QUESTION

How to Install Ceramic Tile Stair Trim - I have bought some tiles to finish an external concrete staircase. The tiles come with a separate bullnose edge. The treads and risers will be laid using cement/sand mix. What is your opinion regarding the method of installation of the bullnose. Should I fix the bullnose to the horizontal tile (tread) using some adhesive and then lay them together once they're bonded? In this case, what adhesive should I use? Is an epoxy adhesive appropriate?

ANSWER

ANSWER - I'm not sure I fully understand your question, but I'll try to answer it.

The ceramic tile bullnose trim accessory for ceramic tile allows you to make a pleasing transition from one plane to the other. In this case, from the stair tread to the riser. The bullnose is normally attached to the horizontal surface on the tread edge (not on top of other ceramic tile, but in place of the tile), so the top edge of the tile on the riser is overlapped and covered by the top bullnose piece. This will make it less susceptible to chipping rather than have the bullnose on the riser coming up covering the edge of the tile on the tread.

The adhesive you use to attach the bullnose to the concrete surface is the same that you would use to attach the regular filed ceramic tile, which is normally a modified thin-set adhesive, but you can use epoxy for a stronger attachment. Make sure that your transitional joints are filled with a 100% silicone or a urethane sealant rather than with cement grout to all movement from one plane to the other, without causing cracking. Good Luck!