How to Have Rounded Corners With a Tile Countertop

Position one bullnose tile piece against the edge of the countertop, ensuring that the top of the piece is level with the top of the tile pieces on the countertop, then draw a cutting line across the back of the bullnose piece with a pencil to mark the excess tile material.

Position the bullnose tile piece in a tile cutter so that the cutting wheel rests directly over the cutting line on the back of the tile. Press down firmly on the cutter’s handle and move the cutting wheel across the cutting line. Snap the tile piece along the cutting line with the tile cutter to remove the excess material. Tile cutters vary slightly in design but they typically feature a handle that snaps the tile when depressed.

Cut the remaining bullnose tiles to size with the tile cutter.

Apply a layer of thin-set mortar across the back of a double bullnose piece with a notched trowel, then press the piece into the edge of the countertop with a slight twisting motion. Ensure that the edge of the piece aligns with the corner of the countertop.

Apply thin-set mortar to the back of a single bullnose piece, then press the piece against the countertop and next to the installed double bullnose piece. Leave a slight gap between the two pieces for grout. Use the grout line on top of the countertop as a guide to determine how much space to leave.

Install the remaining single bullnose pieces in the same manner and then install a double bullnose piece at the end of the countertop.

Nail a scrap piece of carpet or an old towel to a 2-by-4 wood block. Position the block against the newly-installed tile and tap on the block gently with a mallet. The purpose here is to ensure that the tile pieces are level in relation to each other. Periodically run your hand across the tile to check for evenness.

Allow the mortar to dry. The amount of the time necessary for the mortar to dry may vary depending on the mortar manufacturer and the air temperature. Consult the mortar manufacturer’s instructions for guidance here.

Mix latex additive and grout together in the proportion recommended by the grout manufacturer.

Apply the grout mix across the bullnose pieces with a rubber float. Sweep the float across the tile to fill the grout seams completely and then wipe away the excess grout with a damp sponge.

Allow one hour to pass for the grout to dry and then wipe away the powdery residue left on the tile with a clean cloth.