"Why don’t you just tile to the bottom of the cornice instead of removing it?"
When discussing full-height bathroom tiling with our clients, this is one question that always comes up. The short answer is that keeping the cornice in place creates a finish that looks unprofessional. The long answer is about how houses are built, how they move, and how we make sure your bathroom looks seamless for years to come.
What a Cornice Actually Does
Cornices aren’t just decorative. They hide the natural inconsistencies where the ceiling meets the walls. No ceiling is perfectly straight, and no house stays still forever. As your home expands and contracts with the seasons, the cornice allows a little movement without your tiles cracking.
If we were to tile directly to the underside of the cornice, you’d see those wobbles and uneven lines immediately. The tiles would be perfectly straight, but the ceiling and walls are not. The result is obvious, distracting, and not what you want in a new bathroom.
Why We Take It Off First
By removing the cornice, we can run the tiles right up to the ceiling in a clean, level line. Then we reinstall the cornice over the top of the tiles. This gives you the best of both worlds: a professional finish with no visible unevenness, and a flexible joint that handles the natural movement of your home.
Even in our own showroom, which is very consistent compared to most homes, you can still see minor ceiling variations if you look closely. In a real renovation, these small differences are magnified. With the cornice reinstated, they disappear completely.
Square Set Ceilings: A Different Look
Some clients prefer the square set look, where there’s no cornice at all. This is common in high-rises, which tend to move differently than houses. We can absolutely deliver a square set finish in your home, but it’s important to understand that some inconsistency is unavoidable. Very few ceilings are perfectly true, and without a cornice to hide it, you may notice small gaps or variations.
The Professional Difference
For us, it’s about doing the job properly. We don’t cut corners by tiling up to a crooked cornice. We remove it, tile to the ceiling, then reinstall it so the finished bathroom is clean, balanced, and built to last.
That’s why, when you look closely at our bathrooms, the lines are straight, the finish is consistent, and the details feel effortless.
Ready to Renovate?
If you’re planning a bathroom renovation and want it done right from the very first detail, we’d love to help. Our team has transformed hundreds of Gold Coast bathrooms with thoughtful design and precision workmanship.
Contact us today to book your free consultation.
