How to Trim and Install Ceramic Tile on Stair Steps
- 1). Mix the mortar and trowel it on according to the manufacturer's recommendations based on whether the stairs are concrete or steel.
- 2). Install tiles starting at the top of the stairway and work down. Set whole tiles starting at the center of a stair tread and work out toward the edges. Cut pieces of tiles should be kept to the ends of each stair tread. The front edges of the tread tiles should not extend beyond the top edges of the stair riser tiles. If they do, trim the back edge of the tread tiles with a tile cutter or tile saw.
- 3). Apply mortar to the riser and set the tiles in it, making sure to match up the grout lines with the tiles set on the treads. If adding non-slip nosing to the edge of the every tile on the treads, trim the tread tiles to compensate for this. The non-slip nosing should not overhang the top edge of the riser tiles.
- 4). Allow the mortar to set before grouting.
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