Have you noticed how plain and boring the stairs leading up to your home look lately? I’m guessing those sad, lackluster steps could use a little TLC. Well, my friend, I’ve got some exciting news for you – it’s time for an outdoor update!
Tiling your outdoor stairs is one of the hottest trends right now for remodeling your home’s exterior. Not only does it give a major style upgrade to your entryway, but tile boasts some incredibly practical benefits as well. According to Mark Fillhouer, owner of Fillhouer Designs in San Diego, “Outdoor tiles are virtually indestructible and easy to clean, making them perfect for high-traffic areas.”
In this article, we’ll explore the best tile materials to use, eye-catching designs to inspire your makeover, and a simple step-by-step guide to DIY your stair tile installation. Let’s dive in!
Best Tiles for Outdoor Stairs
When it comes to picking the perfect outdoor tile, you want materials made to withstand the elements through rain, snow, and UV rays. Harsh weather conditions mean your stairs take some abuse! Porcelain, slate, and quarry tiles check all the boxes for durability and style.
Durable Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain reigns supreme as the most popular outdoor tile. Fillhouer explains why: “Porcelain tiles are freeze-thaw resistant and impressively scratch, stain, and fade resistant.” Talk about virtually indestructible!
With proper installation, these puppies will likely outlive your house. Porcelain also delivers a wide range of colors, shapes, sizes, and patterns to match any design aesthetic you desire. Go bold with vibrant hues or keep it classic with neutral tones – the options are endless!
Timeless Slate Tiles
For a natural stone look rich with texture and dimension, slate brings sophisticated style to your stairs. As Michelle Goldstein of Goldstein Interiors describes, “Slate outdoor tiles lend any home an air of refined, organic beauty.”
While not as inherently durable as porcelain, slate tiles hold up well over time. Goldstein recommends applying a sealant every 1-2 years for maximum weatherproofing. Small maintenance aside, slate stair tiles impart an elegance perfect for luxury homes.
Durable Quarry Tiles
If an ultra-durable material with traditional charm is your vibe, quarry tiles check both boxes. According to Remodeling Expense, these heavy-duty tiles average only a 1-2% breakage rate outdoors. Now that’s reliability! Their famous ribbed edges also provide a natural non-slip surface.
Quarry tiles, made from clay or shale extract, flaunt an Old World terracotta style at home in Mediterranean, Spanish, and Tuscan architecture.
Eye-Catching Outdoor Stair Tile Designs
Plain stair risers begging for some flair? Have no fear! Tiling your stairs opens a world of possibilities for infusing colorful designs into your home’s entrance.
A few eye-catching trends designers love include statement patterns, bespoke artwork, and architectural cohesion.
Captivating Checkerboard
For Stuart Silk of Skeleton Key Design, checkerboard patterns never fade from popularity. “The high-contrast color blocks arranged in an alternating pattern intrigues the eye.” Just take a peek at the courtyard stairs below and try not to stare!
The black and white color combo keeps it classic, but don’t limit yourself. Go bold with bright jewel tones or pastel hues like sherbet orange and sea glass blue.
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Custom Handpainted Tiles
Want to crank your stair design all the way to 11? Custom handpainted tiles will have visitors pausing on each step to admire their original artwork and colors.
LA-based interior designer Sara Combs suggests handpainted tiles to “add artistic personality and completely customizable designs.” Check out the dreamy tiles Combs added to these desert hotel stairs. Talk about stopping traffic!
{{< figure src=”/images/handpainted-stair-risers.jpg” title=”Outdoor handpainted stair tiles” >}}
Seamless Architectural Flow
For homeowners wanting a cohesive look from indoors all the way through their outdoor living space, stair tiles present the perfect opportunity.
Certified Design Expert Claire Thomas recommends selecting tiles that “coordinate with the materials and colors used on interior floors as well as exterior walls and hardscaping.”
Notice how the neutral tiles Thomas chose for the staircase below complements the stone decking and outer stucco walls. Now that’s flawless flow!
{{< figure src=”/images/seamless-outdoor-tiles.jpg” alt=”Outdoor stairs matching house exterior” >}}
Can the Tiling Techniques for a Bathroom Renovation also be Applied to Outdoor Stairs?
When it comes to tiling around a tub, the same techniques can be applied to outdoor stairs. Proper surface preparation, selecting the right tile and adhesive, and ensuring proper waterproofing are all necessary for a successful renovation. Attention to detail and precision are key for both projects to achieve a professional finish.
How to Tile Your Outdoor Stairs
Installing tile on your stairs may seem intimidating but have no fear! With the right materials and these simple steps, you can do-it-yourself in a weekend.
Let’s walk through the process together, shall we?
Prep the Stairs
First up, thoroughly clean each step with soap and water. Remove any debris, dirt, or previous flooring material.
Next, check the surface for levelness using a spirit level. Outdoor stairs see heavy foot traffic daily, so any uneven spots under the tile risk eventual cracking. Apply a concrete leveling mix anywhere needed to smooth imperfections.
Finally, lay out your tile pattern. Mark the center point of each step to properly align the first tile row.
Adhere Tiles
Now comes the fun part – laying the tile! Using a notched trowel, apply a thinset mortar adhesive to the surface, covering an area slightly wider than your first tile. This provides a bit of wiggle room.
Carefully place your first row of tiles into the mortar, centered across the middle of the steps. Gently tapping with a rubber hammer sets the tile evenly into the adhesive.
Remember to cut edge and corner tiles accordingly with a tile cutter before installing. Slowly work outwards from the center rows until you reach the sides.
Finishing Touches
Once the thinset mortar fully cures and your tiles feel secure (usually 24 hours), it’s time to “grout the gaps.” Apply grout between tiles and across joints using a float trowel. Let cure completely.
Lastly, many outdoor tiles require sealing to maximize weatherproofing and prevent staining or fading over time. Choose an appropriate sealant based on your tile material and reapply every 1-2 years.
And voila! Your once drab outdoor steps now dazzle guests with stylish tile. Beauty and durability? Now that’s a stairway to heaven!
Extending Tile to the Outdoor Living Area
Tiling your outdoor stairs sets the stage for a showstopping exterior space. Why stop there when tile works beautifully across patios, kitchens, and lounge areas too?
Soothing Showers and Tubs
After a blissful soak watching the sunset from an outdoor tub or washing garden dirt off under a refreshing outdoor shower, I guarantee you’ll ask yourself, “Why didn’t I do this sooner?”
Surround yourself with eye-catching tiles that enhance the spa experience. Try vibrant colors or an ornate design – it’s your special sanctuary!
Sleek Kitchen Backsplashes
What’s better than firing up the grill with good company on a summer night? Doing so in a gorgeous outdoor kitchen worthy of a Michelin star restaurant!
Take your entertaining game up a notch by tiling the backsplash and countertops of your outdoor cooking space. Easy to clean and liquid-resistant, tile withstands all the sauces, grease, and accidental spills al fresco dining brings.
Cozy Fireplace Accents
As Kate Lester Interiors explains, “The dancing flames of a fireplace instantly create a welcoming focal point.” Enhance the ambiance and highlight this feature with special tile.
From funky patterns surrounding a firepit to bold stone adorning a built-in fireplace, the design options are hot, hot, hot!
Conclusion
Whether instilling your home’s entryway with eye-catching style or expanding tile to your outdoor living spaces, stairs and patios present the perfect canvas to unleash your creative spirit.
Hopefully the tile materials, designs, and how-to tips I shared today sparked some inspiration for your own outdoor updates! Just take it one step at a time. Happy tiling!