buy additional tiles to finish a project.

Mitered edges come with their own set of cons. Getting the perfect miter cut is tricky, and since the edges of the tile are cut at a 45-degree angle, they have a slight tendency to chip. Also, learning to miter tile is a specific skill set, so give yourself time to learn how to do it properly, or add extra room in your project budget to pay for a trained professional's help.