
What is the best tile for a fireplace?
What Type of Tile Should Go in Front of a Fireplace?
- Porcelain Tile. Ceramic tile is made in two forms: porcelain and non-porcelain. ...
- Non-Porcelain. Non-porcelain tile is usually finished with a durable glaze of color and patterns. ...
- Granite. Granite is the hardest building stone available. ...
- Slate. Slate is another extremely durable natural stone tile. ...
- Best Option. ...
How to tile over tiles the right way?
Tile Installation: How to Tile Over Existing Tile
- You can lay new ceramic tile right over old tile if you use the methods we show you here.
- Introduction. You can lay new ceramic tile right over the old, using the prep techniques we show here. ...
- Tools Required
- Materials Required. ...
- Check the Surface. ...
- Grind Off the High Spots and Clean the Tiles. ...
- Spread Adhesive. ...
- Set the Tile
Can You tile over VCT tile?
However, you can install vinyl tile over your existing VCT floor. Like VCT, vinyl tiles are flexible and will move with the flooring beneath without cracking. When removing VCT, you must scrape the flooring away from the subfloor with a rigid floor scraper.
How to tile over existing tiles successfully?
- Use an latex modified or flexi powdered tile adhesive. ...
- Prime existing tiles with an Acrylic primer or SBR, add a handful of sand to the mix which will provide a key
- Use the flat edge of your trowel to spread a thin layer across the area being tiled.
- Apply a second layer, this time using the notched edge of your trowel. ...

How do you install tile on a fireplace surround?
0:557:05How to Tile a Fireplace Surround and Hearth | The Home Depot - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFit one of the brick tiles at the bottom of the surround. And mark the top of the tile. Use a levelMoreFit one of the brick tiles at the bottom of the surround. And mark the top of the tile. Use a level to mark a reference line horizontally the width of the surround.
Can you put porcelain tile around fireplace?
Porcelain tile is an incredibly durable, versatile, and stylish surface material, and it's ideal for use around fireplaces. Since it's easy to install, this upgrade is a great DIY project — and even with a professional installation, it's easy on the budget as well.
How do you finish the edges of tile around a fireplace?
4 Easy Ways To Finish Tile EdgesCaulk the Edge. This is the easiest and most cost-effective solution. ... Rail Moldings. Coordinating tile moldings in natural stone and porcelain are usually readily available. ... Metal Edges. Metal edges are available in a wide array of styles and finishes. ... Create a Bullnose Edge.
Can I tile over drywall around fireplace?
Can I Tile Over Drywall? In most areas of your home, you can put tile over drywall without any issue at all as long as you prepare the drywall first and use the right mortar for your project. It is safe and effective and what most professional contractors do.
What kind of tile is best for fireplace surround?
The best tiles to use in front of a fireplace are heat-resistant materials that can withstand high temperatures, like ceramic, porcelain, marble, and granite.
Does porcelain crack under heat?
Because porcelain is fired at such a high temperature, it is a heat-resistant type of material. For porcelain to crack, it would need to be in a temperature that is higher than 2600°F, which would be extremely high temperatures. All kinds of porcelain, even porcelain tiles, can withstand high amounts of heat.
Is tile adhesive heat resistant?
Ready-mixed tile adhesive is used for fixing tiles in areas subject to high temperatures, such as fire surrounds, behind boilers, cookers and radiators. Suitable for fixing fibre rope seals to heater doors. Resistant to 1000oC.
Can you use normal tile adhesive for fireplace?
You shouldn't use ordinary tile adhesive when tiling a fireplace. It will almost certainly not be able to take the heat, and you stand a chance of the tiles cracking or coming loose entirely. Depending on the heat the fireplace will reach, you're going to need a powdered cement adhesive and grout.
Can you install tile edge trim after tiling?
Are you thinking about tackling a tiling project, but are struggling to figure out how to install tile edge trim after tiling? No worries! It's a lot easier than you might think.
Do I need backer board for fireplace tile?
If the surface is in poor repair or you don't want to apply a skim coat, cover it with backerboard. Backerboard must be used when applying tile to a metal surround because most metal surrounds are not strong enough to support the weight of tile.
How much heat can porcelain tile withstand?
Porcelain and ceramic tiles can be heated up to 84°F (29°C), an optimal comfort temperature for any room in your home.
Can you use thinset around a fireplace?
You must use a latex-modified thinset rather than a non-modified thinset or a mastic when tiling around a mantel. The additional latex and other additives will hold the wall tiles in place more firmly, plus mastic is not suitable for installations near fireplaces.
How much heat can porcelain tile withstand?
Porcelain and ceramic tiles can be heated up to 84°F (29°C), an optimal comfort temperature for any room in your home.
Are porcelain tiles fire resistant?
What type of tile can be used in a fireplace? If the heat source is more than 20cm away it would be safe to use most types of tiles however it's advised to use porcelain. This material acts in the same way as fire-resistant bricks by absorbing the heat without transferring it to surrounding areas due to its density.
Can porcelain tiles be used for a hearth?
As mentioned, 99.9% of porcelain tiles are suitable for use in fire surrounds, hearths and fireplaces and there are no restrictions on the size or design you go for.
Are ceramic tiles suitable for fireplaces?
Ceramic Decorative Tile Decorated ceramic tile is one of the most durable and versatile options available, which makes it ideal to use for your fireplace.
How to avoid chipped tile?
You can avoid chipped ends by pushing the piece through very, very slowly as you reach the end, being careful not to force the blade. Too fast and the corner of your tile will likely chip off. Use your fence to make sure your cuts are straight. You may have to trim off ends if you tile is staggered, as ours was.
What to do when using a tile saw?
Use ear and eye protection when you are using a tile saw.
Can you grout between tiles?
If you are grouting between your tiles you will use spacers around each piece. The pieces we used required being set close together to mimic the look of the “preset” tiles. We used the adhesive to fill any small gaps that did show. Again, be sure to check out Brittany’s grouting tutorial if you plan to use grout.
Do you have to cover the edges of a tile mantle?
You will be covering the edges where the tile runs into the wood mantle surround with some sort of trim, so it’s not important that you are dead on with every cut fitting perfectly against that edge. This is also useful if you run into issues with things being out of square (which happens frequently). You can see in the photo below the tile does not fit snuggly, or uniformly along the far sides.
Can you tile over existing tile?
For this project we chose to tile over existing tile, which was far simpler than removing what was there (even with the poor shape it was in.) If your tile doesn’t have adhesion issues this may be a great route for you. We tested the waters [tile] here and found that the damage to the existing tile was superficial, albeit highly unattractive.
Can you hide the seam on a fireplace?
The good news is you will be able to hide the seam at the top with some molding. This fireplace required tile down on the hearth as well, which meant notching around the mantle. To make those cuts be sure you are cutting the tile face up and draw lines to help guide your cuts.
Can you use tile adhesive on a fireplace?
Tile adhesive comes either pre-mixed or in powder form. Pre-mixed is great for small jobs like a fireplace, but either route is fine. Use the notched trowel to spread the adhesive on the back of the tile piece, covering the entire back.
