How to Remodel a Fireplace with Ceramic Tile

Cover any exposed brick and prepare the surface of the surround to receive the ceramic tile. Trowel on a layer of thin set mortar over the bricks of the surround, smoothing the mortar with the flat edge of the trowel until the surround is smooth and level. Allow this mortar to dry overnight.

Lay out the ceramic tiles in an area of equal size to the surround to be tiled. Plan out the design of the tiles to determine how many will fit on the legs and top of the surround, and where the tiles will need to be cut to fit.

Set the first tile so that it will lay just above the firebox, in the center of the surround. The next tiles will be laid to the right and left and above this tile, across the top of the surround. Lay the leg tiles last.

Mark the tiles that should be cut to fit with a straight edge and pencil, and cut them with a tile saw before double checking their fit with the other tiles.

Install the ceramic tiles on the surround in the same pattern you created in your layout. Spread a small amount of thin set mortar at a time directly onto the surround. This time, rake the thin set with the notched end of the trowel to produce ridges which will help grab and hold the tiles. Press each tile into the thin set and twist it into place.

Wait 24 hours for the mortar to dry and then grout your ceramic tiles. Press the grout between the tiles using the flat of a grout float. Wait ten minutes and then wipe up any excess grout from your tiles using a damp sponge. Allow the grout to dry for an additional 24 hours and the entire installation to cure for two to three weeks before hanging a mantle.