Check out this easy-to-follow tiling a fireplace advice to create a stunning hearth

Whether you tackle tiling a fireplace yourself or call in a professional, updating your tiles can dramatically refresh your space and create a hearth that complements the surrounding decor.

However, before you can make that happen, you need to choose a colour and design that matches your fireplace ideas. Then it's on to the more practical considerations. What type of tile is best? What tools are needed? Should you think about a raised hearth?

Once you’ve decided and all the hard work is done, it's time to sit back, relax, and enjoy.

Shop these tools and product for tiling a fireplace

Best tile for a fireplace

When pitting porcelain vs ceramic tiles against each other for use on a fireplace hearth, porcelain wins out. Its dense nature, achieved by firing at a higher temperature, means it absorbs heat better, making it better suited to a fireplace with either an open fire or a log burner.

Natural stone tiles are equally as effective, so they could also be considered. Ceramic tiles have lower heat resistance, so they are not ideal, especially when close to heat sources.

Ideally, whatever tile you use for your tiled fireplace ideas you will need to a gap between a stove and the wall and floor. Jon Butterworth, Director at Arada Stoves says, "We would suggest a gap of at least 100mm is maintained from the stove body to any non-combustible materials to aid the convection of heat out of any fireplace," He adds, "Squeezing too large a stove into a small opening is an often-repeated mistake and should be avoided"

Jon Butterworth

Jon Butterworth is Managing Director of Arada Stoves, one of the UK's leading suppliers of stoves including solid fuel, gas, boiler and bioethanol options, as well as outdoor products too.

Building Regulations that apply to a fireplace hearth

There are specific Building Regulations for chimneys, stoves, and fireplaces which may affect tiling a fireplace if it contains a stove. This includes a minimum hearth thickness, depending on the appliance.

The hearth should be at least 50mm from the sides of the stove and 300mm from the front of the stove in a fireplace recess.

HETAS has some useful information on fireplace hearth boundaries that's worth familiarising yourself with, especially if tiling a new fireplace hearth.

Tools and materials you'll need to tile a fireplace

• Tiles
• An electric tile cutter (like this MacAllister Corded Tile cutter from B&Q)
• Heat-resistant adhesive
• Grout
• A notched adhesive comb or trowel
• A grout float (like this Vitrex Soft Grip Grout Float from Amazon)
• Grout sponge
• Mixing bucket x2 (like this Proplas Black 14L Bucket from B&Q)
• Drill
• Mixing paddle (like this Faithfull Mixing Paddle from Amazon)
• Self-levelling compound (optional)
• Protective eyewear, gloves and clothing for operating the cutter

"When installing your tiles, remember that the adhesive you use needs to be suitable for use near a heat source," says Lincoln Evans, Buyer at Tile Mountain. "We always recommend Mapei Keraquick, which is suited to pretty much all substrates and is heat-resistant up to 90°C. In terms of grout, Mapei Ultracolour is suitable and available in a wide selection of colours."

Colin Lincoln Evans

Colin is a seasoned tile expert with 25+ years in the industry. He specialises in materials, design trends and installation, curating globally sourced collections that balance standout style with everyday performance and practicality.

Prepping a fireplace for tiling

There are two main types of fireplace hearth you can tile:

• A recessed fireplace hearth: this is a hearth that's level with the floor in the room
• A raised fireplace hearth: this is a hearth that's raised above the fireplace floor

It's easier to replace tiles on a raised fireplace hearth because the floor is already level. However, it can get in the way of furniture and rugs and even create a trip hazard, especially in a small room. The tiling process is pretty much the same for both; however, the prep is a little different.

For a recessed hearth, you may need to not only take up the existing tiles, but potentially dig out some of the concrete of the hearth in order to fit new tiles if they're thicker, or if the existing hearth was raised.

If the hearth is uneven, there's a few tricks to level the floor. In a recessed hearth, you could use a self-levelling compound; however, this may raise the level slightly. If your issue is leftover adhesive from previous tiles, try an angle grinder (like this BLACK+DECKER 115mm 710W Compact Corded Angle Grinder from Amazon) with a grinding disc to smooth it out.

Steven Jenkins, DIY expert, says, "One quick way to add a level floor to tile onto is to use a fireplace construction board like this NoMorePly Fibre Cement Board from Wickes." He adds, "This 12mm board is made from fibre cement for strength and has an A1 fire rating, making it ideal for a fireplace."

Steven Jenkins

Steven Jenkins a keen DIYer with over 25 years of experience in transforming and renovating the many homes he has lived in. He specialises in painting and decorating, but has a wide range of skills gleaned from working in the building trade for around 10 years.

How to tile a fireplace

1. Dry lay the tiles

Before any tiles are laid, you need to dry lay to see how they fit. Jenkins shares why, "Dry laying tile helps establish where cuts will be needed." He adds, "Start in the middle of the hearth and lay in the pattern you want. If you find you have thin slivers of tiles, adjust the starting tile until you get an even pattern and even cuts across the hearth."

2. Cut tiles to fit

Once you've dry-fitted your tiles, you can start cutting the pieces you need to square off the hearth. Jenkins says, "You can use a manual tile cutter if you only have simple straight cuts. However, if you have more precise cuts, use a wet tile cutter." If using a wet tile cutter, do it outside and protect your flooring, clothes, eyes and hands. It can be a messy job.

3. Apply the adhesive

You'll need to apply your heat-resistant adhesive in small areas so that it doesn't dry too much before you can fix your tiles in place. If you have powdered adhesive, you'll need to mix it with your drill and mixing paddle before you can use it.

Once mixed, apply with the notched trowel, creating ridges to allow air to escape as you push the tile down into the adhesive. Once one section is completed, start again, adding more adhesive and tiles.

4. Fix the tiles with spacers

Start laying your tiles as previously set out into the first patch of adhesive. Push down firmly into place. Use tile spacers between tiles to keep the gap consistent. Jenkins recommends using 2mm or 3mm title spacers. "For a minimal look and for narrow or smaller tiles, 2mm spacers are a good choice. If using larger tiles, 3mm or 5mm work well."

5. Apply the grout

You should apply the grout with a grout float, pushing it into the gaps between each tile. If you're finding it difficult to apply with the float alone, buy a grouting bag (sort of like a big icing bag) to apply it directly into the gaps before smoothing out with the float.

6. Sponge clean

Once applied, use a damp grout sponge and a bucket of clean water to wipe over the top of the tiles to remove the excess grout. This will give the grout an even finish. Jenkins offers one tip to get a consistent finish to the grit. "Use the flat end of a pencil to get a neat and consistent curve to the grout."

Leave the grout to dry, then use a dry microfibre cloth to polish the tiles and remove any white haze left behind.

8. If necessary, seal your tiles

Some tiles, such as stone or terracotta, need sealing after they're laid. You can do this before you lay the tiles, but it's a good idea to do this after they're laid when the grout is in place too.

FAQ

Do I need to use a tile trim for a fireplace hearth?

This typically depends on what type of hearth you are looking to tile. If you are replacing an old hearth and its level with the floor, it's unlikely you will need a tile trim. However, if you are adding tiles on top of an existing hearth, it makes sense to add a trim to hide the ends of the cut tiles. Trim will also help protect the tiles and can complement them.

Alternatively, you can use a tile with a curved bullnose edge or a decorative strip to replicate the bullnose style. Another option is to use a mitred edge tile to create a square edge. These involve more work to install, but look great in contemporary homes.

If you’re introducing a natural warmth into a space, it's a good time to think about the decor and what else you can do to enhance it. Check out our home bar ideas, beautiful living room ideas and stylish living room ideas for inspiration.