Tile finishes

The Little Details Finish the Tile

Beautiful tile gets most of the attention. But where that tile ends matters, too. Here’s a quick look at two common ways to finish exposed tile edges.

Pencil Tile

Pencil tile is a narrow decorative trim that creates a finished border around exposed tile edges.

• Becomes part of the tile design

• Can match or complement your field tile

• Purchase with your other finish materials

• Common around niches, benches, and shower edges

Metal Tile Edging

Metal profiles, sometimes referred to as Schluter-style trim, create a clean, defined edge without adding another decorative tile.

• Available in a variety of colors and finishes

• Can coordinate with fixtures and hardware

• Creates a clean, streamlined transition

• Common around niches, benches, and shower edges

Which Should You Choose?

There isn't one right answer.

Choose pencil tile if:
• You want the edge to feel like part of the tile design

• You prefer a more decorative finish

• Your tile has a coordinating trim available

Choose metal edging if:

• You prefer a cleaner, simpler transition

• You want to coordinate with fixtures or hardware

• Your tile doesn’t offer a coordinating trim

When you're shopping for tile, look at both options alongside your actual tile.

Seeing the materials together is much easier than trying to imagine the finished combination later.

Before Your Pre-Site Visit

Have your tile edging preference selected before your ACR pre-site visit.

If You’re Using Pencil Tile:

Purchase it with your other finish materials and make sure you have enough for all planned areas.

image of a piece of paper

If You’re Using Metal Edging:

Select your preferred profile and finish before your pre-site visit. ACR will confirm the appropriate trim size for installation.

Need Help?

ACR does not procure your finish materials, but we can help you understand where edging will be needed so you can shop with better information.

One Less Decision to Make Later

Tile edging may feel like a small detail now, but once installed, it becomes part of every finished edge you see.

Choose it early, have it ready, and that’s one less decision standing between you and construction day.

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