Lippage at Outside Corners: How to Plan and Cheat It so It Looks Intentional

Lippage at outside corners refers to height differences between adjacent tile edges at external corners. This condition is most visible where two surfaces meet, such as the corner of a porch edge or step face. It can also show up at shower thresholds and other transitions where exterior corners meet a plane.

Visually, lippage can read as poor workmanship. Functionally, it can affect durability and safety over time, especially on high-traffic exterior edges. Understanding what counts as outside-corner lippage helps you plan for a cleaner, more intentional result.

Types of outside-corner lippage

Lippage at outside corners can happen in a few ways. Let’s look at each.

Single tile projecting: This happens when one tile sticks out farther than the others at the corner, creating an uneven edge.

Two adjacent tiles misaligned: Here, two neighboring tiles don’t line up properly, causing a step or gap at the corner.

Tapered/intentional reveal: This is when you deliberately create a slight recess or reveal at the corner to add visual interest. It’s intentional and looks good.

How homeowners and pros perceive corner lippage

Lippage can be seen as a defect or a design feature, depending on the intent.

A defect: If it’s accidental, it looks sloppy. Homeowners see it as a sign of poor workmanship and may question the durability and safety of their installation.

A design choice: When lippage is intentional, like in a tiled shower or on a porch step edge, it adds character. It’s seen as a deliberate design element that enhances the look and feel of the space.

Back to top ↑

Start with a solid plan for layout and transitions before any tile is set. Verify that the substrate is flat and within tolerance for the area you’re tiling. Choose edge profiles and tile shapes that support a consistent corner line.

Check product data sheets and manufacturer instructions for recommended edge treatments and layouts. Consider mockups or test layouts to confirm how your plan reads at the corners. This upfront work reduces the chance of surprises during install.

Site inspection and substrate preparation

Before you start tiling, check your surface is flat enough to avoid lippage. Use this checklist during site inspection.

• Check for level: Use a 2m or longer straight edge and level. Tolerance: <1/8″ (3mm) over 6ft (1.8m).
• Feel for dips: Run your hand along the surface to feel for low spots.
• Check high spots: Look for high spots with a straight edge and level. Sand or grind down if needed.
• Screed if necessary:
• Check for moisture: Excessive moisture can cause issues later.
• Inspect substrate material: Concrete, plywood, or existing tile? Each has its own prep needs.
• Check expansion joints: Ensure they’re filled and won’t cause lippage.
• Prime the surface: This seals pores and helps adhesion. Skip it at your peril.

Quick rule: If in doubt, level first. It’s cheaper than fixing lippage later.

Tile selection and edge profile choices

Choosing the right tiles and edge profiles can help prevent unwanted lippage. Here’s what to consider:

Tile thickness variation: Keep it minimal. Ask suppliers for their variation range.

Rectified vs. non-rectified: Rectified tiles are precision-cut, reducing lippage risk. Non-rectified can vary more.

Edge profiles: Bullnose or trim pieces can help hide slight lippage. Pair them with your field tile for a consistent look.

Layout strategies for corners

Planning your layout is key to avoiding accidental corner lippage. Here’s how:

Plan tile cuts: Measure and mark out your cuts before you start. This helps keep edges consistent.

Joint placement: Plan where joints will fall, especially at corners. Stagger them for a stronger, more intentional look.

Starting point: Start from the center of the wall or floor and work outwards. This helps keep edges straight and consistent.

Back to top ↑

Gather essential tools for controlling corner differences: straightedge, level, spacers, trowels, a rubber mallet, and a tile saw or nippers. Have wedges or shims on hand to fine tune edge alignment. Use a gauge or caliper for quick checks along the edge lines.

Know how to read the product label and data sheet for tolerances and recommended edge treatments. Use the tool measurements to guide placement, and document results to compare against the manufacturer instructions and local rules.

Back to top ↑

One approach is creating a controlled reveal with a deliberate offset or stagger that reads as a design feature. Another option is a subtle stepped edge or multi-surface transition that intentionally breaks a straight line. Consider a recessed edge or a fine chamfer on the corner to guide the eye.

Each technique has pros and cons: some read as deliberate, others can still appear uneven if misaligned. Test your chosen method on a scrap piece or mockup before applying it to the actual corner. Use professional judgment and compare against your project’s overall style and requirements.

Creating a deliberate reveal with trim or metal edge

To create a controlled reveal at your corner, consider using trims like Schluter strips, aluminum angle, or L-profiles. These will give you a uniform offset that looks intentional.

Alignment is key. Use a trowel or straightedge to ensure the trim sits level and plumb. Anchor it with screws or adhesive, following the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.

For a crisp look, use a sharp utility knife or tin snips to cut the trim to length. File any rough edges smooth. Apply caulk at the back of the trim before installing to seal out moisture.

Tapering and shaping tile edges

For a more organic look, try tapering or beveling your tile edges. This can make an offset seem like a design choice rather than a mistake.

Use a wet saw with a scoring blade to score the tile at an angle. Then snap it along that line. For a smoother edge, use a grinding stone or diamond pad on a wet grinder to grind the edge to your desired slope.

Safety first: Wear safety glasses and gloves. Keep the area damp while working to control dust. If you’re unsure about your skills, consider hiring a professional fabricator for this step.

Using grout and color to sell the effect

Grout can be your best friend when it comes to making an offset look intentional. Choose a grout width that complements your tile size. Narrower grout lines work better with smaller tiles, while wider ones can emphasize larger tiles.

Color is key too. Use a grout color that contrasts with your tile to make the offset pop. Or choose a grout color that matches your tile for a more subtle look.

Finally, consider how you finish your grout. Rounded or concave grout lines can help integrate an offset into the design, making it look like part of the overall aesthetic rather than a mistake.

Back to top ↑

Tile leveling systems help keep edges aligned and prevent accidental lippage as you work across corners. Combine leveling with proper adhesive application and a staged setting approach to maintain control. Follow the system’s instructions for best results on exterior corners.

Pair leveling with careful substrate preparation and edge-detail considerations. Document and follow manufacturer guidance, and adjust practice based on local weather and surface conditions to protect the install until set.

Best Adhesive and Bedding Methods for Corners

For outside corners, you want a consistent, strong bond. Here’s how:

Back buttering: Apply adhesive to the back of your tile before setting it. This ensures full coverage and better adhesion at edges.

Use thinset mortar with latex additive. It provides good flexibility and strength, plus a longer open time for adjustments.

Apply adhesive in two coats: First, spread a thin layer over the substrate. Then, apply another coat to your tile before setting it. This gives you better control and ensures full coverage at corners.

Leveling System Tips Specific to Corners

Tile leveling systems help keep your work consistent and accurate. Here’s how to use them at outside corners:

Place clips or wedges near the corner, not directly on it. This helps maintain edge alignment and prevents lippage.

Use a torque wrench to avoid over-tightening. Too much pressure can crack tiles or damage your leveling system.

Before adhesive sets, check edge alignment with a straight edge. This ensures your corner is true and square.

Back to top ↑

Conduct frequent checks at each corner as you progress, focusing on edge height consistency and straight lines. Look for any raised edges, gaps, or misaligned profiles early in the process. Address issues before you move to grout to minimize rework later.

After setting, perform a final pass to confirm the corner reads as intentional rather than accidental. Use a straightedge or level to verify against adjacent surfaces and adjust if needed before finishing.

Back to top ↑

For minor lippage, you can often adjust with careful re-troweling, edge grinding, or selective re-set of affected tiles. This avoids full tear-out while improving the corner read. Work methodically from the corner inward to maintain alignment with surrounding areas.

In cases where the corner is severely out of plane or compromised, replacement may be the safest option. Evaluate the surrounding substrate and waterproofing condition, and consult the manufacturer instructions for the proper remnant and reseal approach.

Minor corrections with grout and trim

If lippage is minor, you can often mask it with grout and trim. First, fill any gaps or voids with unsanded grout. Let it set, then sand smooth.

Next, apply a thin layer of grout over the lippage. This helps even out the surface. Wipe off excess with a damp sponge.

Once dry, add trim or transition pieces to hide any remaining height differences. Make sure they’re securely attached and level.

Partial replacement and substrate correction

If lippage is more pronounced, you might need to remove and reset tiles. Start by removing the problematic tiles, taking care not to damage surrounding ones.

Inspect the substrate. If it’s damaged or uneven, correct it before reinstalling tiles. This could mean adding leveling compound or replacing damaged backing.

To match reclaimed tile appearance, use a similar color grout and consider applying a light stain or sealer to new tiles before installing them. Make sure they’re well-bedded and leveled.

Back to top ↑

Present intentional lippage as a design choice in plans and specs with drawings or mockups that show the desired edge treatment. Use real-world samples or photos to illustrate the look at outside corners. This helps set expectations from the start.

Include contract language that describes the intent, acceptable tolerances, and the inspection process. Encourage client review of drawings, samples, and agreed-upon details to prevent misunderstandings later.

Mockups and samples for sign-off

Before you start your tile installation, it’s crucial to set clear expectations with your client. The best way to do this is by creating a physical corner mockup and photo samples.

Here’s how:

1. Make a small-scale version of the outside corner using the same materials you’ll use in the full installation. This lets your client see exactly what they’re getting.
2. Take high-quality photos of the mockup from different angles. These will serve as visual references throughout the project and help manage expectations.

Specifying details in project documents

To ensure everyone’s on the same page, you need to clearly communicate your plans for lippage in your project documents. Here’s how to do it:

1. On your drawings, indicate where outside corners are and show a small arrow or note pointing out the intended lippage.
2. In your specifications, include language that explains your approach to outside corner treatment. For example: “Outside corners will have a deliberate 1/8″ lip to add visual interest and emphasize the tile’s edge.”
3. Clearly state allowable offsets, edge treatments (like metal or trim), and finish expectations in your specs. This could look like: “Allowable offset: 1/16″; Edge treatment: Metal; Finish expectation: Smooth, consistent lippage along all outside edges.”

Back to top ↑