Ceramic Tile Fireplace Surround Makeover
Giving your existing fireplace an upgrade can completely transform the look and feel of a room. One easy yet dramatic way to refresh your fireplace is by installing ceramic tile on the surround. With so many tile options to choose from, a ceramic tile fireplace makeover allows you to add a modern, rustic or old-world charm that suits your personal style.
Ceramic tile is heat-resistant, durable and easy to clean, making it an ideal material to use around fireplaces. By adding ceramic tile to your dated or worn out fireplace surround, you can give your living space a fresh new focal point filled with texture, color and visual interest.
Benefits of Ceramic Tile Fireplace Surrounds
There are many advantages to using ceramic tile for fireplace surrounds. Some of the reasons homeowners opt for ceramic tile in their living rooms include:
- Adds Visual Interest - With dozens of colors, textures, finishes and patterns to select from, ceramic tile offers plenty of room for creativity.
- Durable & Easy to Clean - Ceramic tile is very low-maintenance and isn't easily damaged by exposure to high heat.
- Variety of Options - Choose from matte, glossy, textured tiles and mixes of shapes and sizes.
- Reflects Light Beautifully - Glossy ceramic tile beautifully bounces and reflects the glow and flicker of the fireplace flames.
- Cost Effective Update - Installing tile over an outdated fireplace surround is very budget-friendly.
By using ceramic tile with decorative accents, borders or even mixing glossy and matte tiles, you can create a custom fireplace design that matches your home. The shape, color, finish and pattern options available in ceramic tile are nearly endless.
Heat Resistance & Durability
An important factor when selecting materials for fireplace surrounds is heat rating and durability. Long-term exposure to heat from gas fireplaces or wood-burning fireplaces can cause some materials to deteriorate, discolor or become brittle and crack over time.
Quality ceramic tiles suitable for fireplace installations can withstand very high temperatures. Glazed ceramic tiles are non-combustible and not affected by the ambient heat around fireplaces and stoves. As always, check specifications before installing ceramic tile around fireplaces to ensure heat resistance.
Easy Cleaning & Maintenance
Over time, fireplaces and chimneys produce soot, creosote and ash residue. Ceramic tile's durable, non-porous finish allows ash and debris to be easily wiped away without staining or absorbing into the surface. This helps maintain the beautiful look of the tile face and prevents buildup of residue.
Glossy tiles showcase this benefit well, as they can just be wiped down to reveal the vibrant finish. Textured tiles also hide soot well. Compared to natural stone, ceramic tile is less prone to reactivity and staining when cleaned.
Design Versatility
Glazed ceramic tiles come in a vast range of colors from neutral tones of white, gray and beige to bold hues of emerald, sapphire and ruby. Rich wood-look tiles, stone and marble textures are also available to mimic natural materials at a lesser price-point.
With options from ultra-modern polished tiles to handmade artisan styles, as well as rustic terra cotta and cotto, the design possibilities are endless. Mixing modern and classic or glossy with matte tiles is an attractive, unique way to update existing fireplace surrounds.
How to Prepare Fireplace for New Tile
Once you've selected the perfect tile for your fireplace surround refresh, proper preparation is crucial before installation. Measure precisely and follow all manufacturer instructions for tile usage and restrictions.
General steps for readying your fireplace for a ceramic tile makeover include:
- Clean Surface - Remove all loose debris, soot, paint or old caulk with either chemicals or abrasion.
- Repair Damage - Fix any cracks, missing mortar or pitted areas using patching compounds.
- Create Flat Surface - Skim coat over brick or stone face for a smooth finish to accept tile.
- Prime - Apply specialty primer/membrane that withstands heat.
It's also smart to test your tile and adhesive using a small sample area first. Allow tiles to cure for at least 48-72 hours, then check for any cracking, lack of adhesion or other issues before tiling the entire installation.
Cleaning & Repairs
Start by thoroughly cleaning the entire surface around the fireplace hearth or stove using a wire brush, putty knife and cleaning solutions if needed. Remove any chipped out sections, loose tiles/stones and old caulk or paint.
Check for small holes, cracks or missing mortar and make repairs using a heat-resistant patching compound. Larger damaged sections may need more rebuilding prior to applying a skim coat layer.
Creating a Smooth Surface
For the tile to properly adhere without putting stress on the tiles themselves, the surface should be as smooth and flat as possible. Uneven bricks, heavily textured stone or mortar joints wider than 1/4-inch will need to be filled first.
Apply a scratch coat using mortar to fill in uneven areas, then smooth it out. Once dried, skim coat the entire surface to create a flat, seamless base for the tile. Allow proper drying time before priming.
Priming & Membranes
Use a liquid waterproofing membrane designed for tile installations near heat sources. These create a protective barrier and strong bond between the tile and fireplace surface. Some mortar products have built-in bonding agents as well.
Priming also allows for easier cleanup after grouting. Be sure to use heat-resistant products rated for temperatures exceeding 300 degrees Fahrenheit or higher for fireplace applications.
How to Select Tile for Fireplaces
Choosing the right ceramic or porcelain tile for your fireplace involves consideringfactors like your decor, color preferences, tile shapes/textures and determining exact measurements.
Options to consider when selecting tile include:
- Design Style - Match existing kitchen backsplash tile or select tiles that coordinate with your interior design taste.
- Colors/Finishes - Matte, glossy and glittering glass tiles all have distinct looks. Stay conservative or go bold.
- Shapes & Sizes - Large format tiles make small spaces appear bigger, while intricate mosaic tiles create captivating focal points.
- Heat Rating - Verify tiles are rated for temperatures exceeding at least 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
Browse design ideas online or visit local tile showrooms. There you can view many types of ceramic, porcelain and even metal or glass tile options to discover which material and style best fits your fireplace tile vision.
Measuring the Fireplace
To determine how many tile sheets to purchase, you'll need precise measurements. Measure the area you want to cover, including the fireplace surround, hearth, front face/facade and inside floor of the firebox if desired.
Pay attention to accent areas like framing the interior of the firebox opening or sides of the hearth as well. Having all the dimensions will allow you to map out your pattern and order materials accurately.
Choosing Coordinating Materials
When selecting ceramic tile, keep the rest of the room's colors and textures in mind. You can match existing kitchen or bathroom backsplash tile for a cohesive look. Often, off-white, beige and gray tiles pair well with various color schemes and styles.
If you plan to paint or remodel the rest of the room later, select neutral tiles in black, white or earth tones as a versatile base. Add color and visual drama to the tile itself using multi-colored mosaics, metallic accents or unique shapes instead.