public String getLineStyle() {
        // check for border style
        if (borderStyle != null) {
            return borderStyle.getBorderStyle();
        }
        // check the border entry, will be solid or dashed
        else if (border != null) {
            if (border.size() > 3) {
                return BorderStyle.BORDER_STYLE_DASHED;
            } else if (border.get(2).floatValue() > 1) {
                return BorderStyle.BORDER_STYLE_SOLID;
            }
        }
        // default value
        return BorderStyle.BORDER_STYLE_SOLID;
    }