Tiling Interior Stairs

Rambo1224

I have a customer that is asking about tiling (porcelain) a interior stairway. I was always leary about doing this but they really want it. It's a second (formal) stairway, so it wont have that much traffic. I am concerned about the slippage factor as well as the joints cracking. Here's what I think I want to do:

Pad out the risers about 3/4 on an inch to make the stairs square (current has a 3/4 inch bull nose overhang).

Install the Schluter Ditra on the stais and landings

Stairs are 34" wide so I need 3 pieces of tile per step

Install the schluter Dilex AS in between each tile for expansion (and to reduce the amount of grout/caulk needed)

Install the schluter trp fl (stainless bullnose front) to protect the front of the tile

That's my plan. Please give me your thoughts/suggestions as I never have tried this before.

Thanks!

MattCoops

I've done risers but not tops.
Kind of a liability I haven't found worth taking.

Youre gonna put treads on the top edges?

Does the tile have texture? Or is it slick?

The ditra will help from cracks a little.

I don't know if I'd do that job.
Maybe tile risers and do wood tops.

__________________
Matt with Cupan Custom Tile & Paint of Lowell, Massachusetts
Design and installation of ceramic tile and natural stone for floor, wall, and countertops
(978) 601-8774 | cupantile@gmail.com | view tile pictures and more

Demonseed

I do not do much ceramic, but I guess the following would still apply: Sometimes, you are better off saying no to the customer. People will tell you a million things, they will say just do it if anything happens we won't blame you, that is until something happens. When it comes to anything that can be a possible tripping hazard even a waiver will not cover you.

When a customer insists on doing something the wrong way, walk away and let someone else do the job. You may lose a few jobs, but you will save a fortune in headaches.