Lay tile rails yourself - is it possible?

Tile trims offer optimal protection for tile edges and also act as an eye-catching highlight. Our range is extensive. We offer various types of tile trims, such as angle, square or quarter-round profiles, in several colors, heights, lengths and finishes. Of course, you can also choose the material. From inexpensive PVC to robust stainless steel, we have everything in our shop.

Due to the many design options, they are now also used for decorative purposes and are often found in the bathroom or kitchen.

When are tile strips installed?

Are you planning to renovate or are you currently renovating your house, bathroom, kitchen, etc., or even building a new one? Perfect, then you'll probably encounter the term "tile strips" for the first time. Tile strips are often used in combination with tiles, but they can also harmonize well with other floor coverings.

In combination with tiles, the tile strips are set at the ends of the tile work using either mortar or tile adhesive. Attaching the tile strips is part of the actual tiling process and is done in the same step if edge tiles are to be set. Since the tile profiles are partially (the fixing leg) pushed under the tiles, care must be taken to ensure that the tile strips are not installed until the edges of the tile areas are already dry. Otherwise, the profiles may not be flush with the tile covering, resulting in an unsightly spot that not only spoils the overall look but is also highly likely to not hold up in the long term. Retrofitting tile profiles is possible, but also very laborious. You can read about what you need to consider in our NEWS article " Retrofitting tile strips - is that possible? ".

What should be considered when choosing tile rails?

When installing tile profiles, the correctly chosen height is crucial; therefore, the appropriate height should be determined in advance. Is the height of the profile the same as the tile thickness? That would be ideal, but in most cases it's not. Normally, it is said that it is advisable to always buy tile profiles 1-2 mm higher than the tile thickness of the tiles to be laid. Precise measurements are advantageous to ensure that the rail is not chosen too small or too large, which could prevent a harmonious final result.

However, the manufacturer's specifications should always be heeded. As is so often the case, opinions differ on what the correct size is.

1. The right preparation

The actual installation will determine how many tile trims are needed. Accurate and correct measurements are particularly important here to avoid delays during installation, for example, due to insufficient material. It's best to always calculate 10% extra for waste. Tile profiles are usually available in 250 cm lengths; we also have rails in 100 cm and 300 cm in our range. If shorter pieces are necessary, there are various ways to cut the rail to the required length. A miter saw usually achieves the best results. If you don't have one, a hand saw with a stainless steel blade or an angle grinder can also be used.

2. Install tile strip

The next step is to insert the rails precisely into the designated location. They are fixed using tile adhesive or mortar. It is important that excess mortar is removed immediately after inserting the tile rails, before the adhesive hardens and adheres to the new profiles. Once hardened, cleaning is more difficult and damage to the tile rails can occur.

3. Follow-up

Tile strips, just like tiles, need time to dry and set firmly at the tile edges. This takes approximately 24 hours.

Here's a quick summary for you, a tile profile installation guide in 5 steps:

1. Always choose tile profiles that are 1-2 mm higher than the tiles you want to lay.
2. Apply tile adhesive with a notched trowel.
3. Press the tile profile into the adhesive bed and align it.
4. Press the tiles firmly into place and align them so that a gap of 1-5 mm (depending on preference) is left to the profile.
5. Fill the space between the tiles and the profile completely with grout.

Do it yourself or hire a professional?

You have to decide that yourself. Are you handy and confident in laying tiles? Yes? Then laying tile profiles shouldn't be a problem for you. Just remember that really clean work is required. Ideally, the result should still look perfect years later and, of course, you should like it. Small careless mistakes are then not only annoying, but can also become expensive.

We hope that we were able to help you.

Notes:

In general, the generally accepted rules of technology must be observed!

For all products/materials: The suitability for use in terms of mechanical and chemical stress must be carefully checked on a case-by-case basis before installation.

If you should have any further questions, please feel free to contact us.

Best of luck!

the team from alleszumfliesen.de