How To Lay Ceramic Tile On A Brick Fireplace

Install outlet inside fireplace to accommodate new electric insert.

How to lay ceramic tile on a brick fireplace.

Make over a brick fireplace with ceramic or natural stone tiles. Allow the brick to dry for up to two days before proceeding. Use a wire brush to remove any loose mortar or brick pieces from the brick surface. Set the first tile in the center front of the hearth and place the next tiles evenly around it.

Use the flat side and edge of the trowel to smooth the thinset eliminating any ridges or bumps. Soak a rag in white vinegar and scrub any soot from the face of the fireplace. Repeat this process for the other three cut tiles at the base of the legs. Lay out the tile directly on the hearth to help determine the pattern they will be installed in.

Tile all the brick. The board also prevents the tiles from slipping before the adhesive cures. Create a box for the electric fireplace to rest on and be screwed into. Allow the thinset to cure for 24 hours before tiling.

Nail a straight 1x board horizontally across the fireplace in line with the top of the firebox and use its top edge as a shelf as you set the tiles. On larger tiles run the notched edge of the trowel over the thinset. Using a trowel spread an even layer of thinset over the bricks. The process phase 1.

The thinset will cover the bricks and mortar and provide a flat smooth surface for tile installation. Butter the back of the tile with thinset using the edge of the trowel. Push the tile into place and wiggle it until it holds against the wall evenly spaced between the hearth and the tile above. Add a support ledge to the top to keep the tile in the middle over the firebox from sagging before the thin set hardened nail a 1 x 2 board across the top of the opening.

Meanwhile measure the fireplace to determine the number of tiles and quantities of thinset and grout that you will need.