SCHIENE in the 2000s and Beyond

More Than a Profile: Evolving into Integrated Solutions

As the new millennium began, Schluter-Systems was no longer known solely for its edge protection profiles. The company introduced new solutions designed to work together and improve the performance and reliability of tile installations.

Products like KERDI-BOARD, DITRA-XL, and DITRA-HEAT addressed specific challenges faced by installers, including waterproofing, substrate movement, and floor comfort. Each one reflected a shift in thinking, moving from individual products to coordinated systems that simplified installation and improved results on-site.

This expansion of product offerings was built on the same principles that defined SCHIENE from the start: practical solutions, long-term performance, and a focus on real jobsite needs.

A Profile That Keeps Improving

Although new systems were gaining attention, the SCHIENE profile continued to evolve. In 2001, Schluter introduced a patented grout spacer into the profile’s design. This small feature helped ensure clean and uniform grout joints with less effort, providing another level of installation consistency.

New finishes and material options also became available during this period. These additions allowed SCHIENE to match a broader range of tile styles and project aesthetics. From modern minimalism to classic ceramic, the profile remained a flexible and reliable choice for installers and designers alike.

Adding Light to the Mix: The Rise of LIPROTEC

As part of its ongoing innovation, Schluter began developing profiles that offered more than physical protection. The introduction of LIPROTEC brought integrated LED lighting into tile edge profiles, allowing installers to enhance tiled spaces both visually and functionally.

These lighting profiles created new opportunities for accenting features, improving ambiance, and adding task lighting. For tiled showers, niches, and walls, the integration of light opened up creative possibilities that had not existed in the past. It also reinforced Schluter’s ongoing commitment to advancing what tile installations can do.

SCHIENE’s Lasting Impact

Schluter-Systems has grown into a global provider of tile installation systems, yet SCHIENE continues to be one of its most widely used and recognized products. First created to solve a single edge protection issue, the profile has stood the test of time.

Its simplicity, durability, and clean design have made it a trusted tool for professionals who value consistent results and long-term reliability. Even after decades of innovation and product development, SCHIENE remains at the heart of what Schluter represents.

Looking to the Future

Today’s building and design industries face new challenges, from sustainability requirements to energy efficiency goals. Schluter-Systems continues to respond with solutions that reflect these changing priorities while staying true to its original values.

As product development moves forward, the focus remains on quality, usability, and solving problems for installers and designers. The legacy that began with SCHIENE continues to guide the company as it explores new materials, technologies, and methods.

Key Milestones in the SCHIENE Journey

• 1975: Invention of the SCHIENE profile by Werner Schlüter
• 1980s: Growth throughout Europe; introduction of additional products like JOLLY and DITRA
• 1990s: Establishment of Schluter-Systems Inc. in North America
• 2000s: Launch of full system solutions (KERDI-BOARD, DITRA-XL, DITRA-HEAT) and SCHIENE design enhancements
• 2010s and Beyond: Introduction of LED-integrated profiles (LIPROTEC); continued global expansion