Owners of private houses are increasingly using ceramic steps for stairs (the types may be different) on the porch. And this is understandable, because this material has a large number of advantages and has high performance characteristics. In addition, you can do the lining of the stairs with your own hands.
Requirements for ceramic tiles for stairs
The porch is considered part of the house with increased operational load, therefore, serious requirements are imposed on the finishing material. For example, the material must be durable and non-hazardous. Many manufacturers produce tiles for indoor stairs. This material has a lesser range of textures and colors.
The following requirements apply to the material for facing steps:
- high level of wear resistance, as the porch is characterized by high traffic and high load;
- material resistance to acids, chemicalsfunds;
- immunity to low temperatures, as well as temperature extremes;
- high level of abrasion (for facing stairs on the street, you should choose tiles of class 4–5);
- rough surface (also tiles can be with rubberized elements or with a surface treated with special means).
Types of ceramic steps for stairs
For cladding stairs (both outdoors and indoors), you can choose one of three types of ceramic tiles:
- Directly ceramic. It is most often used for finishing interior structures, since this material allows you to complete the necessary interior decor, creating solid compositions.
- Porcelain tile. This type of tile is often used for facing steps in public buildings. Porcelain stoneware requires the installation of anti-slip thresholds to make the surface safer.
- Clinker. Suitable for facing outdoor structures, for example, on the porch of the gazebo. This type of tile has a long service life (with proper handling, the service life is up to 25 years). Clinker tiles are resistant to low temperatures and have a non-slip surface.
The last type of tile is the most popular among craftsmen. It is made by extrusion, which involves extrusion of clay through special molds, after which the mass is fired for 36 hours at a temperature of 1,300 ° C. This treatment leaves capillaries in the clinker,making the material impenetrable.
Rules for choosing tiles for steps
When choosing tiles for ceramic steps for stairs (photos can be viewed in advance in the catalogs), both performance and decorative characteristics must be taken into account. You also need to understand exactly where the material will be used.
If we compare the described types of tiles of ceramic steps for stairs, then porcelain stoneware is considered the most durable material, therefore it can be used in any conditions (both in a private house and in rooms with high traffic). Clinker is the thickest material. It has a rough surface, which can be considered a definite advantage, since even in the rain such a tile will be safe to use.
For cladding stairs, it is best to choose a material with the following characteristics:
- friction resistance 1-2 groups (suitable for the surface of private domestic stairs);
- decorative (this parameter is optional and depends only on personal preferences);
- non-slip surface, so it is better to choose a tile with an abrasive coating.
Ceramic step design
Ceramic steps for stairs consist of three elements:
- Cornice. Steps with a cornice can be solid and prefabricated. In the second case, the cornice is a separate element. This has its advantages, for example, in case of mechanical damage, it will not be necessary to completely change the entire tile, but only the damaged element can be replaced. At the same time, the range includesand corner models for arranging the ends of the steps.
- Riser. This part of the steps is equal to their height. Often this detail acts as an element of decor.
- Plinth. The assortment includes a right and left plinth. This must be taken into account when buying.
Ceramic steps for stairs: installation methods
There are two options for laying ceramic tiles:
- Overlap on the riser. Suitable for all types of base. The method is characterized by simple installation, while the whole structure will be voluminous and expressive. In this case, the risers are installed first, and only then the ceramic steps for stairs in the house are installed. Laying is carried out with a gap of 2-3 mm.
- Butt. It is used exclusively for concrete staircases. In this case, the step is mounted first, and then the riser.
Styling tools and supplies
For facing the steps of the stairs, you need to prepare the following tools and materials:
- the tile itself;
- water;
- adhesive solution;
- drill with mixer attachment;
- notched trowel;
- tile cutter;
- angle;
- construction roulette;
- rubber mallet;
- building level.
Step-by-step instructions for facing steps with ceramic tiles
If it was decided to use ceramic steps for stairs, laying is carried out in several stages:
- Required to get startedmake sure that the base of the steps is perfectly level. If during the inspection potholes or cracks were found, then they must be repaired with a primer or thick mortar. When facing a wooden staircase, it is recommended to lay a special lining under ceramic tiles, after which the joints are sealed. When facing a concrete structure, the surface must be wetted to increase adhesion.
- The prepared adhesive solution must be applied to the base of the step, then spread it with a notched trowel, making movements first in semicircular movements, and then setting the trowel at an angle of 45 °. You do not need to apply the solution immediately to the entire surface, it is better to do it in small portions.
- Now you can lay the tile itself. To ensure an equal gap between the tiles, it is recommended to use tile separators. You need to start work from the top down, while installing tiles with a cornice first, and then a riser.
- To increase the fixation on the surface of the tile, you need to knock with a rubber mallet, while you need to monitor the evenness of the masonry. After that, you need to remove the remaining adhesive solution. After that, you can start grouting.
Rules for grouting
This cladding of stairs is no less important, so the technology for performing work in this case must also be strictly observed. For grouting, you need to use the material in accordance with the color of the tile itself, the shades can be adjacent orcontrasting.
It's easy to do this job. It is necessary to fill the seams with grout, then run a smooth spatula along the seam, and remove the remaining material from the tile with a damp cloth.
When facing steps with clinker tiles, the gaps should be 0.8–1 cm. This is due to the thermal expansion of the material. The gap may be smaller when using other types of tiles.
Features of end joint tiling
When arranging ceramic stair treads, framing the edges and outside corners is the most difficult job, but it also has the most decorative value.
There are several ways to design end joints. The most practical are the following:
- Installation of tiles with an overhang. This is the simplest and cheapest option. It involves laying the front tread tiles with a slight overhang over the edge of the step. The size of the overhang should be equal to the thickness of the tile. Glazed front edge is suitable for arrangement. This method is not suitable for stairs with high traffic. Installation in this case is carried out as follows. First you need to glue the tile on the riser, then combine this part with the flush edge. Next, lay the tiles on a horizontal surface. When doing this, make sure that the glazed edge of the material and the riser do not come into contact. You need to finish the work by grouting.
- Mounting tiles with a so-called safe edge. Its essence lies in the installation of embossed tiles along the edge of the tread.
- Mounting tiles with a rounded front edge. Their surface can be smooth, rough or embossed. The choice should depend on the location of the stairs.
- Installation of corner tiles. They are bent at right angles, so that the horizontal tile and riser do not need to be joined.
The choice of ceramic steps for stairs also depends on the method, while the shapes may differ (with or without rounding).
Many crafters prefer to use metal or ceramic edge trims.
General recommendations
You can improve the quality of work if you follow these recommendations of experts:
- it is better to perform facing work at an air temperature of about 20 ° С;
- leave a gap between tiles of 3–4 mm (in the case of clinker it should be larger);
- apply glue to tiles and horizontal surfaces with a notched trowel to improve adhesion;
- rubber hammer allows you to fix the tile in position;
- excess glue should be removed immediately with a damp sponge, because later it will be difficult.
Design options
There are many design options for ceramic steps for stairs, types and shapes allow this. This material is so versatile that, if desired (and the corresponding interior or facade design), it can be safely combined with other finishing materials. The most harmonious are the following combinations:
- clinker tiles with natural stone;
- concrete staircase with tile elements;
- classic finishes - natural stone with small inclusions of ceramic tiles;
- Unusual is the design of steps with decorative mosaics in the form of a solid pattern (masters with relevant experience can do this work, beginners can’t do it, so you shouldn’t implement this idea with your own hands).
Ceramic steps for stairs tightly entered the life of modern man. This became possible due to good performance, affordability and the ability to do the work yourself.
