ᐅ Tiling on stairs—any challenges? How did you approach it?

Hello everyone,

For the selection of tiles, I have chosen the following:
IGA Centra anthracite matte 37.5 x 75cm (15 x 30 inches)

These tiles will be used throughout the entire house. Only in the bathroom will the gray version be used, but basically, they are all the same tiles. I wanted a lighter anthracite with little texture, which was already quite hard to find.

Now I was asked what should be done with the stairs, as I should also select something here (e.g., granite). I have a straight staircase with a landing, 1.1m (3.6 ft) wide. My first response was that I want the same tiles there as well, to keep it consistent. Unfortunately, IGA does not offer tiles specifically for stair treads like some other manufacturers do.

However, there have been various comments that make me uncertain:

• The tread surface will be smaller because the tile cannot overhang like, for example, a granite slab.
• An aluminum profile is needed at the front edge (which is okay for me; I picked a narrow one). But since the tile needs to be cut, the joint at the profile will look quite uneven.

I would be interested to hear your opinions on this.
What about the "riser edge"? Is that still common practice today?
Does anyone have tiled stairs? How do the joints look at the cut edges?

Thank you.

A riser is not necessary. Some people still use it today. The tread should be at least 26cm (10 inches), otherwise it becomes uncomfortable.

Our basement stairs are tiled. Since they are spiral, a lot of cutting was required and accordingly more time had to be invested. I don’t miss the risers, but our stairs were planned to be comfortable from the start.

Other stairs are covered with wood and have risers because we find that more attractive. But if you prefer it without, that’s perfectly fine too. :-)

I don’t understand the argument about the cut edges. They just shouldn’t finish these edges at the front but at the back (are you using risers? Those are usually grouted anyway). Besides, I actually expect a good tiler to make straight cuts. ;-)

You just need to decide what kind of grout pattern you want, as it greatly affects the waste from cutting (grout line in the center → two tiles measuring 55cm (22 inches) each / or staggered on each side → 1 full tile and 1 cut 35cm (14 inches), with the leftover piece used on the next step).

What I can’t recall from memory are the stringers. With the wood stairs, we left the plaster slightly recessed; with the tiled stairs, I believe we plastered flush but didn’t add aluminum edging profiles there anymore (which doesn’t bother me since it’s the basement stairs).

One more thing came to mind: how will the handrail be designed? Ours was mounted on top of the stairs, which was straightforward. For natural stone stairs, I would ask whether the stonemason needs to pre-drill holes if the railing is to be installed on the steps rather than mounted inside the stairwell opening.

It can look like this. However, the cut edges should be at the back, not at the front (why would they be at the front?).

Ours looks quite similar to Nordanney’s. I find the aluminum rail quite nice. The cut edge was not made at the front but at the back. At the front, they simply used the smooth edge of the tile.
In the end, the tile fitter’s cut is not much rougher either. Once grouted, it’s not that noticeable anymore.
The tread is basically the same as that of the concrete staircase. It’s enough for us; we don’t miss the riser.

I don’t think your concerns are justified.