Fireplace headache

dcdahlin

Hi, am new to this, pls bear with me.

I have a fireplace with hearth, but there is no surround or mantle. I have been told that the wall is empty...only studs are at each side so putting up a mantle will not work. I guess what i am wondering is...can i put a large piece of plywood on wall, secure to studs and go from there? Also wondering if i can put tile over some of the black metal surround around the doors of the fireplace? Or if i can put the tiles directly on the plywood...but have the plywood cover some of the metal? Sory if this sounds confusing.

DangerMouse

Hi and welcome to the forum.
If you could post some pictures, it will help.

DM

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dcdahlin

Here is a picture of the fireplace. What I would like to do is put plywood around, then tile over the plywood.

Attached Thumbnails

 

bjbatlanta

You would want to use tile backer, not plywood. There SHOULD be studs on 16" centers including in the center of the fireplace. You can use thinset and screws to hold the tile backer up, then tile...

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dcdahlin

Does anyone know if I can cover the majority of black metal with the tile backer or do i have to leave it exposed?

DangerMouse

I see no reason to leave any of it exposed.

DM

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bjbatlanta

You can cover it.

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