Projects involving tiling are frequently simple, particularly if you have some prior knowledge. Even skilled tilers may find some situations difficult, though.
An excellent illustration would be the point at which an outside corner transitions from tile to drywall.
It would not look good to leave the outside corner where the tile and drywall meet exposed in the example above.
You need to make a transition if you want a smooth finish. And that’s what the piece for today will be about.
How Can a Corner Outside Be Converted From Tile to Drywall?
There are multiple approaches to complete a tile-to-drywall transition on an exterior corner, despite the fact that this situation could appear complicated. You can select the best alternative from the list of these several approaches.
1. Put Schluter Edge Strips in place
Schluter Edge strips, sometimes referred to as profiles, are a simple way to conceal the unattractive edges of tile and drywall in an exterior corner.
They are available for purchase on Amazon or at the Home Depot location closest to you. They are incredibly simple to place between tile and drywall gaps and come in a variety of finishes.
Before putting the final tiles on the edge close to the corner, Schluter Edge strips must be installed by screwing them in place. Fastening screws can be used for their installation.
You can use these strips to determine the depth required to ensure that the ends of the tile and drywall sit flush on the exterior corner.
Schluter Edge strips come in a variety of materials, including metal and plastic, which is another benefit of using them to transition an exterior corner from drywall to tile.
Thus, you are free to select the material that you find most convenient to work with. Both materials will withstand the transition well because they are reasonably strong.
The outer corner that would have been left uncovered is covered by the Schluter edge strips. Thus, it’s among the greatest ways to switch from tile to drywall.
When adding Schluter Edge strips, be sure to use a leveler to achieve a consistent finish. Remember to account for the thickness of the tile and drywall.
2. Put in a bullnose tile and a drywall corner bead.
Since Schluter Edge strips were the simplest way to create a smooth transition between tile and drywall, we started with them. But, although being a little more time-consuming, there is another approach that works just as well.
Bullnose tiles and drywall corner beads can be used to create a stunning transition in an exterior corner where tiles meet drywall.
Angled pieces of trim called drywall corner beads are used to join drywall to other boards and materials. The strength of your corners and their 90-degree angle shape, which is ideal for outdoor corners, are what set these corner beads apart.
You may get a more accurate corner junction between your tile and drywall with the aid of these drywall corner beads.
Conversely, a bullnose tile is a piece that has been trimmed and has rounded edges. Bullnose tiles are frequently used for edge coverage. They are available in a variety of shapes, and the best part is that they may be finished similarly to ordinary tiles.
Fitting the drywall corner beads to your outer corner is the second step. These beads are quite simple to install.
Drive nails into them after attaching them to the wall at a 90-degree angle. The next step is to get your bullnose tile. Make sure the size you order is correct. The corner should fit it snuggly.
After using thinset mortar, affix the tile. After grout is installed, the transition from tile to drywall will be stunning. You can apply paint to the opposite end, where you have drywall, to make the entire surface appear tidy and presentable.
3. Put pencil liners in.
Due to their similar use, pencil liners and bullnose tiles are sometimes confused. They are somewhat different, though.
Compared to their counterpart, pencil liners are thinner and more cylindrical in shape. Their primary function is to more discreetly cap off the edges.
Pencil liners can be used to create a transition between tiles and drywall if you like the way they look. They are installed similarly to bullnose tiles, with the exception that a corner bead is not required in this case.
When settling on pencil liners, pay close attention to the finish to ensure a precise fit. Your pencil liner may appear ugly and out of place if its finish differs significantly from the surrounding tiles.
Can Water Damage Affect a Tile to Drywall Transition on an Exterior Corner?
Water damage is a possibility as long as this transition is exposed to moisture. You shouldn’t be concerned about anything, though, if the exterior corner isn’t exposed to any dampness or water.
Applying a waterproof barrier to that corner is a smart idea if you’re not sure. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Since they will be simpler to apply, liquid waterproof membranes like RedGard are a better option in this situation.
Additionally, they won’t thicken the transition, which can make it difficult for it to sit flush with the tile and drywall.
What Kind of Corner Bead Is Best for This Transition from Tile to Drywall?
J-shaped and L-shaped designs are the options available to you when you browse for corner beads. Each choice has advantages and disadvantages. Additionally, the condition of the drywall will determine which option you select.
If the drywall is already in place, it will be difficult to fit a J-shaped corner bead. Some drywall may need to be cut, which will require additional effort. If you haven’t hung the drywall yet, a J-shaped corner bead is perfect.
However, even if the drywall is already in place, it is still simple to install an L-shaped corner bead. I suggest using the L-shaped corner beads to prevent issues. The 90-degree slant of this bead also produces a crisp corner finish.
Is the Corner Bead Flaring Out of the Transition from Tile to Drywall a Concern for Me?
As long as you install it correctly, this shouldn’t be an issue.
When installing a corner bead on a tile to drywall transition, screwing it to the wall is the most effective method. After that, you should mud the area around it so that tile or paint may be applied. Corner beads hardly ever flare out of the transition.
Installing the corner bead as tightly as feasible is also advised. The easiest method to keep it from leaking is to do that.
How Can I Avoid Over-Building This Transition Corner?
Limiting the amount of goods you plan to use during that transition is the best approach to do that. The best choices if you have limited space are pencil liners or Schluter Edge strips because they take up very little room.
To avoid building out too much, you can still use as little mud as possible even if you use a corner bead and a bullnose tile. Because it will not look nice if the corner is left flush or projecting.
