I'm thinking about tiling the risers on my wooden staircase. Is this a feasible idea or just a recipe for disaster? I'm open to any tips or advice on this!
3 Answers
If your main goal is aesthetics and ease of cleaning, you might want to think about how the nosings fit your plans. You mentioned they protrude by about an inch, so you should be good for fitting tiles. Just keep in mind that any movement in the stairs could make tiles pop off, so a flexible adhesive would be smart. Stickers could wear out quickly, so long-term solutions would be better.
Tiling the risers can be done, but it's not always the best idea. Tiles can crack easily on steps due to the movement and pressure from foot traffic. If you're looking for a tile effect, you might consider using LVP stair treads instead. They can give you that tile look while being more durable. Alternatively, repainting the risers with a high-quality acrylic latex paint or something more robust like epoxy could be a smarter choice for long-term durability.
From a safety perspective, adding tiles might actually increase the risk of falls. If the tiles are slippery, they can pose a hazard, especially if the stairs get wet. You might want to consider these factors before making a decision. Maybe some grip tape or textured paint would be a safer alternative?