Can tile be installed on stairs?

Yes, ceramic tiles on a staircase make a stunning visual that gives your home style, sophistication, and value.

The installer needs to ensure the stairs are sturdy and stable enough to accommodate the weight of tile flooring. They also need to be flat and level, and sometimes the installer will need to use cement boards on the subfloor to ensure that.

Turning your staircase into a work of art

Black and white palettes are particularly hot right now because, while two-toned is the way to go, keeping it in black and white shade, especially in a stenciled design, will give your space a contemporary feeling. You might consider these show-stoppers:

Big, bold designs like blocks, hexagons, and geometrics: These are big, and when you combine a triangle shape with a white tile, it will add a two-tone element with depth.

Spanish colonial: This is a classic architectural style that you frequently see in California homes and throughout the South, both west and east. With roots from both Spanish and Mexican design, this is known for a rustic design, and hand-painted tiles on staircases will add a spot of interest to an Old World-Inspired design.

Stone look tiles: These are all the rage, especially when they have earthy neutral color palettes such as you'd find in slate, limestone, or travertine. Although not known for earthy colors, Marble will never go out of style with its luxurious, high-end look.

What’s the best tile for stairs?

Stairs are a heavily-trafficked area; people and pets run up and down all day. Porcelain is a terrific option from both a functional and aesthetic point of view. It’s made of clay, together with sand and glass, resulting in a more dense, robust tile.

Porcelain comes in countless colors and patterns and can be made to look like anything, including stone and wood; in fact, wood-look tile is trending right now.

Just be sure the grip (Coefficient of friction or COF) is at least .50 or higher. You can also increase the traction by adding texture. We’ll help you find the right type when you’re shopping for tile flooring in Sacramento, CA.

For more information about tile flooring, whether for the staircase or any other surface, come into the Palm Tile & Stone Gallery tile store in Sacramento, CA; you’ll also get a free quote. We work with homeowners and businesses around Sacramento, Folsom, Roseville, Eldorado Hills, and Elk Grove.