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Tiling a fireplace

2K views 4 replies 3 participants last post by  Bud Cline 
#1 ·
Hi all, new to the boards and wasn't sure if this should go here or in the remodeling section...

I have a boring "builder grade" ceramic tile fireplace in a home I am buying built in 2000. I want to remove the large beige tiles and replace them with some subway tile, some mosaic, or some of the metal or metal-looking tiles. Something with some color and something that looks interesting. I'm not sure yet. Two questions:

1. Are there certain types of tile that are not safe for putting on a fireplace? Is there a specific "type" I need to look for that can handle the heat? The fireplace also extends to the floor (I think this is called a hearth?). So whatever I go with would have to be fine for both.

2. I just assume that whatever the ceramic tile is affixed to, it's fine for me to clean up/patch,etc what is there and just re-tile right over on top of that. Accurate?

Thanks, DIYers - much appreciated!

TB
 
#2 ·
Hi all, new to the boards and wasn't sure if this should go here or in the remodeling section...

I have a boring "builder grade" ceramic tile fireplace in a home I am buying built in 2000. I want to remove the large beige tiles and replace them with some subway tile, some mosaic, or some of the metal or metal-looking tiles. Something with some color and something that looks interesting. I'm not sure yet. Two questions:

1. Are there certain types of tile that are not safe for putting on a fireplace? Is there a specific "type" I need to look for that can handle the heat? The fireplace also extends to the floor (I think this is called a hearth?). So whatever I go with would have to be fine for both.

2. I just assume that whatever the ceramic tile is affixed to, it's fine for me to clean up/patch,etc what is there and just re-tile right over on top of that. Accurate?

Thanks, DIYers - much appreciated!

TB
Well the first thing is to show us a picture and the next thing is to know what's below the existing tile. Heat on a fireplace surround isn't usually an issue, why is it now?

Is this a wood-burning fireplace, gas, electric light bulb, what?
 
#3 ·
Hi Bud, thanks for taking the time to respond.

It is a gas fireplace. As far as why heat on a surround would be a problem - I don't think it's a problem - I just don't know if there are certain tile types that should be avoided when tiling a fireplace - I don't know these things, sadly.

Here's a picture:
 
#4 ·
Never heard anything one way or the other regarding metallic tile, except that some people do it and don't report a problem. But other than that, pretty much whatever you want. Ceramic/porcelain tile was formed in extremely high heat - the puny heat of a fireplace surround is like a warm spring breeze to them.
 
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