Tile decoration: do it right

Gusevsky Andrey Anatolyevich

Tiled stairs

Finish concrete stairs tiled enjoys continued popularity. And there are reasons for that.
You get a high-quality and durable construction that will last for more than a dozen years. This article will discuss how to finish the tiles with concrete stairs.
Before starting work, you should watch the video and choose the right material. All work will be done by hand.
Instructions are offered below.

Features of tiles for stairs

This material has its own characteristics for use.
All work is carried out in stages and sequentially:

• To begin with, it is worth choosing the right tile. This is not always so simple.
  There is a constant load on the material and it is subjected to temperature extremes. Therefore, when buying, you should study the instructions and read what temperatures a given material can withstand and what kind of load can be applied to it;

Caution: Pay attention to safety.
If you take a facing for finishing steps on the street, then it is worth refusing to use glossy material. Prefer porous elements.

• If there is a big load on the tile, for example, steps lead to the store, then it will be advisable to use clinker tiles, which are more reliable. It is more resistant to mechanical damage.

Professionals Tips

Concrete staircase finishing tiling is not such a difficult job, but painstaking. And she has her own characteristics.
Therefore, it is worth listening to the opinion of experts:

• Even at the stage of construction of steps, attention should be paid to their plane. It should be flat.
  When working, you should constantly apply the level and monitor the correctness of the work;
• Before installation, you should make sure not only that the upper plane is correctly positioned, but also look at the sides. This is done using a square and a plumb line;
• When facing wooden stairs It is worth using a special coating, which is attached not only to the steps, but also to the areas between them. After this fastening, all joints must be carefully sealed. You can apply and tape;
• Before buying, you should carefully measure the plane and then acquire the material. Pay attention to the waste that will definitely be.
  Make the correct calculation of all elements, including angular ones. The price of the material is very different.
  Therefore, you should not take too much.

Completing of the work

Finishing stairs with tiles is done completely with your own hands and without resorting to outside help. This will save you a pretty significant amount.
The whole process of work should be divided into several stages, then the implementation will be systematized and will be much easier.

Styling scheme

We prepare the material

For continuous work, the material and tool should be properly prepared:

• Grinder with a cutting wheel;
• Square;
• Plumb line;
• Capacity with water;
• Capacity for solution;
• Putty knife;
• Plastic crosses.

Surface preparation

Tile decoration of stairs begins with this work, which determines the geometry of the entire staircase. The durability of the structure depends on it.
So:

• We determine the evenness of the steps and the correctness of the sides. To do this, apply the square and level;
• If there are delamination of the material or cracks on the surface, then they should be coated with a solution with a spatula and allowed to dry completely;

When performing the facing of steps that are made of wood, two methods can be used:

• In the first version, the mixture is applied directly to the steps and after that the tile is fastened;

Caution: this type of fastener is not reliable.
In the process of time, the tree gradually shrinks and cracks form. The material in this embodiment will not last long.

• In the second embodiment, the fastening of the cushioning material is first done. After this, the joints should be carefully treated with sealant and after that the material should already be laid;
• We make the solution after passing it through a sieve. It is necessary to separate all the garbage and get rid of lumps.
  We achieve complete homogeneity of the mixture, for this it is worth using a drill with a nozzle. With its help, you can make a high-quality and uniform solution;
• Never apply the mortar to the surface of the tile without first trying the element on a dry one. It is necessary to carefully adjust the material so that it becomes correct;
• The solution is applied to a small area, it sets quickly enough. Remember this;
• Before laying, review the entire tile and break it into heaps by size. Start styling with more.

Fixing tile

For high-quality fastening of the material, it should be properly fixed and the technology should be observed:

• The tile is attached as follows. We apply the solution to the element with the help of a notched trowel and after that we press the tile and make slightly rotational movements.
  To tile sat down. The formation of dutiks under the tile plane must not be allowed. It will crack in this place after installation;
• The solution on the plane of the steps should not be applied end-to-end, but distribute the mixture five cm more from the dimensions of the tile. After laying, the excess should also be removed with a spatula;
• All surfaces of the steps should be in perfectly even condition;
• The solution should be prepared with the same composition and viscosity. It should not be dry;

Attention: When fixing the tiles, plastic crosses must be used.
They will help maintain the correct seam during installation. Plastic wedges can also be used.

• When attaching, a rubber mallet can be used. They are slightly struck on the surface of the tile and then it sits much better;
• You will need to cut the tiles. A tile cutter is best suited for this job.
  Only he cuts in a straight line. If your cut should not be straight, then it is worth using a grinder with a cutting wheel;
• First, we install the corner tiles and then fix the horizontal ones. Next, we customize and make horizontal fastening;

Corner Tile Installation

• After installing the tiles on the step, be sure to check the correct location of the elements using a square.

Horizontal cladding

• After full installation, allow the material to dry and then fill the seams. Let them dry.
  It is to dry, not to dry, and after that we wipe with a rag and remove the excess.

Staircase done. In the photo you can trace the whole process of fastening, in this matter the main thing is not to rush and carefully make adjustments to all the elements.