Outdoor stair tiling

At Novoceram, we attach great importance to safety when designing outdoor staircases in porcelain stoneware. We understand the importance of optimum grip, especially for people with reduced mobility and the elderly. That’s why we recommend the use of our porcelain stoneware tiles specially designed for outdoor staircases, offering maximum slip resistance. Our products undergo rigorous, certified testing to guarantee optimum safety.
Before choosing anti-slip tiles for your staircase, it’s essential to understand the standards and slip-resistance tests. In Europe, the German Standards Institute (DIN) standard DIN 51130 sets out a rigorous test to assess the slip resistance of floor coverings. This test involves using special shoes on an inclined ramp coated with motor oil, adjusting the angle to the limit of loss of traction. The results of this test are graded from R9 to R13, with R13 being the highest level of slip resistance.
We recommend tiles rated R11 or higher for external staircases because of their superior grip and increased safety.

Outdoor stair tiles offer a wide range of aesthetic effects that can completely transform the look of your outdoor space. At NOVOCERAM, we offer a wide selection of porcelain stoneware tiles that subtly imitate the natural look of stone, wood, travertine, concrete or terracotta. Their varied textures and natural-effect patterns give them unrivalled beauty and versatility, making them the ideal choice for any outdoor stair cladding project.
With a variety of striking designs, our porcelain stoneware outdoor tiles cater for all customer tastes, giving real creative freedom to create an attractive outdoor staircase. Opt for our Outdoor Plus range of porcelain stoneware stair tiles, specially designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, temperature changes, impact and everyday wear and tear.
Whatever style you want to create – modern, rustic or contemporary – our tiles offer the perfect combination of beauty and functionality.

Porcelain stoneware is the preferred choice of architects, designers and construction professionals for outdoor staircases, whether residential or commercial. This preference is due to the characteristics and many advantages of porcelain stoneware tiles.
Here are five reasons to choose porcelain stoneware for your outdoor staircase:

Porcelain stoneware tiles: a hard-wearing solution for outdoor staircases

When it comes to covering outdoor steps, porcelain stoneware tiles stand out for their exceptional resistance. Their thickness, drainage capacity, waterproofing and frost resistance make them the ideal choice for outdoor areas. These tiles offer remarkable strength, combining robustness and durability in the face of heavy loads, temperature variations and chemicals.

More specifically for outdoor staircases, 20 mm thick porcelain stoneware tiles with a textured finish are the perfect solution. They are specially designed to withstand outdoor conditions and ensure safe, long-lasting use for stair treads. Whether for public spaces, residences or professional projects, these porcelain stoneware tiles are a solid and reliable choice for embellishing your outdoor staircases.

Porcelain stoneware: easy to clean and maintain

Because it’s easy to clean and maintain, porcelain stoneware is a practical solution for keeping your stairs clean. Contrary to popular belief, even tiles with a rougher texture are non-absorbent, stain-resistant and extremely easy to maintain. All porcelain stoneware surfaces are naturally hygienic and practical, making them easy to clean on a regular basis.
For daily maintenance, simply use a sponge or cloth with a neutral detergent, following the instructions for use and the recommended dilution percentages. This simple method keeps your porcelain stoneware tiles clean and shiny. For stubborn stains, we recommend using specific cleaning products for porcelain stoneware. These products are formulated to remove stains without damaging the tile surface.
Another advantage of porcelain stoneware is its resistance to aggressive chemicals, which makes cleaning easier without compromising the integrity of the tiles. You can therefore use stronger cleaning products when necessary, without fear of damaging the tiles.

Different installation methods

Outdoor porcelain stoneware can be installed in a number of different ways, specifically for outdoor staircases. The tiles are available in large formats, making them easy to install on steps. This reduces the number of grout lines needed and the number of cut-outs, giving a more harmonious appearance and facilitating the installation process.
Porcelain stoneware tiles are strong and durable, and can be precision cut using a water-fed diamond blade. This cutting flexibility means they can be perfectly matched to the configuration of the steps, guaranteeing a precise and aesthetically pleasing installation for outdoor staircases.
To install 20 mm porcelain stoneware tiles on outside staircases, a method similar to that for a traditional terrace can be used, using sand and cement. However, it is important to note that the application of a layer of primer grout to the back of the tile is necessary to ensure optimum adhesion to the substrate.
The different methods of installing porcelain stoneware on outside staircases offer flexibility and adaptability. Our professionals will be able to choose the optimum approach to ensure a secure and durable fixing of the tiles, ensuring long-term use.

A wide range of colours and styles to suit all tastes

Outdoor porcelain stoneware comes in a wide range of colours and styles, reflecting the latest ceramic trends. Traditional stone or concrete-effect floors now give way to a diversity of choices. For example, wood-effect porcelain stoneware tiles, once confined to interiors, now extend to outdoor spaces, creating an authentic connection with nature.
The colours of exterior porcelain stoneware are constantly evolving, adapting to new trends and varied projects. The range of possibilities is endless, offering natural and neutral tones, bright and bold hues, and artistic patterns to suit every preference and inspiration.
In terms of style, exterior porcelain stoneware offers a variety of options, from sleek contemporary finishes to rustic traditional patterns. This versatility of design allows architects, designers and homeowners to create unique and personalised outdoor spaces, in perfect harmony with their creative vision.

Porcelain stoneware for environmentally-friendly outdoor staircases

Made from natural components such as clay, sand and mineral additives, porcelain stoneware is an environmentally-friendly alternative to conventional materials. Its production process involves crushing, pressing and firing at high temperatures, creating strong, durable tiles. By choosing porcelain stoneware, you are helping to reduce your environmental footprint, as it is made from renewable natural resources and avoids the use of synthetic materials that are more harmful to the environment.
The exceptional durability of porcelain stoneware means it can withstand the harshest outdoor conditions, reducing the need for frequent replacement of stair treads. This limits the amount of construction waste generated, helping to conserve natural resources.
What’s more, by choosing porcelain stoneware, you’re opting for a material with low moisture absorption, making it resistant to stains, mould and damage caused by freezing and thawing. This means fewer potentially environmentally harmful chemicals used for maintenance and cleaning.

Browse our FAQs below for comprehensive answers to your questions about these aesthetically pleasing and durable staircases.