Is it possible to tile in and around an open fireplace?

Question

Are there special heat resistant tiles available and from where? Does one need fire cement or a special adhesive and from where?

Answer 1

The fire manufacturers dictate how much space you need around the fire, there are products, including tiles that can cope with this kind of heat, be warned, if you just do this with no regard to the heat created, the wrong tiles/products will explode with the heat.

Answer 2

I don't know about "horrible" but certainly impractical; unless the fireplace is merely decorative; or an electric one.

TILE is usually fired at approx. 2000 degrees; essentially creating glass. It's highly unlikely you'd ever have a fireplace fire get that hot...Hopefully. The issue is more that constant stress on the tile in heating and cooling; and the effect on any mortar you choose. Beyond that is the issue of the tile being hidden most often; and the need to clean it often to be able to view it when no fire is present.

Fireplaces are crafted using Brick, that allows no such effects from temp variations, and offers some level of insulation against the heat produced within the confines of the fireplace.

Certainly you might consider tiling a hearth; or creating a hearth that you can tile; but it seems a bit defeating to tile into a fireplace.

Tile; especially floor type; are created through different heat ranges and substances; to be graded in durability. Assume something like A being the least durable, and D being the most durable. That equates to normal traffic and wear. I'll assume someone will tell you; "Sure; there are heat resistant tiles and mortars" but I'll go back to my notion of the aesthetics and ask why bother?

Steven Wolf

Answer 3

Yes it is possible, check all the old antique fireplaces, they all had tiles inside and around the fireplace. Dark green tiles were a favourite in the victorian times. when you go to choose your tiles just ask for heat resistent tiles. Remember tiles are fired at extremely high temperatures, over 1100 degrees celsius and Porcelain tiles are fired on even higher temperatures. Do not think the fire in your fireplace will get that hot without a bellow. So good luck. Here In south africa we use sandstone, very beautiful for an ethnic look.

Answer 4

Heat Resistant Tile Adhesive

Answer 5

It is possible to tile around, but I don't know about in unless you used a good heat safe tile nd adhesive. A tiled front.surround on a fireplace does look nice if it is done correctly. Just don't try and go cheap, it could be dangerous.

Answer 6

Yes you can. Many years ago, the adhesive was cement. Look at the link below. The adhesive will withstand upto 150 degrees C (Bal Gold Star). Just check with your supplier about the suitability of the tiles.

If you check some of the grouts, they too go up to 150oC.

Answer 7

hi Donna ..it is possible as i have done it myself ..but not in a normal width fire opening ..the heat would blow any tile you put on ..i did mine in an inglenook type fireplace where there is an 18 inch gap all round my fire basket (for burning logs)..with a cast iron back ..the tiles i used were a floor tile ...slate grey ...they do get hot but they are still there and non have cracked after ten years ..

Answer 8

Check to see if your town has a code about that, before you
do anything. I am sure a heat resistant something has to be in and around a fireplace, I know it does for a wood/pellet stove. Go to anywhere that sells stoves and fireplaces and they will have all the accessories you'll need.

Answer 9

1

Answer 10

yes it can be done, here is one that I did, came out awesome

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q268/nicholastileco/P1010049.jpg