How to Tile a Fireplace Surround

Tiling a fireplace surround is an elegant upgrade well worth the effort. In a few days, you can create an entertainment spot for dinner parties and family holidays

Jennifer StimpsonThis Old House magazine

Step 1: Create a Smooth Surface

Introduction
Overview
Step 1
Create a Smooth Surface
Step 2
Install a Temporary Support Ledge
Step 3
Set the Upper Field Tiles
Step 4
Lay the rest of the field
Step 5
Tile the Legs
Step 6
Set the Cut Tiles
Step 7
Grout the Tile
Step 8
Grout the Art Tile

photo of thinset being trowelled onto brick fireplace surround

Remove the mantel if possible or mask off its edges with painter’s tape where it meets the surround.

If you’re tiling over bricks or any other uneven surface, you will need to create a smooth base for your tiles. Using a drill/driver fitted with a mixing paddle, prepare a batch of thinset mixed with the latex additive, following the directions on the packaging.

Using a finishing trowel, spread an even layer of thinset over the bricks to cover them and fill the grout lines. Smooth the surface with the flat face of the trowel. Let the thinset dry overnight.

TOH Tip: Properly mixed thinset should be the consistency of peanut butter and will stick to a trowel when turned upside down.

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Tools List

Drill/driver with mortar mixing paddle
½-inch notched trowel
2-foot level
Circular saw
Wet-cutting tile saw (rents for about $40 per day)
1 1/2-inch angled sash brush
Putty knife
Painter's tape
Rubber grout float
Grout bag
Grout sponge
Caulk gun

Shopping List

1. Tile Available through manufacturers, specialty shops, or home centers in a wide variety of materials. For most basic tile or stone, you can calculate the square footage of your surround and buy 10 percent more tile than needed, to account for cuts and mistakes. If you’re working with art tile, many manufacturers will create a custom pattern and materials list for you if you send them a measured drawing of your surround.

2. Thinset mortar Look for a product that’s good for wall applications, such as Laticrete Mega Bond. A 50-pound bag will cover up to 100 square feet.

3. Latex additive to improve the flexibility of the thinset and create a stronger bond.

4. 1x3 lumber to create support ledges for the upper field of tiles and the bottom edges of the legs.

5. 2-inch masonry screws to attach the support ledges to the bricks.

6. Tile spacers to separate the tiles evenly and keep them from sliding down while the thinset cures. The size of your joints can vary, based on the tile; a sharp-edged material, such as granite, can be spaced as little as 1⁄8 inch, but more rustic art tile can have 3/16- to 3/8-inch spacing. Buy plastic spacers or make your own from cardboard.

7. Grout If the space between your tiles will be greater than 1⁄8 inch, you’ll need sanded grout; less space calls for unsanded grout.

8. Sanded acrylic caulk is usually available from the grout manufacturer in a complementary color.