Creative Ways To Use Tile On Staircases

Ever look at your stairs and wish they were more commanding? So, when guests come over, they are awestruck. Or whenever you open the door, it’s like you’re seeing them for the first time? If you want that feeling, or to add some pizzazz to your staircase so it’s functional and fashionable, then this article is for you.

As tile flooring installers serving Toronto and the GTA, we have creative tile ideas you can weave into your staircase renovation! 

Staircase Anatomy

Before we delve into how best to transform your bland staircase into a showstopper using tile, we need to go over the parts of a staircase. Above you’ll see a diagram, mapping out the main parts of your staircase:

• The tread, the horizontal part that you step onto.
• The zigzag-shaped riser that the treads sit atop.
• The ballister or rails that you can swap out to create the look you want.
• Lastly, the handrail that you rest your hand on as you climb the stairs.

Creative Ways To Tile Your Stairs

Let’s dive into how best to tile your stairs for maximum visual impact! Take it from experienced tile installers in Toronto and the GTA: these are the most requested ways to update the look of your stairs.

Treads

Yes, you can elevate the look of your treads with tile. However, if you plan to use porcelain tiles as treads, opt for textured tiles for added traction to prevent slips and falls.

Here are some creative ways to update stair treads:

• Wood-look: Traditional meets modern stylings when you utilize wood-look porcelain tiles for your treads. You can also carry these tiles into the hallways for a seamless finish.
• Neutral: Opt for white, black, beige, greige, or grey treads, especially if you plan on adding some flair to the risers. For instance, black treads with white herringbone-patterned risers will create a dramatic and captivating staircase.

Risers

Tile installers in Toronto and the GTA often get calls from clients asking about tiling their risers because it’s a trendy way to update your staircase! Here are some of the top ways you can integrate tile into your risers:

• Geometrics: Geometric-shaped tiles, like hexagons or penny rounds, or tiles with geometric designs, are a subtle way to introduce character to your stairs. If your design style favours neutrals or if you feel mosaics are too busy for your taste, then why not try geometrics? Geometrics are timeless and pair well with just about any design scheme!
• Mosaics: For creative homeowners, or for those who want to add a playful pattern to their risers, try mosaic tiles! Every step up is an adventure when you add mosaics.
• Opulent Natural Stone: For homeowners who want their risers to sparkle, we recommend trying a natural stone tile. Natural stone, like slate or marble, will command attention and transform your stairs into a statement piece.

Balusters And Handrails

Although you cannot tile balusters and handrails, they can accentuate the tile work. For instance, if your design scheme is industrial or modern farmhouse, blending dark tiles, cement, or wood, can be tied together with a wooden handrail and black metal balusters. 

Here are the most popular choices for your handrails and balusters.

• Wooden Handrails are the most popular choice and work with an array of styles. Choose light woods for a Scandinavian style, or mid-to-dark woods for traditional or modern farmhouse. Wood also pairs well with all tiles; just be sure to match the wood undertone to the tile colour. For instance, warm mosaic tile pairs well with warm woods with undertones like yellow, orange, or red. 
• Iron Balusters are excellent with tiles. Plain black iron balusters are simple and allow geometric tiles to stand out, while ornate balusters can steal the spotlight. The key is to match the baluster to your design scheme: should it stand out, or blend in?

Final Thoughts On Tiling Your Staircase

The only time a staircase should lack character is in a newly built or purchased home! Then the homeowner can update functional stairs into something more awe-inspiring. As experienced tile installers in Toronto and the GTA, we get many consultations about the best approach to tiling stairs. Here’s how we approach tiling the stairs:

• Set a realistic budget that includes material and labour costs.
• Browse online for design inspiration before purchasing materials. Here are some of the more common design styles as they pertain to stairs.
• Traditional Design: The most popular choice is a wood handrail, iron balusters, and either wood or wood-look treads, or natural stone risers.
• Scandinavian: Light handrails, white painted or glass balusters, light treads in wood-look or white tile, and risers that utilize a neutral geometric pattern.
• Modern Farmhouse: The colour scheme is wood and black, so black balusters against wood handrails and black or wood-look treads.
• Maximal or Mediterranean: The keyword for both stylings is bold. Use bold colours and patterns. This means the risers are a place for whimsy and fun, so choose mosaic tiles, then anchor the design with a neutral tread (e.g., black or wood-look).
• Hire a reputable tile installer in Toronto or the GTA to help bring your dream to life.

If you’re interested in tiling your stairs and have additional questions, give us at Brothers Flooring a call today for a free consultation!