Ideas With Tile Quartzite for a Fireplace

Mosaics for Modern Looks

• If you have a modern home and are interested in quartzite for the fireplace surround, consider using mosaic tiles, in either polished or cleft, natural finish.

  Quartzite contains a great deal of silica, which can sparkle when the light hits it. Polishing the tiles increases this effect; when the firebox is in use, the light will catch each tile individually for a radiant look. If you choose to leave the tiles in a cleft finish, the rough texture of the tiles will also catch the light, with additional depth and shadow.

  Mosaics are great for modern homes because they create an overall pattern, rather than a grid effect on the wall. They are also available mesh mounted in patterns of varying styles and sizes, including miniature bricks and micro-mosaics of just 1/2-inch in size per tile.

Multiple Piece Patterns

• If you want to create an arts and crafts style fireplace in your home or you enjoy the eclectic nature of quartzite, consider using a multi-piece pattern on the surround or hearth.

  Tile of varying sizes can be laid in different patterns around the fireplace surround or on the hearth. Rather than relying on a mesh mounted pattern that is pre-assembled, use loose tiles to create your own design. Mix sizes of tile together such as 2-inch, 4-inch and 8-inch squares with 2-by-4-inch and 4-by-8-inch rectangles.

  Try laying the rectangular tiles horizontally and vertically next to the different sizes of square tiles and continually change the pattern as it goes around the surround or hearth. Or use a simpler pattern of two sizes of tile by laying four 2-inch squares grouped together, next to single, 4-inch square tiles.

  This can be done with rustic, cleft-face tiles, which can recall the arts and crafts movement of using local materials in hand-crafted ways.

Keep it Simple

• Quartzite can often have a great deal of variation from piece to piece with the colors of the tile. If you've chosen a quartzite with a lot of color and movement, keep the fireplace design simple by laying large tiles in a grid pattern.

  Use 12-inch or 16-inch tiles to cover the surround and hearth. The larger tiles will minimize the amount of movement the colors of the stone can give, while the fewer grout lines produce less of a busy look.

Transitional Design

• Most quartzite tiles are also available in 2-by-4-inch, 3-by-6-inch and 4-by-8-inch sizes. Set any of these sizes in a running bond, or an offset pattern, on the fireplace surround for a subway tile look. This transitional tile design bridges the gap between modern and traditional and will complement any decor while showing off the quartzite's natural beauty.