Schluter-TREP-SE, TREP-S, and TREP-B are designed to protect tiled stair edges and provide an
easily visible, slip-resistant wear surface for durable,
safe, and visually appealing stair-nosing design. They are
suitable for use in commercial areas subjected to heavy foot-traffic, such as offices or
public buildings. The profiles feature a trapezoid-perforated
anchoring leg. The TREP-SE anchoring leg is made of stainless
steel, while the TREP-S and TREP-B anchoring legs are made of aluminum. Each profile features
a slip- resistant thermoplastic rubber wear surface.
The TREP-S and TREP-SE inserts are one and one thirty seconds inch wide, while the TREP-B
insert is two and one eighth inches wide.
Matching end caps are also available. The tread surface is available in a variety
of colors and can be replaced in case of damage or wear.
To view all the available tread colors, please visit schluter.com
Schluter-TREP-TAP is an anodized aluminum cover profile that integrates with the Schluter-TREP-S
and TREP-B stair-nosing profiles to conceal the
top of the riser. The Schluter-TREP-SE, TREP-S, TREP-B and TREP-TAP
provide elegant and functional solutions to finish
and protect tile edges in stair applications. The first step towards a successful project
is planning. In this example, we have selected the tile
and corresponding profiles, and determined the overall layout.
TREP-SE, TREP-S, and TREP-B will be used as the stair-nosing profiles on the various steps.
One example will integrate the TREP-TAP cover profile.
The Schluter-DILEX-BWA movement joint will be installed between the tile and stringers
and between the stair treads and risers.
We selected the profile sizes according the thickness and format of the adjacent tile.
In addition to tile setting tools, be sure to gather the appropriate cutting tools for
the profiles. Depending on the profile material, different
tools will be required. For the stainless steel TREP-SE, we will be
using a variable-speed angle grinder with the Schluter-
PROCUT-TSM cutting wheel. For the TREP-S, TREP-B, and TREP-TAP aluminum
profiles, a chop saw or miter saw with a non-ferrous blade can also be used.
The planning is now complete and we’re ready to prepare for installation.
In this video, we’ll demonstrate the proper installation of the TREP-SE, TREP-S, TREP-B
and TREP-TAP profiles in various commercial stair applications,
including: TREP-B installed with the tread and riser
tiled using the Schluter-DITRA uncoupling membrane.
TREP-SE and TREP-S installed with the tread and riser tiled using the direct bond method.
TREP-B and TREP-TAP installed with the tread tiled using the direct bond method and the
riser painted. The sequence may vary depending on the layout
and installer preference. The TREP profiles are installed in conjunction
with the tiles. TREP-B: Installation over DITRA
The first application will showcase the TREP-B being installed in conjunction with tile on
the tread and riser over the Schluter-DITRA uncoupling membrane.
We prepare the riser to receive DITRA by applying a primer suitable for steel substrates.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and drying time of the primer.
The DITRA is installed using a rapid-setting modified thin-set mortar that is approved
for use over the primer.
Solidly embed the membrane into the thin-set mortar.
DITRA is installed on the concrete tread using unmodified thin-set mortar.
Once the DITRA installation is complete, we can begin preparing the profiles.
Measure where the TREP-B will be installed along the stair nosing.
Transfer the measurement to the profile. We cut the TREP-B using a variable-speed angle
grinder with the PROCUT-TSM cutting wheel. Be sure to observe all safety instructions
and standards. Set the angle grinder to the lowest speed.
Cut the profile slowly. The profiles can also be cut using a chop
saw or miter saw with a non-ferrous blade.
File the cut end of the profile to remove any burrs.
Dry fit the profile before moving forward with the installation.
Measure the left side of the tread and the riser where the DILEX-BWA will be installed
against the stringer, making sure to position the TREP-B
where it will be located in the assembly. Transfer the measurements to the profile and
cut using the Schluter-SNIPS or similar. Make sure the blade is sharp to help ensure
a clean cut. Dry fit the DILEX-BWA
Repeat the process on the right side of the stair.
The anchoring leg of the TREP-B must be trimmed at the ends to avoid overlap with the DILEX-BWA
since this would interfere with the tile installation. Once the profiles have been cut and checked,
the installation can begin. Since the profiles and tile will
be installed over DITRA, we will use unmodified thin-set mortar for the remainder of the application.
We begin by placing the DILEX-BWA on the riser against the stringers.
The profile will be held in place with the installation of the adjacent tiles.
Using a notched trowel, apply thin-set mortar to the riser.
Solidly embed the tiles in the thin-set mortar. Leave a joint of approximately one-sixteenth
inch to one- eighth inch between the tile and the tread
below and between the tile and the DILEX-BWA. Apply thin-set mortar to the area where the
TREP-B will be installed. Fill the underside of the profile with thin-set
mortar. Press the anchoring leg of the profile into
the thin-set mortar and align. Place the DILEX-BWA on the tread against the
stringers. Trowel thin-set mortar over the profile anchoring
legs to ensure full coverage and support of the tile
edges on the tread. Solidly embed the tiles into the thin-set
mortar, so that the tiled surface is flush with the surface of the
profiles. Leave a joint of approximately one sixteenth to one eighth inch between the tile
and the profiles.
Remove excess setting material from the profiles immediately to avoid any damage to the finish.
The TREP-B installation is now complete. The next application will showcase the TREP-S
and TREP-SE being installed in conjunction with tile on the
tread and riser using the direct bond method. We prepare the riser to receive tile by applying
a primer suitable for steel substrates. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for
application and drying time of the primer. Measure where the TREP-S will be installed
along the stair nosing. Transfer the measurement to the profile.
We cut the aluminum TREP-S using a variable-speed angle grinder with the PROCUT-TSM cutting
wheel. The profiles can also be cut using a chop
saw or miter saw with a non-ferrous blade. The stainless steel TREP-SE is cut using a
variable speed angle grinder with the PROCUT-TSM cutting
wheel. File the cut end of the profile to remove
any burrs. Dry fit the profile before moving forward
with the installation. Measure where the DILEX-BWA will be installed
along the tread to riser transition and cut using the
Schluter-SNIPS or similar. Measure and cut the remaining DILEX-BWA in
the manner shown previously, making sure to position the
TREP-S where it will be located in the assembly. Address any areas where the anchoring legs
overlap. Once the profiles have been cut and checked,
the installation can begin. We begin by placing the DILEX-BWA on the riser
against the stringers. The profile will be held in place with the
installation of the adjacent tiles. The riser tile is installed using a modified
thin-set mortar that is approved for use over the primer. Apply
the mortar using a notched trowel. Solidly embed the tiles in the thin-set mortar.
Leave a joint of approximately one-sixteenth inch to one-
eighth inch between the tile and the tread below and between the tile and the DILEX-BWA.
Apply thin-set mortar to the area where the TREP-S will be installed.
Fill the underside of the profile with thin-set mortar.
Press the anchoring leg of the profile into the thin-set mortar and align.
Place the DILEX-BWA profiles on the tread against risers and the stringers.
Trowel thin-set mortar over the profile anchoring legs to ensure full coverage and support of
the tile edges on the tread.
Solidly embed the tiles into the thin-set mortar, so that the tiled surface is flush
with the surface of the profiles. Leave a joint of approximately one
sixteenth to one eighth inch between the tile and the
profiles. Remove excess setting material from the profiles
immediately to avoid any damage to the finish. The TREP-S and TREP-SE installations are now
complete. TREP-B & TREP-TAP: Installation over Stair
Tread with Steel Exposed The final application will showcase the TREP-B
and TREP-TAP being installed in conjunction with tile on
the tread using the direct bond method, with the riser being painted.
Measure where the TREP-B and TREP-TAP will be installed along the stair nosing.
We cut the aluminum TREP-B and TREP-TAP using a variable speed angle grinder with the PROCUT-TSM
cutting wheel. The profiles can also be cut using a chop
saw or miter saw with a non-ferrous blade. File the cut ends of the profile to remove
any burrs. Removing the rubber insert from the TREP-B
will help to facilitate installation of the TREP-TAP. Insert the
TREP-TAP into the TREP-B. Re-apply the rubber insert.
Dry fit the profiles before moving forward with the installation.
Measure and cut the remaining DILEX-BWA in the manner demonstrated previously.
Dry fit the DILEX-BWA. The anchoring leg of the TREP-B must be trimmed
at the ends to avoid overlap with the DILEX-BWA since this would interfere with the tile installation.
Once the profiles have been cut and checked, the installation can begin.
Place painter’s tape where the TREP-TAP terminates to protect the riser from excess
adhesive that may squeeze out when the profile is embedded during
the installation process. Apply thin-set mortar to the area where the
TREP-B will be installed using a notched trowel.
Apply KERDI-FIX or another suitable adhesive, such as epoxy resin, to the area where the
TREP-TAP will be installed.
Fill the underside of the TREP-B profile with thin-set mortar.
Press the anchoring leg of the profile into the thin-set mortar and align, making sure
to embed the TREP- TAP into the adhesive on the riser.
Place the DILEX-BWA profiles on the tread against the stringers and riser.
The profiles will be held in place with the installation of the adjacent tiles.
Trowel thin-set mortar over the profile anchoring legs to ensure full coverage and support of
the tile edges.
Solidly embed the tiles into the thin-set mortar, so that the tiled surface is flush
with the surface of the profiles. Leave a joint of approximately one
sixteenth inch to one eighth inch between the tiles and the
profiles. Remove excess setting material from the profiles
immediately to avoid any damage to the finish. Remove the painter’s tape from the riser
and clean any leftover adhesive immediately. The TREP-B and TREP-TAP installation is now
complete. With proper planning and execution, the TREP-SE,
TREP-S, TREP-B and TREP-TAP profiles will provide a
clean, safe finish and protect tile edges on stairs.