Guide To Laying On Steps
Overlay Tiles are ideal for use on steps. The most commonly used tile on steps outdoors in the UK are quarry tiles. Quarry tiles often become loose or crack when laid on steps outdoors for two reasons. One reason is that they are laid using standard floor tile adhesive which does not allow for drainage or thermal movement. This means that any expansion or contraction caused by hot or cold conditions can pop the tile from the surface. Also any trapped water under the tile can freeze and expand again popping the tile off. The second problem they have is that they are normally grouted when laid. When grouted outdoors it again leaves no room for expansion or contraction during cold and hot weather. This means that the tiles and grout are forced together cracking the tiles & grout. We recommend that our tiles are laid without grout leaving a 2mm gap for movement.
The Overlay Tiles, step adhesive has been specially formulated to retain an element of flex when cured to allow the tiles to expand and contract during temperature changes. The method for applying the adhesive allows excess rain water to drain under and between the tiles. As Overlay Tiles are Glass Fibre Reinforced they are frost resistant,very strong and have high slip resistance.
All the tools and accessories shown in this guide are available in our online shop at competitive prices.
Before Ordering
It is important to accurately measure the area you want to cover before ordering. When laying on steps we recommend ordering at least 15 tiles per m2 as you likely to have a lot of cuts.
When using our tiles on steps it is also important to order the Step Adhesive as it contains fillers to help adhering to vertical surfaces.
If your steps have large undulations or are uneven we recommend ordering some soft packers to help overcome any differences in level.
Before laying any tiles it is important to clear any loose debris or grease from the area, you will lay on.
Applying Step Adhesive
Overlay Tiles Step Adhesive is supplied in 1 litre bottles. One bottle will fix roughly 40 tiles.
The PU Adhesive absorbs moisture from the atmosphere and expands to support the tile evenly and to provide a very strong adhesion to the surface being covered.
Before using the PU Adhesive it is very important to read the instructions on the bottle.
The nozzle of the bottle should be cut to give the correct size of bead for the adhesive. A 4mm bead is recommended when laying on steps.
The adhesive should be applied in three zig zag patterns as shown in the picture above. This ensures that the tile is supported evenly across all four corners.
When applying the adhesive try to leave approximately 20mm between the edge of the tile and the bead of the adhesive. You will quickly get the feel for how much adhesive to apply to the tile.
PU adhesive can be applied in damp conditions but not when standing water of any amount is present.
Tiles should be laid with a 2mm gap between each tile. This can be achieved by using our 2mm spacers available in our shop section.
Do not apply adhesive in temperatures under 5 degrees. Tiles should not be disturbed during the curing process as adhesion may be lost.
Replace the cap on the bottle to store but expel as much air from the bottle as possible.
Allow a minimum of 24 hours for PU adhesive to cure.
Do not walk on tiles that have been laid recently.
Cutting Tiles
Safety is very important when cutting tiles. You must use the following items of PPE, Gloves, Dust Mask and Safety Glasses. If you are using a grinder check that a safety guard is present and that it is in the correct position. All tools and PPE required for cutting tiles are available in our online shop at competitive prices.
Before cutting any tiles it is important to measure accurately what size of tile is required. The simplest way to do this is to measure from each end of the tile to the edge of the surface, Remember to subtract 2mm from you measurements to include for the gap between each tile. Mark these sizes on the tile to be cut and draw a line between them.
Tiles can be cut easily using a grinder with a diamond blade. Again these items are available in our shop section if you do not already have them. Place the tile on a hard surface or workbench and cut as shown above. You can also use a motorised tile cutter if you have one. Make sure a diamond tip blade has been installed.
When you have cut the tile you may want to sand the cut edge slightly to take away the right angled edge. This can be done using carborundum paper, again available in our online shop.
If you plan to lay tiles on the vertical face of the steps then it is best to start there. Cut all the tiles for the vertical face and then apply them using the PU Adhesive. It is important to secure the vertical tiles to stop them moving for the first three hours. One easy way to do this is to wedge them in place using the tile off cuts as shown below. It is well worth taking some time to get the tiles in the correct position before actually laying them as the tiles on the vertical face will determine where the tiles go on the top surface. Try to avoid small cuts where possible.
When you have applied the tiles to the step face you can then begin to lay on the top surface. Lay any full tiles that you can first and then move onto the cuts last. Remember to leave a 2mm gap between each tile for drainage and movement.
Allow 24hr curing time before allowing anything on top of the tiles.
Removing Excess PU Adhesive
If you apply to much adhesive it may foam up between the tiles. The most important thing to do is to leave it until it has cured. If you try to clean it off when wet it will stain the tiles.
When it has cured it can simply be removed using a knife as shown above.
Sealing Tiles
Overlay Tiles Sealant helps to prevents stains such as foodstuffs, oils and algae growth, it also enhances the look of the tiles.
Overlay tiles do not have to be sealed, it is simply an option that is available.
The sealant is supplied in 1 litre bottles. One bottle should be sufficient for 50 - 70 tiles dependant on amount applied.
Simply decant the sealant into a jug or similar and apply to tiles as shown above using a soft brush. As the sealant dry's keep brushing it in one direction so as to clear the small puddles of sealant which dries, appearing on the tiles.
You may want to apply two coats for extra protection and shine.
Allow 24 hours to dry and do not apply in temperatures below 5 degrees.