Bullnose

Bullnose is a term used in building construction for rounded convex trim, particularly in masonry and ceramic tile.^[1] It is also used in relation to road safety and (formerly) railroad engineering design.

Bullnose trim is used to provide a smooth, rounded edge for countertops, staircase steps, building corners, verandas, or other construction. Masonry units such as bricks, concrete masonry units or structural glazed facing tiles may be ordered from manufacturers with square or bullnosed corners.^[2]

When referring to bullnose, it is sometimes modified by adding the word quarter or half. In the illustration, one piece of quarter-bullnose tile is juxtaposed with a plain piece of tile, to create a finished look — note that the top trim strip shows a quarter-bullnose on two of its sides.^[3]

However, when referring to counter tops (such as a granite counter top in a kitchen) which extends beyond the edge of the underlying cabinetry, either a quarter-bullnose or half-bullnose edge may be used. A half-bullnose can be constructed by bonding two sections with quarter-bullnose, effectively creating a 180-degree curve, in order to create a more finished appearance. This would effectively double the thickness of that portion which extends beyond the cabinetry.

A bullnose is used in highway construction in North America and other countries to buffer and protect the end of the crash barrier or Jersey barrier at entrance and exit ramps.^[4]

In the 19th century, the roofs of railroad passenger cars often had a raised centre section to improve ventilation and internal lighting. They were called lantern or clerestory roofs. The design soon evolved to incorporate a bullnose at each end.^[5]

The term bullnose originates from the rounded nose of a bull. ^{[citation needed]}

• Morris Oxford bullnose

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