How do I Remodel and Install Tile Over a Chimney Mantel?

Clean the bricks of the fireplace where you will be installing the tile with a damp rag. You will need to remove extra dirt and debris from the bricks before you can install the tile.

Spread thin set mortar over a small portion of the bricks at the front of the fireplace with a notched trowel. As you install each tile into the mortar, spread thin set mortar on the back of the tile. This is referred to as back buttering and helps get extra coverage of the mortar so it holds the tiles in place. Set each tile into place and set a tile spacer between each of the tiles. Cut tiles with a tile saw. Begin tiling at the bottom of the fireplace and slowly work upwards toward the mantel. Do not attempt to tile the inside of the fireplace because not all types of tile are meant for heat.

Allow the thin set mortar to dry overnight. Remove the spacers from the tiles.

Apply grout to the tile joints with a rubber or foam grout float. Get the grout into all of the cracks and then wipe away the excess by running the float diagonally over the tiles. Use a dampened grout sponge to remove the rest of the grout from the top of the tiles.

Allow the grout to dry overnight. Paint, stain, or replace the fireplace mantel as necessary.