Slate & Tile Fireplace Surround Project

Safety

• Safety is the most important aspect when refurbishing your fireplace. Combustible materials, like wood mantles, need to be at least 6 inches from the fireplace’s opening if they extend more than 2 inches from the wall. Removing an old brick surround is messy, time consuming and may create a safety hazard. Installers at This Old House recommend tiling over the brick rather than removing it. Check with your local building department before starting your project. Local codes differ from national codes and knowing the differences is important.

Design Ideas

• Instead of tearing apart your old fireplace, consider covering it up. Premade wooden mantles come in a variety of styles from elegant and filigreed, to modern styles with clean lines. Premade mantles are the same depth as brick and are designed to fit around your current surround. The remaining brick face is then tiled in slate, marble, ceramic, glass or any combination of materials you choose. Mix large slate tiles with glass mosaics for size and texture contrast. Painted ceramic tiles paired with slate offer a vintage, Victorian look. You can also tile the entire brick surround, including the sides and existing mantle shelf.

Materials

• Purchase the tile first. If you mix slate and glass, or porcelain tiles, use a latex-modified, thin set for your project. If you decide to mix slate and ceramic, regular, cement-based, thin set is fine. In addition to tiles and thin set, you'll need nonsanded grout in a color that matches your tile, masonry sealer for the slate, a trowel and a rubber float for grouting. You may also need a tile cutter, depending on the project’s scope. If you add a wooden mantle, check with the product's manufacturer for installation instructions.

Project Overview

• Seal the slate tile. If you're installing a mantle, paint or finish it first. Cleaning grout off the slate is easier if it is sealed, and the mantle may take a day or so to dry. Start by nailing a board over the top of the firebox to hold the tiles above it in place while they set. Spread thin set over the brick, back-butter the tiles and adhere them to the wall. A slight tap from a rubber mallet helps them stick. Once the top tiles are set and the thin set begins drying, remove the board over the firebox and continue tiling the surround’s bottom. Wait 24 hours for the thin set to dry before grouting. Install the mantle last, according to the manufacturer's directions.