DESIGN-Base Aluminum and Stainless Steel Profiles
Schluter®-DESIGNBASE-SL is a finishing
profile used as an alternative to baseboards. The
profile is available in anodized aluminum, color
coated aluminum and stainless steel. It features a
clean, finished look and is simply attached to the
wall with a suitable adhesive. The profile can be
equipped with an optional sealing lip to help protect the floor-to-wall transition from moisture and to
reduce the transmission of impact sound. Note:
Inside and outside corners, connectors and end
caps are available.
CUTTING PROFILES
Observe all safety instructions and standards as directed by the cutting tool manufacturer, including protective eyewear, hearing protection, and gloves. Always measure carefully and dry fit the profiles, corners, and connectors to ensure proper fit and alignment prior to setting tile.
Plastic profiles may be cut using Schluter®-SNIPS
or similar. It is important to make sure the blade is
sharp to ensure a clean cut.
Aluminum profiles may be cut using any of the
following options:
- Hacksaw with a bimetal blade and the highest teeth per inch (TPI) available.
- Variable-speed angle grinder set to the lowest speed using the Schluter®-PROCUT-TSM cutting wheel.
- Chop saw or miter saw with a non-ferrous blade.
Regardless of the cutting tool used, remove any burrs from the cut end of the profile with a file or
similar before installation.
Stainless steel profiles may be cut using any of the
following options:
- Variable-speed angle grinder set to the lowest speed using the Schluter®-PROCUT-TSM cutting wheel.
- Band saw with a metal cutting blade. Regardless of the cutting tool used, remove any burrs from the cut end of the profile with a file or similar before installation. Brass profiles may be cut using any of the following options:
- Hacksaw with a bimetal blade and the highest teeth per inch (TPI) available.
- Chop saw or miter saw with a non-ferrous blade.
Regardless of the cutting tool used, remove any
burrs from the cut end of the profile with a file or
similar before installation.
INSTALLATION
- DESIGNBASE-SL is applied to prepared walls using KERDI-FIX or other suitable adhesive. Prior to applying the adhesive, make sure that all surfaces are free from adhesion-inhibiting substances such as oil, grease and construction dust.
- Apply beads of adhesive to the back of the profile and press the profile into the wall, ensuring solid contact throughout. In the case of the stainless-steel version, apply adhesive above and below the foam spacer.
- Aluminum accessories must be slid on the profiles during installation. Stainless steel accessories must be applied on top after the profile is installed. Install corners, connectors, and end caps using a permanently elastic, waterproof adhesive (e.g. KERDI-FIX or silicone). Prior to application, any contact inhibiting substances (e.g. grease, etc.) must be removed.
- Use a suitable cleaning agent to remove any excess adhesive from around the profile. Remove the protective foil.
- It may be necessary to use a sealant on top of the profile after installation if there are gaps resulting from uneven walls during installation.
Note: The optional sealing lip is inserted into
the profile prior to installation. The lip must be
pressed firmly into the profile (from the front for
the aluminum version and from the rear for the
stainless-steel version) so that the front edge of
the sealing lip is flush with the profile.

