I am re tiling my home and want to take the tile down the stairs to the basement.
Can I ceramic the stairs to my basement and what is required for preparing the stairs prior to tiling?
Are there any weight or code issues that I have to be concerned about?
Should I place a plywood sheeting over the stairs first?
Looking for info.
Thanks
By the code, you need to have 1'1/4" of floor thickness to install tiles anywhere on the floor, but the ticker the better.
You can go easy 3/4" plywood, if your step is not so thick. If you don't have enuff plywood the grout will crack within a month and you will heve to keep regrouting forever.
For nosing on the stairs there is a very nice piece of metal(slutter), that you can use and your stairs will look awsome.
Good luck !
As long as the stairs are not too thick, all you need to do is put wiremesh and staple it down before you install tiles on top.
You will have to do something to strengthen the stairs, and also to isolate any dimensional lumber that may have been used to construct the stairs. You need the stairs to be very firm and have no bounce, or at least use an uncoupling membrane or antifracture membrance to ward against cracking in future.
Your tile supplier will be able to advise how best to construct your stairs as available materials and methods vary by region. A professional tile installer will also have a method that he prefers, based on his experience and the materials that are available. Some use roofing paper, expanded metal lathe or plastic lathe, others will use plastic uncoupling membranes, and others will choose to re-sheet using exterior grade plywood.
There are guidelines for installing tile on stairs as these can be tricky if you want them to last.
Installing tile on stairs is very labor intensive, so you will find that a professional installer will charge you additionally to install tile on stairs and stringers.
Thanks everyone, for the Info.
The term "ceramic" is thrown around to describe tiles, but you have to be very specific when purchasing tiles. (Know the difference) Ceramic tiles are not meant to be installed on floors. What you need is "Porcelain" and I wouldn't recommend to tile stairs unles it is done by a professional. \
Uncoupling and antifracture membranes protect your tiles from cracking by LATERAL movement but not from up and down bouncing.
Just trying to save you money, effort and future headaches. Good luck tho.
Search the TrustedPros directory and discover the best contractors in your area.
Find your home service pro