Can I Put Porcelain Tile Directly on a Brick Fireplace?

Proper Substrates

• Any tile installation requires the use of approved substrate materials for the tile installation to adhere to. Brick, as well as block such as those used in basement walls, is an acceptable backing material for tile installations, which means you can install the porcelain tile directly onto the brick without worrying about the stability of the installation.

Skim Coating

• Although you can install tile directly onto a brick fireplace, you do need to skim coat the brick with a layer of thinset mortar prior to the installation. Brick fireplaces have gaps between the bricks where the joints are recessed slightly, and these joints need to be filled in so you have a flat installation surface. Flat trowel thinset mortar over the brick face to cover everything in a thin layer of mortar and fill in the joints, then allow it to dry before the installation.

Brick Stability

• Brick stability is important if you are going to be installing tile over the bricks. While bricks are an acceptable substrate material, ensure that all of the bricks are firmly locked in place to avoid any issues with movement. If any bricks are loose. stabilize them with thinset mortar to lock them in place and provide a stable environment for the tile.

Thinset

• You must use thinset mortar with a fireplace tile installation, not mastic adhesive. Concrete can withstand the heat of a fireplace, while mastic adhesive is not rated for use in hot areas. Latex-modified thinset is the only type you can use with porcelain tile, as non-modified thinsets will not stick to porcelain tiles, resulting in tiles falling off the fireplace over time.