How to Make a Tile Stair Tread

Ceramic tiles are installed on indoor or outdoor stair treads.

Tiled stair treads enhance the appeal of the stairway and can add a cheerful note to the space. Tiles form durable and easy-to-clean treads that last many years and tolerate traffic. Depending on personal preference, you can use ceramic tiles in bold colors and patterns for a dramatic look, or in earthy shades for subtle appeal. Tiling stair treads is similar to tiling other surfaces and requires the application of an even layer of grout underneath.

Things You'll Need

• Soapy water
• Brush
• Putty knife
• Floor leveling compound
• Ceramic tiles
• Grease marker
• Plastic spacers, 1/8 inch
• Tile saw
• Thin-set mortar
• Notched trowel
• Wet cloth
• Level
• Sponge
• Grout
• Rubber float

Instructions

1. Scrub the treads to remove accumulated dirt, grime and debris. Scrape off residual adhesive from previous carpet with a putty knife. Inspect the treads for dips and fill these with floor leveling compound. Allow the compound to dry for the time specified on the label directions.

2. Measure and mark the width of the top tread with a grease marker. Place a ceramic tile directly above the center mark. Set a 1/8-inch plastic spacer on each side of the tile. Continue this process of laying tiles and spacers along the width of the tread until it is covered, or until the exposed surface on each end is not enough for a full tile.

3. Measure the width of the exposed space at each end of the tread. Transfer the measurements to a ceramic tile for each end, and cut over the lines with a tile saw. Set the tile over each exposed end to check whether it fits snugly, or trim excess around its edge, if required.

4. Mark the edges of the tiles on the tread so you know their locations. Move one step down and extend these marks to the second tread. Continue this process until you mark the edges of the tiles on the treads along the stairway, so the grout lines match when the tiles are installed. Remove the ceramic tiles and spacers and set these aside.

5. Prepare thin-set mortar according to the label directions. Spread a 1/8-inch layer of the mortar over the back of a ceramic tile using a notched trowel.

6. Center this tile over the middle of the first tread, ensuring its edges fall flush against the lines you made, and press it down so it establishes a firm bond. Wipe excess mortar that seeps out through the sides with a wet cloth. Install a plastic spacer on each side.

7. Apply a thin layer of mortar over the back of another tile and lay it on a side of the previous one, directly against the spacer. Check that the tops of the tiles are level, or adjust by pushing it down or adding more mortar underneath. Continue this process of laying tiles until you cover the first tread. Keep checking the level of every three to four tiles and adjust, if needed.

8. Continue the process of installing tiles on the treads along the stairway, using the marked lines as a guide. Allow the mortar to cure for 24 hours. Remove the spacers between the tiles when the mortar cures.

9. Prepare grout according to label directions. Apply grout into the gaps between the tiles using a rubber float held at a 45-degree angle. Wipe away excess grout over the tiles using a wet sponge. Allow the grout to cure before using the stairs.

References

• The Tile Doctor: Tile Stairs
• Find Any Floor: Installing Tile and Stone Flooring