Tiling projects are often easy, especially if you have some experience. However, certain scenarios can be pretty challenging, even for expert tilers.
A good example is when you get to the point where you have a tile-to-drywall transition on an outside corner.
In the above scenario, the outside corner where the tile meets drywall can’t be left exposed because it wouldn’t look great.
If you want a seamless finish, you must create a transition. And that’s what we will be discussing in today’s article.
How to Transition Between Tile And Drywall on an Outside Corner?
Even though this scenario may seem complex, there are several ways you can finish a tile-to-drywall transition on an outside corner. We will list these different methods, and you can choose the ideal option.
1. Install Schluter Edge Strips
Schluter Edge strips, also known as Profiles, can easily hide the unsightly edges of drywall and tile on an outside corner.
You can get them from your nearest Home Depot or order them on Amazon. They are available in a wide range of finishes and are very easy to install between tile and drywall seams.
Installing Schluter Edge strips entails screwing them before placing the last tiles on the edge near the corner. They can be installed using fastening screws.
With these strips, you can calculate how deep it needs to go so that the ends of both drywall and tile sit flush on the outside corner.
Another perk of using Schluter Edge strips as a transition from drywall to tile on an outside corner is that they are available in different materials ranging from plastic to metal.
So, you can choose the material you find easier to work with. Both materials are relatively strong and will hold up well inside that transition.
The Schluter edge strips cover the outside corner that would have been left exposed. It’s, therefore, one of the best transitions to use between tile and drywall.
To get a uniform finish from Schluter Edge strips, make sure that you use a leveler when installing them. Don’t forget to factor in the thickness of the drywall and tile.
2. Install a Drywall Corner Bead and a Bullnose Tile
We started with the Schluter Edge strips because it was the easiest method of creating a seamless transition between tile and drywall. However, there is another method that is equally as effective, even though it’s a bit lengthy.
If you have an outside corner where tiles meet drywall, you can build a beautiful transition using drywall corner beads and bullnose tiles.
Drywall corner beads are angled pieces of trim used to connect drywall with other boards and materials. What makes these corner beads stand up is that they strengthen your corners, and they are shaped at a 90-degree angle which is perfect for outside corners.
With the help of these drywall corner beads, you can get a more precise corner joint between your drywall and tile.
On the other hand, a bullnose tile is a trimmed piece with round edges. Bullnose tiles are often used to cover edges. They come in a wide range of shapes, and the best part is that you can get them in a similar finish to regular tiles.
In this second step, you will need to fit the drywall corner beads on your outside corner. Installing these beads is pretty straightforward.
Attach them to the wall at a 90-degree angle and start driving nails through them. Next, you should grab your bullnose tile. Make sure that you order it in the correct size. It should snugly fit on the corner.
Apply thinset mortar and then attach the tile. Install grout, and then you will have a beautiful tile-to-drywall transition. On the other end, where you have drywall, you can finish it with paint so that the entire surface looks neat and presentable.
3. Install Pencil Liners
Most people confuse pencil liners and bullnose tiles because they are used in the same areas. However, they are pretty different.
Pencil liners are thinner and have a more cylindrical shape than their counterpart. They are mainly used to cap off the edges more subtly.
If you like the finish of pencil liners, you can use them to create a transition between drywall and tiles. Their installation is similar to bullnose tiles, only that you don’t need a corner bead in this scenario.
When you settle for pencil liners, be very keen when choosing the finish so that you can get a perfect match. If the finish of your pencil liner is very different from the other tiles, it may look hideous and out of place.
Is a Tile to Drywall Transition on an Outside Corner Vulnerable to Water Damage?
As long as this transition will be exposed to moisture, then there is some risk of water damage. However, if the outside corner is free from water or moisture exposure, you don’t have to worry about anything.
If you are unsure, applying a waterproof membrane on that corner is a good idea. Better safe than sorry. Liquid waterproof membranes such as RedGard are a more suitable choice in this scenario because they will be easier to apply.
And they will not increase the thickness of the transition, which may prevent it from sitting flush with the drywall and tile.
What is the Best Type of Corner Bead You Should Use on this Tile to Drywall Transition?
When you shop for corner beads, you will have to choose between J and L-shaped designs. Both options have their pros and cons. And the one you choose will depend on the state of the drywall.
Fitting a J-shaped corner bead will be tricky if the drywall is already installed. You will need to cut some pieces of the drywall, and that’s extra work. A J-shaped corner bead is ideal if you are yet to hang the drywall.
On the other hand, an L-shaped corner bead can easily be fitted even if the drywall is already installed. To avoid complications, I advise you to go for the L-shaped corner beads. This bead also creates a precise corner finish thanks to the 90-degree angle.
Should I Be Worried about the Corner Bead Flaring Out of the Tile to Drywall Transition?
This doesn’t have to be a concern as long as you install it correctly.
The best way to install a corner bead on a tile to drywall transition is by screwing it to the wall. You should then mud around it so you can finish it with tile or paint. Rarely a corner bead will flare out of the transition.
It’s also advisable to install the corner bead as tight as possible. That’s the best way to prevent it from coming out.
How Do I Prevent Building this Transition Corner Out Too Much?
The best way to do that is by limiting the number of products you intend to apply on that transition. If you are working with limited space, Schluter Edge strips or pencil liners are the best options because they don’t consume much space.
However, even if you use a bullnose tile and a corner bead, you can still minimize the amount of mud to prevent building out too much. Because if the corner is left protruding or not flush, it won’t look very good.