How to Cover a Brick Fireplace With Marble Tile

Trowel a layer of thinset over the bricks on the fireplace surround. Smooth the thinset so that it fills the joints between the bricks and provides a smooth, even surface for the tiles to adhere. Allow the thinset to dry overnight.

Lay out your marble tiles on the ground near the fireplace in the pattern you wish to install them. Take tiles from several boxes at once to blend the colors and veins evenly. Mark the tiles to be cut to fit by tracing a line on their face with a pencil and ruler.

Cut the marble tiles to fit the surround on a tile saw and then double-check their placement within your pattern.

Install the marble tiles on the fireplace surround by spreading additional thinset onto the surround, raking this layer of thinset with the notched side of the trowel until you produce ridges of even height. Set the first marble tile in the center of the surround directly above the firebox, pressing it into the thinset and twisting it slightly into place. Lay the next tiles evenly out to each side and down the surround's legs.

Allow the thinset to dry for 24 hours and then seal the marble tiles before grouting. Paint the marble with sealer using a foam paintbrush, wiping up any extra with a lint-free cloth.

Grout the sealed marble tiles with a groat float to push the grout between the tiles. Wipe up any excess grout with a damp sponge and allow the grout to dry for 24 hours.