Steps made of porcelain stoneware. Porcelain stoneware steps for stairs Porcelain stoneware stair steps

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Quite often you can come across such a combination of words as miracle staircase. It is worth noting that it did not arise just like that, but after the appearance of such a wonderful, unique and ultra original material, like porcelain stoneware, which is now used for facing these structures. Even the simplest-looking staircases can be made into unusually beautiful structures if you install steps made of porcelain stoneware.

Granite steps for stairs in a house or any other room are made from a number of parts.

Such as:

Tread;
Riser;
Skirting board.

Each element has its own specific characteristics, which you should familiarize yourself with before building the product. Steps or treads are called tiles on which there are relief strips or cuts, through which an anti-slip coating is created. There are steps on which strips of abrasive material are applied, which creates roughness on a smooth surface.

As for the execution, they can be continuous, that is, along the entire length of the steps, or prefabricated. In this case, each step is assembled from smaller parts, each of which subsequently forms an integral cladding in the form of a porcelain stoneware covering.

The shape of the step can be simple or figured. If a figured one is chosen, then the presence of a figured porcelain stoneware edge may be different in shape, since it is installed as a separate additional element. A riser is a vertical wall that is located under the step. It is the riser that needs to be calculated as competently as possible when building such a structure. It is adjusted according to the size of the steps, lined with granite. At the end of the construction and covering of the stairs, the structure is finished with plinths. To be more precise, if there is a plinth around the perimeter of the entire room, then it must be placed on the stairs as well. If you don’t have one, you shouldn’t do this, as this could compromise the integrity of the composition.

Porcelain tiles for stairs: reasons for choice

It is worth noting that porcelain stoneware is not at all natural material, however, its properties are very similar to it. For the production of canvases, exclusively minerals of natural origin are used.

In particular:

Clay;
Sand;
Quartz;
Mineral dye.

According to the technology, all components are crushed, mixed, and then the composition is sent for press and annealing. The result of this work is a layer of homogeneous dense material, in which the presence of internal emptiness is excluded. Thanks to this manufacturing technology, porcelain tiles are excellent for installing steps, or, more precisely, for finishing them.

In addition, the material has such wonderful properties as:

Moisture resistance;
No voids or cracks in the canvas;
Suitability for use in absolutely any conditions;
Resistant to sudden changes temperature, as well as too high or low degrees;
Resistance to mechanical stress;
Long service life;
Resistant to various types of chemicals.

When the components that make up porcelain stoneware are exposed to temperatures of 1300 o C, a new canvas is formed, which has become in demand almost all over the world since its inception. In terms of strength, porcelain stoneware ranks third after diamond.

Granite steps for stairs: selection criteria

It is worth considering the fact that today porcelain tiles are sold everywhere, are offered for sale in a large assortment, and are highly popular. It is possible to purchase entire collectible steps, made to order or simply in an original and unique form. Various odds, names, styles and of course cost. Porcelain stoneware stairs look especially beautiful in interiors and create a unique atmosphere.

When considering the choice of porcelain tiles for finishing works on the steps of the stairs it is necessary to take into account such points as:

Appearance of the material;
Aesthetics;
Possibility to customize fabrics actual sizes products;
Price.

It is not uncommon in the absence of one’s own skills to facing works and when using porcelain stoneware, difficulties may arise, for example, with finding the right craftsman with a sufficient level of qualifications, as well as with payment, since this will cost quite a lot. When choosing the type of granite steps, the choice arises between solid and prefabricated. It is worth noting that both options have both advantages and peculiar disadvantages. The advantage of a solid step over a prefabricated step is the absence of joints and seams. When making a prefabricated step, it is possible to make it from canvases of several colors and thereby add originality due to the pattern formed by the tiles. Porcelain stoneware, regardless of what production it is, for example, Russia, allows you to make stairs attractive and unique, as well as massive and very impressionable.

Cladding stairs with porcelain stoneware: procedure

As a rule, staircase cladding with porcelain stoneware is carried out when the frame or base is made of concrete. In this case, we can say that the choice of granite is the most best option. The work is carried out using a glue technique that even a novice master can figure out.

When performing installation, you should pay attention to a number of recommendations:

When purchasing elements separately and not as a set, before installation it is worth checking the compatibility of the parameters, in particular the height, width and thickness of the panels.
It is not uncommon to encounter the fact that the tiles do not match the width of the steps with capinos. In this case, you need to cut the desired part, and to make a perfect fit, you will need to choose a tile cutting machine.
Installation of slabs is carried out only on a surface on which cleaning, degreasing and priming have been carried out.
To work with porcelain stoneware, special adhesive compositions. The mixtures are sold dry and diluted immediately before installation work.

The process of cladding stairs and steps using porcelain stoneware begins from the top edge to the bottom. Initially, the topmost platform is finished. The solution must be applied to reverse side slabs with a special notched trowel. During the installation process, attention is first paid to the treads, and only then to the risers. The baseboard is placed last. The choice of type, for example, right-handed or left-handed, depends on personal preference. If the flight of stairs is decorated on both sides, then you need to choose two types of skirting boards.

Finishing the stairs with porcelain stoneware (video)

So, granite cladding provides great opportunities. After all, the tiles are for sale different forms, sizes, for example, from 800 - 1200mm, color and even type. Therefore, you can not only do high-quality construction, but also very beautiful.

Outdoor or internal staircase is important element buildings for any purpose. Therefore, its components, for example, railings or steps, must be made of high-quality and attractive material. Various raw materials are used to make stair steps. A special place in this list belongs to porcelain stoneware.

Specifications

Porcelain stoneware is an artificial stone produced by pressing and firing a number of components. The specificity of manufacturing raw materials allows products to have a high level of strength and durability. Steps for stairs made of porcelain stoneware are presented on the market in a wide variety of shapes and colors. According to their own technical specifications they are not inferior to products made from natural granite.

The production of steps for stairs made of porcelain stoneware takes place in the following way. First prepare a mixture consisting of various types clay, feldspar, mineral coloring composition, quartz sand. Next, a plate of specified dimensions is formed, which is sent under the press. The load level on the raw material is 500 kg per cm2. The final stage is heat treatment of the resulting products at a temperature of at least 1300 degrees C. Standard sizes The tiles for the steps are as follows:

height – 15 cm;
width – 30 cm;
length – 120-160 cm;
tile thickness – 1.2-15 mm.

The length of monolithic products can be 120, 130, 160, 180 cm with a width of 300 mm. Often such models are used together with a cornice. Due to the side or cornice, you don’t need to supplement the structure metal profile. A removable profile is usually installed after finishing the entire structure and grouting the seams between the elements. There are products with dimensions 1200x300, 1400x300, 300x300x8 mm. Cladding flights of stairs with curved or fan-shaped structures is also possible when using porcelain stoneware steps.

To choose among wide range steps for stairs is exactly the product that is ideal for installation, you need to have an idea of what steps made of porcelain stoneware are. Otherwise, you may buy a completely unsuitable product for installation on a flight of stairs or porch. The product is a set of several components, the combination of which forms a single element to create a complete composition of a ceramic staircase. The set includes the following products:

tread;
riser;
plinth.

Some manufacturers produce monolithic solid steps. This design suggests an option where the risers are connected to the tread. Each element of the stage has its own properties and characteristics.

Tread

The tread is the main detail. This is a tile that is made with relief stripes or notches that prevent it from sliding on the surface. Some models are made with the inclusion of cuts made of abrasive material. This configuration provides the base with roughness. In addition, products can be figured or simple; the figured edge is sold as a separate part.

Riser

The riser is a vertically installed element that is placed under the step itself. The main parameter of this component is height. During cladding, the size of the product must be adjusted to the required size of the step.

Skirting

Almost all product models have a plinth; it plays a decorative role. The element is installed along the walls or one wall, based on the characteristics of the device and the location of the staircase.

Advantages and disadvantages

The presence of many positive features of the material allows it to be actively used for finishing staircases of porches and houses. The material does not have cracks, this is due to the specifics of production. This feature gives the raw material such a property as hygroscopicity. Moisture does not penetrate inside, which makes it possible to use the products for exterior finishing stairs of the house. Among the advantages, it is worth highlighting the main characteristics of raw materials:

Wear resistance. This indicator of porcelain stoneware is 2 points lower than that of diamond.
Good level of resistance to negative temperatures. Porcelain tiles are not afraid of frost, reaching even -50 degrees C.
Chemical inertness. The products do not interact with aggressive substances of inorganic origin.
Resistance to weather conditions, including precipitation, high temperature, its difference.

Environmentally friendly. The material is completely safe for humans.
Easy to care for. Porcelain stoneware steps do not require special conditions service.
The raw material is inherently fire-resistant. The material is not a conductor of electric current.
Ceramic products do not change their color during use and do not fade from ultraviolet radiation.

Porcelain stoneware steps are widely used for arranging stairs inside and outside, be it a staircase leading to the second floor or a porch. The disadvantages of the material include the cold base of the products. But such a problem can be easily solved using carpet covering or any type of underfloor heating system. The disadvantage is the difficulty of cutting porcelain stoneware during installation. Experts recommend paying close attention to the size of the purchased products for cladding steps, so that they do not have to be cut and adjusted to fit the structure of the stairs.

Types of steps

Porcelain stoneware steps can be divided into several types according to the type of texture:

Matte They are characterized by low cost due to the lack of processing. Stand out high level strength compared to other options.
Glazed The tiles are distinguished by their production technology, which involves treating the surface with glaze. More often this type is used for interior work.
The degree of processing of polished products allows you to create on the surface mirror shine. The downside is that the surface will be slippery.

Preparation method satin analogs involves applying wax or mineral salts to the material. They have a shiny base.
The structured material allows you to create on the surface imitation(for example, wood, leather or textile).
Lapped tiles It is notable for its surface, on which areas of different textures are formed by grinding.

In addition, the stages can be divided into the following types:

Standard products;
products with glued spout;
prefabricated, consisting of several elements.

The spout is attached using a special adhesive for tiles. The latter variety consists of modular or solid tiles of different sizes. The installation process involves two options: a seamless method or cladding with a seam formed. Taking into account the edge of the tile, the steps can be with:

rounded nose (kapinos);
raised edge;
rectangular edge.

Porcelain stoneware steps do not absorb dirt and do not require additional treatment protective compounds. Due to this feature of the raw materials, the house will be durable, luxurious and comfortable staircase, which will last for decades.

Manufacturers

Manufacturers of porcelain stoneware steps for stairs are represented on the domestic market by foreign and Russian companies:

It should be noted LLC "ZKS" (Russia), whose production facilities have been producing construction and finishing materials from porcelain stoneware. The company is better known as "Ural granite". The products are widely used for finishing public buildings. The plant was among the first to sell large-format porcelain tiles. The steps of this manufacturer are in demand due to the large assortment of different color solutions, high technological qualities.
Another domestic representative of porcelain stoneware steps for stairs is the factory Italon. Buyers of products note the originality of product design of this manufacturer. Experts point to the durability of the product. It has stood the test of time inside and outside buildings.

Kerama Marazzi (Spain) is a brand that offers customers a wide selection of elements for finishing and arranging stairs. Products stand out among analogues by being original decorative details, which emphasize the originality of the steps.
Factory Venatto specializes in the production of monolithic staircases made of porcelain stoneware. During the product manufacturing process, the latest generation technologies are used. This makes it possible to offer products to customers large sizes with the possibility of installation on the base using a seamless laying method.
The Russian construction market has an abundance of products from China. Experts note the low cost of Chinese products. However, the purchase of these products must be approached with caution: the raw materials used for production are not always of good quality.

Untreated appearance concrete stairs leaves much to be desired, so cladding is very important to give the structure an aesthetic appearance. One of the most durable and attractive finishing options are steps made of porcelain stoneware. The tread can be monolithic or assembled from individual elements.

Porcelain tiles, its advantages and disadvantages

They make this artificial material from quartz sand, kaolin, feldspar and clay. The resulting mixture is ground to a dusty state. The pressure under which it is pressed reaches 500 kg/cm so that micropores, cracks, and cavities do not form inside.

After drying in the oven, the material is sent to the press

The resulting slabs are fired at a temperature of at least 1300°C so that all components enter into chemical reaction and completely melted into a homogeneous mass. The resulting ceramic granite does not lose its color, since mineral pigments are added to the mixture in initial stage production.

This material is strong, durable, resistant to mechanical damage. Due to the absence of micropores, it does not absorb moisture, therefore it can withstand any negative temperatures and does not collapse under sudden temperature changes.

Ceramic granite is resistant to acids and alkalis, so stains do not appear on it, and a damp cloth is enough to care for it.

This material can be painted in any color and given almost any texture, which makes the composite indispensable for solving various design ideas. It is environmentally friendly and does not burn.

For all its advantages, porcelain stoneware has some disadvantages. The first is the rather high cost. The second is a cold surface that is uncomfortable to walk on barefoot. However, you can use a floor heating system for this.

Requirements for steps

Even though the steps have simple design, they must meet certain requirements:

the material should not be slippery (especially for outdoor stairs);
easy installation that does not require much difficulty;
the color and shape of the steps should be in harmony with the interior or exterior.

Types of steps and equipment

Typically, the complete set of the series consists of treads, risers and decorative plinths. The steps can be monolithic or prefabricated.

The length of solid models is 1200-1300 mm, and the thickness is 7-15 mm. The cost of monolithic steps made of porcelain stoneware is higher than options made of tiles. But this design is much stronger and looks better due to the lack of seams.

For prefabricated steps, modular or solid tiles with dimensions of 300x300, 450x450, 300x600 mm are most often used. The installation can be seamless or with a decorative seam.

Standard slabs

In standard slabs, treads have cuts and relief strips of abrasive material. The shape of the edge of the step can be simple or curly. In some cases, shaped parts are made separately from the slab.

Steps with risers

Under the tread there is a riser with a height of 100-150 mm. By combining this element with horizontal slabs, the staircase will look visually seamless and stylistically impeccable.

As finishing in the corners between the wall and the stairs, a porcelain stoneware plinth is used to cover the joining seams.

The use of this element is not necessary, but it helps greatly in cases where the junction of the steps to the wall cannot be made perfectly straight.

Different models of slabs for steps have different surface textures. They are classified according to the following criteria:

Glazed board if available high percentage specularity has high anti-slip properties. This material is used for stairs indoors and outdoors.

When choosing ceramic granite slabs, it is necessary to check the moisture absorption, for which you need to moisten the surface generously with water. It should not be absorbed into the tile. The easiest way to check this is by control weighing the sample before and after wetting.

If you plan to do cladding street stairs, then it is better to opt for slabs with a rough surface to avoid slipping in inclement weather and frost. When choosing external tiles, you need to pay attention to the filling with dye - it should be uniform. Such material has undergone proper technological processing and will be resistant to mechanical and weather influences.

Marching stairs are finished with straight slabs. Beveled slabs, made to order, are laid on spiral and semicircular staircases.

If the room has low traffic, then it is best to lay glazed ceramic granite. In office and other buildings where traffic is high, it is better to use matte, unglazed panels. Installing steps with capinos is a more durable solution, in addition, it will give the stairs an aesthetic appearance.

Kapinos - a rounding at the end of the tile, which takes on the main abrasive load from the feet of a walking person

In order not to spend a lot of money on repairing steps in the future, it is best to make the cladding of the steps with a separate leading edge. In this case, replacing one part will be sufficient.

In case of extreme wear, such capinos can be replaced without removing the tiles from the steps

Technology of facing steps with porcelain stoneware

To cover steps with porcelain stoneware slabs you need preliminary preparation grounds. First, an acrylic primer is applied to the surface to improve the adhesion of the slab and the staircase base. After it dries, all unevenness is smoothed out with putty. Then acrylic emulsion is applied a second time to make the primer better.
Before laying, you need to check the size of the slabs and steps for compliance. If necessary, you can use a water cutter for trimming, which can be used to make an even cut. Thanks to the use of this equipment, the cut edge does not crack, there are no chips or scratches on it.

If such a machine is not available, you can use a regular tile cutter.

3. If the cladding is made from prefabricated elements, then it is necessary to mix all the packages so that the finish is uniform. We first recommend comparing the color markings indicated on the box with the markings on the tile. They must match each other.

4. Prepare the glue. To do this, the dry mixture is diluted required quantity water specified in the instructions, mix construction mixer and leave for 15 minutes until a homogeneous mass forms. This time is enough for all components to completely dissolve.

5. Using a notched trowel, apply adhesive to the base and lay the tiles. This tool must be selected according to the size of the step and slab. When applying glue, you need to ensure that the entire surface is completely covered with the composition.

6. Laying slabs, starting from the top step of the base.

After the risers are laid, the treads are faced. The corners are treated with a plastic or metal corner. After this, all seams are grouted and then cleaned.

And once again: a diagram of the correct joining of tiles

For the joint to be perfect, the slab must be flush with the step. It is allowed for the tiles to be slightly wider. If after installation there are protruding places left, they must be cut off. When facing street steps, make a slope of 1-2 degrees so that water flows freely and does not remain on the surface. Professional craftsmen advise leaving a thin channel on the side for moisture to drain.

Caring for porcelain stoneware steps

To clean a staircase lined with ceramic granite slabs, it is enough to use a regular soap solution. This coating does not require special polishing compounds or detergents. Even if there is severe contamination on the surface, you can use any product containing alkali or acid. It will not harm the surface of porcelain stoneware.

Design solutions – photo ideas

Among all the options for ceramic tiles that are on the market today building materials, porcelain stoneware deserves special attention, offering a combination exquisite style and excellent quality. It is especially often used in places where high traffic and heavy loads are planned - shopping and office centers, sports complexes and shops. It is not surprising that many people often use porcelain stoneware for staircase steps.

A staircase familiar to everyone can become an unusual and pleasing element of the interior if it is made with steps made of porcelain stoneware. Regardless of its application (bathroom or kitchen), it must, first of all, be safe. To do this, it is worth selecting samples of steps with an unpolished or structured surface.

To ensure additional safety, most manufacturers apply additional grooves to the surface of porcelain stoneware steps. This should also be taken into account when choosing various options, especially when you are planning a staircase facing the street.

Another selection criterion is prefabricated steps made of porcelain stoneware or monolithic. On a positive note in the first case, it will be easy to replace one slab if it is possibly damaged, and the second option is indicated by the absence large quantity seams and a more cohesive impression.

Important selection criteria for HomeX

Having ensured that the main characteristics of porcelain stoneware steps match, you can set filters according to:

blossom
design

This will provide you right choice among many options.

Yes, and one more thing. Is it almost time to congratulate you on the stairs? Don't forget about (the next type of element), which will allow you to maintain a unified style for the entire room. After all, when it is used everywhere along the perimeter, its presence is also mandatory when decorating the steps.

With HomeX, the repair will be completed quickly!

The steps of the staircase, made of stone or marble, create a very special atmosphere of celebration and that comfort and peace that is characteristic of such a reliable and durable material like a stone. This explains the popularity of the material in design. interior spaces. A couple of marble pieces, an opal figurine, an onyx wall panel, and even more so a stone staircase will give the house a unique, special look.

Porcelain tiles

In fact, artificial stones are used in interior design much more often than natural stones. Such materials, as a rule, have less weight, and this is a very significant factor. Artificial stone is more pliable in processing, which significantly reduces its cost, while being highly wear-resistant and durable.

Porcelain stoneware is a composite obtained by sintering quartz, sand, clay, mineral dyes, and subsequent pressing. Pressing is carried out under high pressure, which ensures a monolithic product, without voids and cavities. During the manufacturing process, decorative components, such as shells or pieces of marble, can be added to the initial mixture to give the product the appearance of a real wild stone. The photo shows a sample of tiles with marble chips included.

Porcelain tiles have many advantages.

Low water absorption - less than 0.05%. This is extremely low rate, therefore the material can be used for both interior and exterior decoration, as well as in rooms with very high humidity.
Resistance to temperature is a property the material “inherits” from its raw materials. It has an unlimited temperature range.
High wear resistance - 120-200 mm depending on the type of porcelain stoneware. The material belongs to the PEI V group, which indicates the possibility of its use in areas with the highest traffic intensity.

The relative disadvantages of products made from artificial stone, refers to fragility and increased surface smoothness, especially when polishing. Therefore, for stair steps it is recommended to choose a different method of processing the material or to provide notches to prevent slipping.

Types of porcelain stoneware steps

The texture of porcelain tiles can be very diverse, which allows you to satisfy the most varied wishes of customers.

Unpolished (matte) material – the product does not undergo any additional processing after annealing. The surface of the step is matte and non-slip.
Polished or semi-polished – the surface of the stone is processed abrasive materials to give a mirror shine. A staircase with these steps looks great, but requires some care when going up and down. The photo shows a staircase made of polished stone.

Color and texture

The properties of porcelain stoneware allow you to obtain a rich palette of colors and structures. The material can be similar to both fairly common types of stone - marble, granite, basalt, and very exotic ones - travertine or other slate. The color can be absolutely any, the most incredible.

Stone can imitate the surface of wood - down to the smallest knots and cracks, or, for example, the structure of parquet. Wild stone, leather, shell rock and even frozen volcanic lava - in in this case the designer's imagination is not limited by anything.

Porcelain stoneware steps

Porcelain tiles are available in various thicknesses: from 7 to 30 mm.

Minimal - used for finishing internal stairs.
Medium - about 14 mm, can be used for the manufacture of stairs, both internal and external, subject to average traffic intensity.
Maximum – recommended for stair steps in public buildings with heavy traffic - shopping mall, entertainment center etc.

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