Schlüter-SCHIENE

The Original since 1975. Celebrate with us the 50th anniversary of the original finishing profile.

Close-up of the Schlüter-SCHIENE finishing profile made of brass against a dark gray background

50 years of SCHIENE

For 50 years, Schlüter-SCHIENE has set the standard for protecting tile edges and ensuring a clean, professional finish. What started as Werner Schlüter’s innovative solution to exposed edges is now a global icon in the tile industry. As we celebrate this milestone, we honor SCHIENE's legacy and look to the future of tile edge protection.

50 years of excellence

In 1975, a small yet groundbreaking innovation in the world of tile installation was born: the Schlüter-SCHIENE. What started as a simple but effective solution to protect tile edges has, over the past five decades, grown into a global phenomenon, spawning an entire company and a diverse family of tile trim profiles that have revolutionized the construction and design industries.

As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Schlüter-SCHIENE, we take a moment to reflect on the evolution of this iconic product and the impact it has had on the industry.

The anatomy of Schlüter-SCHIENE

Close-up of the Schlüter-SCHIENE finishing profile made of brass against a dark gray background
Anchoring leg

Anchoring leg

This is embedded into the tile adhesive under the tile to keep it in place.

87° upright

87° upright

Angled at an optimal 87°, the upright leg transfers loadbearing weight into the anchoring leg and pushes it down, protecting the tile installed above.

Integrated grout spacer

Integrated grout spacer

The patented grout spacer was introduced in 2001 and helps maintain uniform spacing and cohesion with adjacent grout lines.

Trapezoid cut-outs

Trapezoid cut-outs

The trapezoid-shaped holes provide the best way for the thin-set mortar to adhere to both the tile and the substrate.

Filet

Filet

The cove where the upright leg meets the anchoring leg, the filet increases the “bending moment” of the profile.

Grout hook

Grout hook

This locks the grout in place, and prevents it from popping out under excessive pressure.

50 years of innovation

Take a journey through time and see how the SCHIENE profile grew from a simple idea into an industry icon. Experience the milestones that shaped 50 years of tile edge innovation.

1975

Invention of SCHIENE

Model construction of an exterior wall corner in orange Florentine mosaic tiles with the original version of the Schlüter-SCHIENE tile edging profile from 1975 © Schlueter-Systems

SCHIENE is invented! Werner Schlüter creates the profile as a solution to protect exposed tile edges during a bathroom project with five doors.

1981

SCHIENE profile enhancement

Company founder Werner Schlüter at his desk during the further development of the Schlüter-SCHIENE tile edging profile he invented © Schlueter-Systems

SCHIENE gets its patented trademark trapezoid anchoring leg, improving its stability and making it easier to install.

1981

The company is born

Black and white exterior photograph of the Schlüter-SCHIENE company building in the early 1980s © Schlueter-Systems

SCHIENE is the name of the company started in homage to its flagship product. Schlüter-SCHIENE will eventually become what we know of today as Schlüter-Systems.

1982

Dedication to education

A single image frame from a 1980s installation video shows how to install Schlüter-SCHIENE at the outer edge of tiles © Schlueter-Systems

SCHIENE is the subject of the first educational video produced by Schlüter-Systems showcasing Werner Schlüter’s commitment to education and the basis of his slogan, “Our products cannot be sold, they have to be understood.”

1980s

Material and finish diversification

Six product samples of the Schlüter-SCHIENE finishing profile in various metal finishes against a white background © Schlueter-Systems

SCHIENE profiles are introduced in various materials and finishes, including color coatings and colored plastic versions.

1990s

Introduction of stainless steel SCHIENE

Close-up of the anchoring legs of four stainless steel versions of the Schlüter-SCHIENE finishing profile © Schlueter-Systems

SCHIENE is now offered in stainless steel, increasing the profile's durability and suitability for various environments.

2001

Patented grout spacer

In a geometric cross-section of the Schlüter-SCHIENE finishing profile against a black background, the special grout spacer of the profile is highlighted in orange © Schlueter-Systems

SCHIENE gets a grout spacer which ensures a consistent joint appearance and simplifies installation.

2010s

SCHIENE still shines

Close-up of the Schlüter-SCHIENE finishing profile made of brass against a dark gray background © Schlueter-Systems

SCHIENE continues to be one of the most cherished products in the expanding range of innovative solutions offered by Schlüter-Systems.

2022

SCHIENE gets trendy

Close-up of the Schlüter-SCHIENE finishing profile with TRENDLINE textured coating in seven different colors © Schlueter-Systems

SCHIENE is now available in TRENDLINE powder-coated finishes.

2025

50th anniversary of SCHIENE

Black and white portrait of company founder Werner Schlüter with his pioneering invention for the tile industry: the Schlüter-SCHIENE finishing profile © Schlueter-Systems

SCHIENE celebrates its 50th anniversary! It remains one of the most iconic and enduring products in the Schlüter-Systems portfolio!