Is tile flooring a good choice for staircases?

Is tile flooring a good choice for staircases?

Tile flooring turns your staircase into an eye-popping work of art! Since stairs are usually the first thing people see when they enter your home, it makes a great impression.

A tiled staircase is distinctive, chic, and stunning. It can be a good idea if done well, with safety being the primary consideration.

Best tile flooring for durability


People and pets run up and down the stairs all day. There's a lot of foot traffic! The best tile is fully vitrified porcelain or ceramic; vitrified tiles won't crack, chip, or fade and will last for years.

It's essential to describe your project in detail at the tile store. 

Preventing slips and falls


Most of the time, a fully tiled staircase is only for the outdoors. Usually, on the inside, people tile the riser (the vertical area that connects the treads) or staircase walls.

This provides visual interest without the concerns of slipping on tiled treads. Many use unique patterns such as triangles, starbursts, diamonds, or marble looks.

Examples are Daltile’s Marble Attaché or Quartzite Ceramic Copper by Interceramic. In addition, you may consider Union Square Becker by Interceramic or D_Segni Color by Marazzi.

You'll find them in our showroom when shopping for tile in Denton, TX.

The tile should also be slip resistant with a Coefficient of Friction (COF) that ranges between .42 to .50. Other alternatives are to choose tiles with texture or even place a carpet runner over them.

Tile flooring is easy to clean


One of the most significant advantages of tile flooring is that it's easy to clean–and remember, staircases are high-traffic areas, so there's a lot of dirt and debris.

Dirt sits right at the top, so it's easy to see. Just wipe it off with a damp cloth. No harsh chemicals or scrubbing is needed.

Visit our tile store today


Smitty's Floor Covering is a family-owned business that began operation in 1958. With technical knowledge, superior service, and a large inventory, we can help you find tile flooring, hardwood, or any other surface.

Visit our showroom
in Denton, TX. We work on residential and commercial projects in Denton, Corinth, Hickory Creek, Krum, and Ponder.