SCHIENE en la década del 2000 y en adelante

Más que un perfil: evolución hacia soluciones integradas

Al comenzar el nuevo milenio, Schluter-Systems ya no era conocida únicamente por sus perfiles de protección de cantos. La empresa presentó nuevas soluciones diseñadas para funcionar conjuntamente y mejorar el rendimiento y la seguridad de las instalaciones de baldosas.

Productos como KERDI-BOARD, DITRA-XL y DITRA-HEAT abordaban desafíos específicos a los que se enfrentaban los instaladores, como la impermeabilización, el movimiento del substrato y el confort del piso. Cada uno reflejaba un cambio en la forma de pensar, pasando de productos individuales a sistemas coordinados que simplificaban la instalación y mejoraban los resultados.

Esta ampliación de la oferta de productos se basó en los mismos principios que definieron a SCHIENE desde sus inicios: soluciones prácticas, rendimiento a largo plazo y enfoque en las necesidades reales de la obra.

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