Many floor tiles have a slightly beveled edge for depth.
You have to choose what kind of tile edge will complete the look you are going for during your tiling project. Bullnose and beveled edges are available, along with flat tiles that don't have the decorative edge. Depending on your personal style, either works well.
Bevel
A beveled edge consists of a cut along the edge of the tile that gives a sharp, angled edge as opposed to the square edges of flat tiles. The beveled edge can vary in the degree of the angle, ranging from only barely noticeable to prominent. When choosing a beveled tile for your project, work with the angled, beveled edge to create a statement in your work. Often, a bevel will be either a quarter- or half-bevel; the half creates a wider angled area than the quarter.
Bullnose
Bullnose tiles are rounded as opposed to the angled bevel or square flat tiles. Like the beveled edge, you can get a variety of different effects and types of bullnosed edge. A full bullnose, for example, is a completely rounded edge from the front to the back of the tile. From the side, the full bullnose resembles a half circle. A half-bullnose edge is just what the name implies: from the side it appears to be a quarter section of a circle. The demi-bullnose, on the other hand, is almost . For tiles, a full bullnose is almost obsolete as the completely rounded edge takes away from the functionality of the tile.
Choosing
For floor tiles, the beveled edge often gives a more natural look as opposed to square-edge tiles. You can find beveled edges in many types of vinyl tiles as well as natural tiles. If you're edging a countertop, the choice comes down to personality. The sharp, angled edges of beveled tiles create one statement while the rounded edges of bullnose tile create a more flowing appearance. Many times, either will work well no matter what your personal style. If you're using a stone that has more tendency to chip than other types of stone, the beveled edge might chip easier than the bullnose.
Other Edges
Several other options of edges ar available, particularly for countertops. Instead of beveled or bullnose (or any of their respective cuts), you can also find more decorative edges such as the ogee edge, which somewhat resembles an S from the side. Ogee is more traditional and is often the most expensive option. The Dupont edge, or bird's beak edge, is rounded like a demi-bullnose with the exception of a notch at the top. Depending on the manufacturer, you may also find waterfall edges, which consist of three layers that angle down, giving the appearance of a flowing, waterfall-like look.
Tags: beveled edge, completely rounded, flat tiles, full bullnose, also find, beveled edges