What is a Schluter strip?
A metal or PVC edge profile and transition strip made by Schluter Systems that finishes exposed tile edges and creates waterproof seals between different floor levels or surfaces, particularly in bathrooms and showers.
Schluter strips are manufactured edge trims and transition profiles designed to seal and finish tile installations, most commonly in bathrooms, shower enclosures, and kitchen backsplashes. Made by Schluter Systems, a German manufacturer specializing in tile solutions, these profiles come in aluminum, stainless steel, or PVC variants and are sized to match standard tile thicknesses.
The strips serve two main functions. First, they protect exposed tile edges from chipping and provide a finished aesthetic edge rather than leaving raw tile visible. Second, and more critically in wet areas, they create waterproof transitions between tile surfaces and adjoining materials, or between different floor heights. In showers, Schluter strips direct water back toward the interior instead of allowing it to seep behind the tile, reducing the risk of mold and structural damage to the substrate.
Different Schluter profiles handle different conditions: SCHIENE profiles trim outer edges; RAMP profiles manage slope transitions for floor drainage; QUADEC or JOLLY profiles work at inside corners and joints. Contractors choose Schluter strips based on application, tile thickness, and design preference. Installation involves setting the profile into thinset mortar during tile work so the tile sits flush against the flange.
For GTA tile contractors, Schluter strips have become standard in professional shower and wet-area installations where durability and water management are priorities.