How to Add Outdoor Vinyl Tile for Stair Risers

Learn how to add an outdoor vinyl tile for stair risers with this tutorial, and elevate your outdoor space with a touch of color and flair.

With the arrival of summer, outdoor living spaces become a welcome extension of one’s home; a place for friends and family to gather together in the warmth of the sun. Over the course of the winter months, however, patios, decks, and outdoor living spaces become faded and worn.

Use this stair riser tile tutorial to add a pop of color and stylistic charm to any staircase and elevate an outdoor space.

Be sure to check the weather prior to completing this project to verify there is no rain in the forecast for approximately 24 hours after completion of the project in order to ensure maximum adherence of the tiles to the stair risers or else they may peel at the edges.

Materials List:

Vinyl peel-and-stick tile
Measuring tape
220 grit sandpaper (optional)
Clean cloth
Heavy-duty scissors or knife
Knife
Liquid nails adhesive
Wallpaper pressure roller

For more outdoor living inspiration be sure to check out:

Outdoor DIY Stair Riser Tile

Before:

Here are the stairs ready for an update to usher in hours of fun in the sun.

This was a stair we added when we installed the paver patio beside the deck.

1. Take a clean, damp cloth and wipe down the stair risers.

If the stairs are new construction or there are significant bumps and irregularities, then consider taking fine grit sandpaper over the vinyl for better adherence prior to placing the tiles.

Make sure they are dry and free of debris.

#2. Measure the width of the stair riser and mark the center.

This is where the first vinyl tile will go. Calculate how many tiles the width will require then measure the height of the riser.

#3. Using a sharp knife and a metal square, cut the vinyl tile to the appropriate height.

Always cut on the outside aspect of the finished tile, so if the knife slips it cuts the piece that will be discarded.

#4. Squeeze Liquid Nails adhesive onto the back of the tile in an even pattern.

When finished with a caulking gun place a roofing nail in the nozzle of the canister to keep it from hardening and clogging. Roofing nails have larger heads that are easier to remove once ready to use again.

#5. Place the tile onto the riser.

Be sure to place the first tile in the center of the stair riser and work out toward the ends.

6. Roll and seal the edges of the tiles.

Using the wallpaper seam roller, firmly roll the tile onto the riser making sure to evenly distribute the liquid nails across the back. Finish by rolling the 4 edges.

Little hands and little helpers are always welcome. Repeat this process as needed ensuring that each seam is properly rolled after the next tile is applied.

Let’s take a look at the before again!