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  • Tiling a Foyer: Tiling the Stair Risers
  • From "Tiling Techniques"
    episode DTIL-102


    PHOTO

    In this episode of DIY's Tiling Techniques workshop, this plain foyer is converted into ...
    PHOTO

    a dazzling entryway by adding a tile medallion.
    PHOTO

    And the medallion look is continued up the staircase!
    In this segment, host Paul Wilson will tile the stair risers.

    Materials:

    Carpenter's pencils
    Razor blade
    Steel tape measure
    Grout float
    Notched trowel
    Margin trowel
    Hydra sponges
    Rubber gloves
    Two 5gal. buckets
    Tile cutter
    Power jamb cutter
    Dry masonry saw
    Hand backerboard cutter
    1/2" drill motor
    Rod type paddle mixer
    3/8" drill
    Rubber mallet with beating block
    Chalk line and chalk
    Flat pry bar
    Hammer
    Chisel
    Floor scraper
    Broom
    Shop vac
    Dust mask
    Paintbrush
    Safety glasses
    Ear protection
    advertisement


    PHOTO

    For the stair risers, Wilson and the homeowners came up with a design that features an accent tile right in the middle. Simply lay the accent tile on top of the background tiles and mark the outline with a pencil, and then cut the tiles with a wet saw so the accent tile can lay perfectly in the middle.
    PHOTO

    Figure A
    PHOTO

    Figure B
    Tiling the Stair Risers

    1. For the stair risers, tape a piece of cardboard on the step to keep it free of thin set.

    2. Sand the risers before applying the tile.

    3. In order to get stone tile to stick to wood, be sure to use a thin set recommended for use on plywood for the stair risers if wood is the substrate.

      Note: EGP thin set mortar is a thin set designed for use on "exterior grade plywood."

    4. It's easier and cleaner in small spaces like this to backbutter the tiles (figure A) before laying them. You will have less mess on the stair treads by doing it this way as well. Be sure to wipe away any extra thin set with a margin trowel.

    5. Place the tile firmly on the riser, and use a rubber mallet and beating block to "lightly" tap the tiles in place.

    6. Continue setting the tiles until the stair risers are done (figure B)

      Note: Be sure to let your grout cure for 24 hours prior to grouting it.

    In the final segment, Wilson will grout the tile.


    RESOURCES :

    Foyer Tiling Products Information (Home Depot)

    Westminster Tumbled Field Tile
    Chiaro 6"x6"
    Vendor: BananAppeal
    Model #: 00606

    Westminster Tumbled Field Tile
    Noce 6"x6"
    Vendor: BananAppeal
    Model #: 00611

    Westminster Tumbled Field Tile
    Bottichino 6"x6"
    Vendor: BananAppeal
    Model #: 00612

    Westminster Medallion
    Basilicata 24"x24"
    Vendor: BananAppeal
    Model #: 00533

    Grout by Custom
    Color: Bone (sanded)
    Model #: 123-852 (25 lb. bag)

    Thin set (Modified Thin Set Mortar by Custom)
    Model #: 399-727

    Where available: Home Depot

    The Home Depot U.S.A. Inc.
    Website: www.homedepot.com

  • ALSO IN THIS EPISODE: