Celebrating 50 Years of Schluter-SCHIENE
This October marks the 50th anniversary of Schluter®-SCHIENE — the original finishing profile that revolutionized tile installation. What began in 1975 as a solution to protect vulnerable tile edges has grown into a global icon that continues to define quality, durability and innovation in the tile industry.
Werner Schlüter, a German tile installer, created SCHIENE to solve a recurring challenge: protect exposed tile edges that are prone to chipping and wear. His simple L-shaped profile not only protected tile but also delivered a clean, professional finish. That spark of innovation laid the foundation for Schluter-Systems as we know it today — and for a product category that has transformed how tile is installed worldwide.
Over the decades, SCHIENE has continued to evolve to meet the needs of installers, builders and designers. Its patented anchoring leg ensures secure integration into thin-set mortar, while the minimalist 1/8″ reveal creates discreet, virtually seamless transitions between surfaces — whether between tile and carpet, at expansion joints or along stairs. For projects requiring curves or custom layouts, SCHIENE’s perforated anchoring leg comes in an option which allows the profile to be used to form curves.
To complement this versatility, SCHIENE is available in a wide range of materials and finishes — from stainless steel and solid brass to anodized aluminum and color-coated options. Certain finishes are also offered in extended 10′ (3.05 m) lengths, reducing visible joints for a more seamless look in large-format flooring applications.
The story of SCHIENE is more than a story of product innovation — it’s the story of how one idea reshaped an industry. Over 50 years, it has grown from a practical solution on a single job site to an indispensable tool used in residential homes and commercial projects across the globe. With its versatility across a wide range of applications, an array of color and finish options and the ability to meet the demands of large-scale projects, SCHIENE continues to give professionals both functional performance and creative freedom in design.
As we celebrate this golden milestone, SCHIENE stands as proof that even the smallest details — like a protected tile edge — can have the greatest impact. Fifty years later, it is still setting the standard for durability, reliability and smart design.
Links to sponsored content are being provided solely for the convenience of 20 Club members, and for information purposes only. Providing links to sponsored content does not imply NAHB’s endorsement, recommendation or approval of any content provided by sponsors and hosted or maintained on sponsor websites.
