Tile profiles play a crucial role in the functionality of tile coverings. Not only do they protect the sensitive edges against chipping and impact, they also create visual highlights and significantly enhance the interior design. They are usually laid at the same time as the tiles are laid, as they are placed under the tiles using a special tile adhesive or mortar. But what if you have already laid tiles and are now wondering whether it is possible to install tile profiles later? In this blog post, we take a look at this question and give you valuable tips for a successful adaptation.
Even after you've already installed tiles in your living space, you may want to make changes or add additional functional elements. One effective way to do this is to retrofit tile profiles. The decision to incorporate tile profiles can make sense in a variety of scenarios, whether for design reasons, to protect high-traffic areas, or for a professional finishing edge.
• Design changes
If you want to change the look of your tile surface, be it for a more modern look or to add new accents, tile profiles can be an effective solution.
• Protection for high traffic areas
Especially in high-traffic areas, be it in private homes or commercial environments, tile profiles offer additional protection for edges and corners to protect against wear and damage.
• Completion of surfaces
If you want a clean and professional finishing edge for your tiles, tile profiles are ideal for finishing wall and floor transitions.
• Renovations and conversions
During renovations or conversions where tiles are already in place, tile profiles enable attractive design of transitions between different materials or surfaces.
• Functionality extension
You could install tile profiles later to incorporate additional functions, for example by incorporating lighting elements.
It is important to note that the subsequent installation of tile profiles requires precise planning. The existing tiles should be in good condition and the selection of tile profiles should be aimed at their functionality and visual harmony with the existing tile design. Before installation, it is advisable to carefully consider the specific requirements and possibilities.
Design change - From old to new
Have you bought a house or an apartment that is a bit old? Or do you simply need a change of scenery because you no longer like the tile profiles that have been laid? Then the question arises whether the old tile rails can be replaced with new ones. Theoretically yes, but do we recommend it? No, because the tile profiles are firmly attached to the tiles by the tile adhesive and removing them without damaging the tiles is almost impossible. You can use a screwdriver or the narrow sanding attachment on a sander to carefully work into the individual recesses and joints to remove the adhesive. In theory, the tile rails should then gradually come loose and you can lay your new profile. In practice, this is a bit more difficult and despite working carefully, damage to the tiles can occur afterwards.
What do we recommend instead?
Use tile profiles that are suitable for subsequent installation. In most cases, these are self-adhesive tile rails or profiles with a large cavity that completely covers older profiles, for example. These can be
end profiles ,
transition strips or
skirting boards , for example. In our shop, we offer you a wide selection of profiles that will help you upgrade your home.
Protection for high-traffic areas 
Whether for prevention or to cover existing damage, our
corner protection angle is always used when corners are subject to increased stress or wear. Examples of this can be found in commercial spaces such as offices, shops or hotels, where the corners of walls and furniture are subject to greater stress due to constant use. The subsequent installation of corner protection angles in these areas ensures effective protection and increases the durability of the corners. It also makes damaged edges disappear quickly and easily and gives the room that certain something again.
Do you want to find out more about our corner protection angles? Then you will definitely like our article " Corner protection angles - protection in heavily frequented areas ".
completion of surfaces
We also have self-adhesive profiles in our range. The tile profile has a self-adhesive back, which ensures quick and easy processing. The profiles are used for tiles, wall and ceiling coverings, stairs, windows and doors and offer an optimal solution for a clean, safe and quick connection between components and materials. Our
self-adhesive end profile is simply attached to the strips under balcony/patio doors with the self-adhesive back, so that the strip sits on the floor coverings and covers the end joint/edge.
renovations and conversions
Is there perhaps a new floor because you can no longer see the old carpet? Then a transition profile is a must! Transition profiles are used when different floor coverings (laminate, tiles, parquet or carpet) are to be connected to one another. Most transition profiles also compensate for small differences in height between different coverings. The subsequent placement of transition profiles is usually not a problem, as the rails are not pushed under the tile edges in most cases. Instead, the rail is located above the edges and is either screwed or glued to the adjacent floor covering. The choice between the self-adhesive or screwable version depends on the area in which you want to use the tile profile. Self-adhesive profiles can be installed quickly and easily, but may not be quite as durable as screwed ones. We therefore recommend using screwed transition profiles in heavily frequented areas to ensure long-lasting stability.
Retrofitting tile rails - yes or no?
In general, we recommend retrofitting transition profiles, corner protection angles and floor finishing profiles that are specifically designed for this type of installation. It does not matter whether they are screwed or self-adhesive. The decision to replace rails that have already been installed and pushed under the edge of the tile should be carefully considered, as this involves a considerable amount of work. Removing and subsequently attaching them requires a high level of skill to achieve a satisfactory result. Therefore, the economic considerations should be carefully considered before considering such a replacement.
