ᐅ Entrance platform – tile edges of the steps

Hello everyone,

We built a platform in front of the entrance, and now the surface covering still needs to be installed. Unfortunately, I realized too late that we wanted a natural stone covering, so we are short by about 1 cm (0.4 inches). We currently have 4 cm (1.6 inches) of build-up remaining.

We want to install terrace tiles with a thickness of 20 mm (0.8 inches). Underneath, there will be a 4 mm (0.16 inches) drainage mat from Schlüter, which is approved for small outdoor areas.

Now I am considering the best way to finish the edges. I actually don’t want the tile edges to be visible. We chose gray tiles where the color difference between the surface and the edge is minimal.

At the moment, I am torn between rounding off the tile edges or using 22.5 mm (0.9 inches) angle profiles. For rounding, I am unsure whether to use a quarter-round profile flush with the front edge of the step or a half-round profile where the tile slightly protrudes beyond the front edge of the step. In both cases, the edge of the tile or step would be rounded.

In my opinion, rounding the edge might reduce the risk of tile damage if something falls on the rounded edge. However, the angle profile would of course be safer. Visually, the rounded edge will probably look better.

What would you do and why? Are there any other options?

I would cut the joint between the tile and the riser tile at a 45-degree angle. Alternatively, stainless steel corner trims could be used, but 20mm (0.8 inches) is quite large and they will probably scratch easily. However, this setup is actually ideal for a granite slab.

tomtom79 schrieb:

I would make a 45-degree cut at the joint between the tile and the riser tile.
Alternatively, stainless steel corner trims, but 20mm (¾ inch) is quite thick and might scratch easily.
But actually, this is really ideal for a granite slab.

I totally agree. No fussing around with tiles and edge finishing.

Also, a granite slab or fully boxing it in would be really expensive. We ruled that out immediately.

A 45° cut would create an exposed edge that could be vulnerable. But this gave me another idea, which is probably difficult to implement.

If I could manage to bend the slotted rail from a standard round profile to about 45°, then I could cut the tile at 45° and trim the edges straight so that the round profile fits in cleanly.

However, if I simply grind the tile round and one gets damaged, the question is how difficult it would be to replace it.
I am concerned about the drainage mat. If I had to remove the tile, the fleece on the drainage mat would most likely be damaged.
If anyone has experience with this and could share some advice, I would appreciate it.

Dr.Pepper1 schrieb:

A granite slab or fully cladding it would really be expensive.

Then you just do it with tiles.

Dr.Pepper1 schrieb:

The tile extends slightly beyond the front edge of the step.

Dr.Pepper1 schrieb:

What would you do and why? Are there any other options?

I would avoid installing cut tiles at the front and place the cut edge facing the house. That way, it won’t be visible.