DIY Tiling Over a Brick Fireplace

Remove anything on the fireplace that is attached to the brick. Work carefully so you do not damage the mantel.

Place drop cloths on the ground beneath the fireplace. This should cover the hearth of the fireplace.

Clean the bricks with white vinegar. This should remove any soot or other debris on the bricks. Let the bricks dry overnight.

Apply white, latex-modified thinset mortar over the bricks with the flat edge of a notched trowel. Force the mortar into the joints between the bricks. Smooth the mortar completely. Let dry overnight. This will provide you with a smooth surface to install the tiles.

Clamp a straight 1-by-2 inch board over the firebox of the fireplace. The board should be lined up with the firebox. This will help you keep the row of tiles above the firebox straight. These will be the most visible tiles on the fireplace.

Spread thinset mortar over the bricks above the 1-by-2 inch board with the notched side of the trowel. Set the tiles in place above the board. Place tile spacers between the tiles. Start just above the board and work up to the top of the fireplace. Let the mortar set up overnight or for 24 hours.

Remove the 1-by-2 inch board from the fireplace. Tile the second half of the fireplace in the same manner you installed the first half. Let the mortar dry completely.

Remove the tile spacers from between the tiles.

Apply grout to the tiles with a grout float. Squish the grout into the tile joints. Remove the excess grout with a damp grout sponge. Let the grout dry overnight.