Help!: outside steps - recommended tiles

[GBASL0]

Total amature DIY.
The entrance steps to our house are tiled but need to be replaced. Would like recommednation for tiles for
a) outdoors,
b) reasonably heavy use
c) anti-slip (currently edge steps are grooved but would like all steps to be grooved or knobled or howeevr correct way to describe it!)
d) edge steps need to have rounded edge
c) under stairs is toilet/shower so need to make it all waterproof - any advise on type of adhesive/grout appreciated

Had a ridiculous quote from someone repairing a neighbours steps so have decided to do it myself.
I know above is basic Q's. I did try and search the forum but the recommendations I saw are all from companies that are now bust!
Thanks
Andy

[kilty55]

hi,use a vitrified porcelain tile possibly a quarry tile also,,pilkingtons multi versatiles are a good one with a treaded gripper on one side and smooth on the other so you can do your treads and risers differrent if you wish,are your steps concrete,just in reference to you saying there is a shower under them?

steps are tricky to make look good especially if your a 1st attempt diyer,i would seek alternative quotes if i were you see what price they come in at,also ask your tiler if he can get you a discount on tiles

if you take into account the cutters and tools your going to have to buy to do this job and also the non discount on tiles then it may well be best to get a pro in..good luck either way

[Perfect Tiling]

As above matey...steps are a pain to do...and even worse to do right. Some quarry tiles say to seal but if the sealant wears out from foot traffic and water gets in and freezes they will come loose again. Also make sure that there are no voids in the adhesive to allow moisture to gather and freeeze. Cement adhesives are waterproof but they still allow the passage of water through them. I've had a few calls about steps after the winter but to be honest I have so much other work I keep clear of them.

[Phil Hobson]

As above, steps are not something you want to cut your teeth on. A porcelain or frost resistant quarry would be my choice, you can get a step tread nosing tile for the tread edge. Make sure you use a exterior (frost proof) adhesive. If poss get some more quotes from pros. Good luck

[david campbell]

always backbutter tiles for steps as it gives you fuller coverage to allow the possibility of water getting under the tiles an expanding in colder months

[trevortine]

Heres some recents, before and after,

[trevortine]

And again,

[trevortine]

One more!

[Diamond Pool Finishers]

great pic's trev

[GBASL0]

Trev,
Shame you are not in London!
I'm new to this site - is it OK to post here asking for quotes. I can take a few pics of my steps to show siz eof the job (not that large).
Thanks
Andy

[GBASL0]

Also - I like the look of the Pilkington multi versatiles. The only question I have is do they do a step tread nosing tile for the tread edge? Can't see anything on their website about this. Also what is best place to buy these tiles?
Thanks
Andy

[trevortine]

Also - I like the look of the Pilkington multi versatiles. The only question I have is do they do a step tread nosing tile for the tread edge? Can't see anything on their website about this. Also what is best place to buy these tiles?
Thanks
Andy

Andy, i got most of these tiles from ctd, and were pilkington dorset stone. They do a round edge and a double round edge for corners. Not sure about availabilty now though as pilks no longer trading as far as i know. Topps bought up a lot of their stock so might be worth checking there.

[rayprudhoe]

Am tackling similar steps as a DIYer - bit confused where the left hand corner of the tread tile meets the riser and side tiles on the pic to get such a professional finish.
Close up pic would be good

Heres some recents, before and after,

[Suzanne]

Hi Andy, did you end up tiling your steps? I am in London trying to get my head around the best solution to preventing water ingress through external steps over the entrance to my basement flat. I have looked into stone which is beautiful but madly expensive. Also not sure if frost is equally a problem with all tiles,stone, quarry, travertine etc. Also which waterproof membranes, adhesives, grouting and sealents are best?

[Suzanne]

Also thanks Trev for pictures it was on an endless search for exaples of tiled stairs that I found this site!