How to Easily Facelift Concrete Steps

Clean the cement thoroughly before starting to work with the tile. Use tri-sodium phosphate to remove grime, grease and oil. Allow it to dry completely.

Fill cracks or pits in the steps with cement filler, before laying tile. Allow drying time overnight.

Seal the concrete, to prevent moisture from getting into the tile and help mortar stick properly to the steps.

Arrange the layout of your tile. Place tile in the pattern you want for the final look. Plan for any cuts and make notes.

Mix the mortar according to the directions on the label. Apply it with the flat side of your trowel. Use the side with the comb edges, to create a tight surface for the tiles.

Apply tile to the face of the risers. The top edge of the tile should line up with the top of the step. Use tile spacers to create the correct spacing between tiles.

Apply the remaining tiles to the stair treads. Line up each tile's edges flush with the edge of the risers.

Mix the grout, one bag at a time. Remove the tile spacers, and apply the grout to a small surface. Keep the consistency of the grout and the thickness consistent.

Wipe off tile surface to remove any excess grout and mortar that may have seeped up through the edges.

Clean the surface with a wet rag when the grout is completely dry, to remove any haziness left behind.

Allow the grout to cure for two weeks. Then seal the entire surface with grout sealer. This creates a moisture-resistant surface.