How to Install Stainless Steel Tiles on Drywall Around a Gas Fireplace

Clearances

• Nearly every manufacturer has its own method of producing stainless steel tiles. The tiles may be backed by fiberboard or ceramic, or they may be made of stainless steel straight through. Because of these variations in material, there are also variations in recommended clearances for high temperature areas, such as fireplaces. If your stainless steel tiles have been backed by fiberboard or ceramic, the steel covering may be as thin as 1 millimeter thick. Stainless steel this thin may warp or melt if installed closer than 6 inches away from a fireplace opening. Plan your tile layout accordingly to keep thin tiles away from the firebox.

Dry Layout

• Every tile installation begins with a dry layout. A dry layout gives you the chance to place the tiles in the most pleasing arrangement, while minimizing cuts. You can also use a dry layout to mix in other materials, such as stone or ceramic tile and to observe clearances around a hot fireplace. Take careful measurements of the fireplace surround, breaking the two legs and top section into three separate areas to tile. Lay out the stainless steel tiles on the floor within these measurements. Begin at the center of the top section of the surround, then move to the two legs for the most balanced layout.

Cutting Stainless Steel Tiles

• If your tiles did not come sized to your fireplace surround's measurements, be prepared to cut them to fit the space. How you cut your stainless steel tiles will depend on what material they are backed with. Cut tiles backed with ceramic or with fiberboard on a tile wet saw. Cut any solid stainless steel tiles with an angle grinder that has been fitted with a metal cutting blade. Take precautions when cutting your stainless steel tiles not to touch the edges, which can be sharp. Wear eye protection as well to protect against small shards of metal, which may become airborne when the tiles are cut.

Installing the Tiles

• Stainless steel bonds differently than ceramic, porcelain, stone or glass tiles. While these other materials typically use a Portland cement-based mortar or an organic mastic for fireplace surrounds, stainless steel tiles require a polyurethane-based adhesive and sometimes a double-sided adhesive tape. Once you have laid out your tiles, apply a small amount of adhesive tape to the center of the back of each tile, then squeeze a bead of adhesive around the perimeter before applying the tile to the drywall. Use a level or a chalk line tool as needed to help keep your tile lines straight as you work. Stainless steel tiles on a fireplace surround do not have to be grouted; if you choose to grout them, use an unsanded grout spread with a grout float. Once the tiles are dry, remove the protective covering from their faces.