A corner bead, also called a corner guard or angle bead, is a long strip of metal or plastic applied to an external corner to make it straight, strong and impact-resistant. The profile gives the corner a crisp, straight line and protects the vulnerable edge against knocks.
Forms
- Plaster stop / angle bead — with perforated flanges embedded in the plaster or render layer; the nose forms the final corner
- Corner guard — a visible profile on existing corners, for example in corridors, garages or warehouses
- Tile trim — a decorative profile that neatly finishes the corner between two tiled surfaces
Materials
- Galvanised steel — strong, for indoor dry rooms
- Stainless steel — for damp or visible applications
- Aluminium — light and corrosion-resistant
- Plastic (PVC) — cheap, does not rust, also with a glass-fibre strip for plaster
Application
- Plaster and render work — the bead gives a perfectly straight, damage-resistant corner
- Plasterboard walls — corner beads on the external corners of metal-stud walls
- Tiling — as a neat finish and protection for tile edges
- Protection — in high-traffic rooms such as hospitals and schools
Related terms
- Plastering
- Plaster layer
- Plasterboard
- Metal stud
- Bead profile
- Corner anchor
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