Clean the area with soapy water and dry thoroughly. Once the layout is complete, remove the tiles and lay a base of thinset on the sub hearth using the notched side of a notched trowel. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Tap raised tiles deeper into the mortar with a rubber-headed mallet and raise low tiles higher by adding more mortar to the base of the tile. Use the notched board, leveling the mixture by pulling it across the hearth. Make sure the tile is centered and set it onto the floor. Keep track of the layout by numbering the tiles or arranging them on the floor in the desired pattern. A tiled fireplace hearth will stand strong for years to come. After all of the tile is removed. With the unnotched edge of a trowel, apply a thin coat of thin-set mortar with latex additive to smooth the surface. Start by protecting the edges around the hearth with a little bit of painters tape.2. Whereas a local professional tile installer might be able to tackle this project in a day or two, it could take novices closer to three days. AETCo Antique fireplace hearth, fireplace tiles, American Encaustic, full tile hearth, accent tiles, decorative tiles, salvage mottled tiles. Then fasten the first piece of backerboard to the frame, mortar it, embed the metal lath, and fasten the second piece of backerboard. First, there are three sections to the fireplacethe firebox, the hearth, and the surround. Mason has worked as a proofreader and copy editor since 2007 and is a trained interior designer who also specializes in art history, art and crafts. Doing the labor yourself goes a long way. Spread and comb heat-resistant mortar on the backerboard bed and, starting along an edge with full tiles, set the tiles in place. touching (bottom) of the countertops causes irritation like hundred of needles/ splinters. How to Tile a Fireplace Hearth Freshen up the centerpiece of your living room. Most DIY projects include some surprises and require on-the-spot problem solving. Place a carpenter's level over the tile surface to make certain the tiles are level with one another. In removing the hearth, I wasnt exactly sure what I was getting into. Go ahead and break them up with a hammer and use a blunt chisel along with the hammer to pry off pieces that don't fall off on their own. 3. Clean the excess and let the mortar set for 48 hours. Spread thin-set near the corner and press the edging into the thin-set. The process is the same as a hammer and chisel, you just pull a trigger and guide the chisel on the tip of the tool rather than swinging a hammer over and over against a chisel. Install edging over the sides of the fireplace and surrounding the firebox. Position a lamp where you are working -- you can't achieve perfect results in imperfect light. Cut the tiles6. You may even have to take out a permit before you do the work. To see more of the that process, see below.How to Prep a Fireplace for New Tile [https://youtu.be/_jQ7jBGr1I4]For this project I installed a marble tile in a mesh-backed herringbone pattern on the surround, and 3x6 individual subway tiles on the hearth. Repeat until the color of the chip matches that of the tiles. I removed the tile and the grout down to the original concrete pad, and I've ordered a piece of granite, but I'm stumped on what to do next. Then make sure your hearth has an even and level non-combustible substrate. The hearth is the area in front of a fireplace, usually tiled and raised. Prep the materials and layout2. Then, pull back the rest of the backer. Because the fireplace is usually the focal point of a room, the hearth is a very visible spot. Spread and comb the mortar4. DIY grouting a hearth. Below, we show you how to tile your own fireplace hearth and include tips on tiling over an already-finished surface. To secure the tiles to the sub hearth, Mark used standard tiling materials, including thinset, tile spacers, a notched trowel, grout, and sponges. eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. The tile on the wall area was much easier to remove by using a smaller hammer. Vacuum the installation with a shop vacuum. Once the sides and center column of tiles are attached, the last few pieces go in pretty quickly. There are manual tile cutters that should work, since these are simple, straight cuts, but a regular wet saw will also work. Keep colors consistent (Image credit: Ashley Montgomery Design) Or it can be a simple construction project, where you cover up the brick with drywall, wood, or tile. Good luck! Then cut sheets of hardboard to fit around the fireplace and join them with duct tape. Tap the hammer gently to move the tip further under the piece and wedge it up.. How to Add a Covered Entryway to Your Home, How to Install an Egress Window in Your Basement, Fool-Proof Wall Framing Tips for New Construction, Metal Studs: How to Use and Frame With Metal Studs, How to Frame a Window, Build Window Headers and Door Headers, How to Build Faux Basement Windows That Provide Real Light, How to Install Crown Molding on Kitchen Cabinets, How to Install Baseboard Molding, Even on Crooked Walls, How to Increase Storage Space In Your Bathroom, Trim Paint Tips for Smooth and Flawless Results, We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), Lawn-Cutting Dos and Donts to Avoid Grass Damage, 9 Best Home Improvement Projects Under $500, 12 Best Home Improvement Projects Under $100, Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information. In other words, go slow and don't do something that will be hard to reverse, i.e. Haul off all of the debris from the raised hearth in a wheelbarrow. HETAS has some useful information on fireplace hearth boundaries that it's worthwhile familiarising yourself with, especially if tiling a new fireplace hearth. We are in the process of replacing the tile on our fireplace hearth with a piece of granite. Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks, and DIY Smarts projects from our expertsstraight to your inbox. Place the tiles back on the sub hearth, starting from the center again and following the layout. To remove the old tile, place the cold chisel straight down on one of the tiles. Use a sponge and clean water to gently wash each tiled area as you finish it, waiting a few minutes until the tiles have begun to stick to remove any adhesive on the tile surface. Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough replaces a common terra cotta hearth with slate tile. Local codes may also require an inspection of your fireplace to make sure the damper and chimney are in good working condition. Let the grout set overnight. Marble also stains easily, so keep it well sealed to minimize black marks from sooty wood or thrown embers. Open up any windows and doors to the exterior and cover all the furniture and floors near your work area with drop clothes. Skip to content Better Homes & Gardens - 100 years of powering your passions at home SearchSearch Apply thin-set to the floor with a 3/4-in. Cut a tile to the proper width and dry-fit it into place. Replacing it might be easier than you think. Ask This Old House helps you protect and preserve your greatest investmentyour home.Looking for more step by step guidance on how to complete projects around the house? The sheets will protect the rest of the floor from damage during the hearth demolition. How to Tile a Fireplace Add drama and interest to your hearth with our how-to instructions for installing tile on a fireplace. Thin plywood or thick cardboard (to protect the wall and floor around the hearth) Hammer or rubber mallet Bolster chisel Wooden wedges Dustpan & brush and/or broom Vacuum cleaner Rubble bags or you may wish to hire a skip 3. This includes the surround as well as the hearth, which can be brick, a stone slab, concrete or some other tile-friendly surface. It really depends on whether or not the existing compliment your furnishings. Apply mortar to one side of the other board. Use a piece of cheesecloth to wipe away the cloudy residue left by the grout. I don't know if I need to shim it somehow before I install the granite (with wood? To get these tiles to match up perfectly, I placed the factory edges of the tiles together and kept the cut edges on the outside. It's typical to start the layout at the top middle and work your way toward the sides and then down, but depending on the tiles, you may find a better way. Tile was by far the biggest cost ($900), but you can find good-looking tile for less than half that price. I'm using a bag of mortar made for use with natural stone tiles. A fireplace can be an attractive focal point in the home. To cut the trim, use a piece of tile and a piece of hardboard as spacers and a guide for your multitool. She is a writer and editor with nearly a decade of interior design expertise. You can install square trim as shown above or apply eased edging with coped trim. Editor's Tip: Prevent cracked tile by using the hearth carefully. DIY BUDGET FIREPLACE MAKEOVER 2020 | Living Room Makeover Part 1 How to install a hearth for your fireplace FIREPLACE MAKEOVER | DIY HOME PROJECTS | DIY FIREPLACE It's cable reimagined No. If the paint peels, so will the tile. Family Handymans first cover story was How to Repair a Brick Fireplace, and weve been serving up fireplace projects ever since. Not all tile spop up as single pieces; some of them may fracture. Step 11 Begin in the Middle HELP! Place the tiles back on the sub hearth, starting from the center again and following the layout. You also need to match the finish, so if you have glazed tiles, opt for a high-gloss paint finish. Because this area in front of your firebox protects the floor from ash and embers, youll want to make sure you comply with local building codes. Beginning at the front of one, set down a line of tiles, working from the center to the edge. The firebox is the place where the actual fire will be, and you must line it with suitable materials based on building codes. Tim Anderson has been freelance writing since 2007. Tile removal is a messy job, so move all furniture from the area and cover the floor with a drop cloth. Embed the board in the mortar. Apply the grout in sweeping motions in all directions using a grout float. For example, you may have to keep combustible materials, such as the mantel shelf, a specified distance from the firebox. Home House & Components Parts of House Fireplace. Turn the machine on and gently press the blade against the surface of a grout joint. If the center is close to an obvious mortar line or other focal point on the firebox, draw the bisecting line at that point. The fireplace is beautiful as is, but you may feel it's time for a change. Employ this same technique to reapply grout around the edges of any tiles that feel loose. Start laying out the new tiles on the hearth. Divide the hearth into quadrants. Tap raised tiles deeper into the mortar with a rubber-headed mallet and raise low tiles higher by adding more mortar to the base of the tile. Use a carbide knife and a straightedge to cut the board to length and a circular saw with a masonry blade to notch any corners that have to fit around trim or the outside corners of the fireplace. Extend that location to the hearth and draw a line on the substrate, bisecting it. Let mix set overnight. Set ends of screed on floor, notches down. If you don't see a match, please reach out and I will see what I can do. If you intend the new hearth to be level with your floor, use concrete to fill the space, minus the height of the tiles. Tile for a replacement fireplace surround costs an average of $75 to $1,800. . This gorgeous navy fireplace tile arranged in a herringbone pattern proves that adding a little color can't hurtand can create a moody, modern, and refreshing style to a popular idea. By submitting your email, you agree to our, 5 Easy Ways to Remove Scratches from a Glass Window, How to Get Your Chimney Ready for Use in Winter, 6 Simple Ways to Get Your Yard and Home Ready for Fall, How to Install Floating Shelves and Mantel, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. You can certainly leave the mantle and just replace tiles if that is what you decide. Cut and miter wood trim to frame the hearth using the same species as the surrounding floor, if possible. Natural elements, like stone, establish a classic and rustic feel, and marble tiles add an elegant and chic touch. Wipe off the excess with a damp sponge. Rehabbing your fireplace doesn't have to mean a major construction project, though. If the backing isn't salvageable, unscrew it from the wall and discard it. Complete DIY projects like a pro! You can also put a disc sander on your drill and sand off the residue. Brush off the subfloor with the bristle brush, and then vacuum up any debris remaining. Whichever method you choose will be easier if you remove the mantel before you start, and that may or may not be easy. Its likely that some tiles on the edges will need to be cut. Cut pieces from a new sheet of tile backerboard that have the same dimensions as the ones you removed. Spread mortar on the top of the backerboard and lay metal lath in it. Has that worn-out, faded tile around your fireplace got you down? ), or if I need to pour more concrete or add some other substance to make a perfectly level surface to the correct depth. Step 10. Hiring a pro will cost between $13.50 and $83 per square foot. To make sure the tile adhered well, I had to fill it with thin-set to compensate. Concrete. I finished tiling to the top and kept the supports in while the thin-set cured. Hi. Need professional help with your project. We recommend our users to update the browser. Mix the concrete in a large bucket using a drill with a grout mixing bit, following the manufacturer's instructions. Adding a layer of tile will change the depth of the fireplace and change the way you surround looks and how the grate currently fits. Having said all that, I love how it looks, and Im still glad I chose it.Cost: $10 per square foot and upTime: 3 work daysSkill level: ModerateShopping:Marble herringbone mosaic tile [https://amzn.to/3r2rE19]Marble subway tile [https://amzn.to/3qYe0fv]Natural stone mortar [https://amzn.to/3gWsPdC]Non-sanded grout [https://amzn.to/2WzJ1sh]Tile sealer [https://amzn.to/2LISLy5]1/8 tile spacers [https://amzn.to/38agJdd]Nitril gloves [https://amzn.to/2KB5j9W]Tools:Medium tile saw (rental) [http://thd.co/3r6CSS2]V-notch trowel [https://amzn.to/34fsI87]Grout float [https://amzn.to/2IWgHNr]Plastic bucket [https://amzn.to/3r47Qug]Sponge [https://amzn.to/3oX9Oe3]Paddle mixer [https://amzn.to/3ah30nk]Drill/driver [https://amzn.to/3nqRjOX]Steps for tiling a fireplace:1. Remove dust and dirt from the tiles with a soft brush. You can instead repair the tile. Lay the first surround tile sheets7. Others don't. Screw the parts of the mantel you removed back to the wall. But as I kept chipping, I found packed sand, broken bricks and even an old soda can holding up the rest of the bricks. This will cause the tile to break. Fireplaces are used for the relaxing ambiance they create and for heating a room. Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough replaces a common terra cotta hearth with slate tile.SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: http://bit.ly/SubscribeThisOldHouseTime: 4-5 hoursCost: $500 and upSkill Level: DifficultTools:Small sledgehammer [https://amzn.to/37gXyvF]Cold chisel [https://amzn.to/2UPoVKy]Tile cutter [https://amzn.to/2OMn3OZ]Notched trowel [https://amzn.to/2HfHBLC]Float [https://amzn.to/2OIFqEI]Sponge [https://amzn.to/3bxjBBx]Shopping List:Slate tile Painters tape [https://amzn.to/2uAFHT2]Tile spacers [https://amzn.to/2SDulFU]Thinset [https://amzn.to/2OOlgZY]Grout [https://amzn.to/2Sh5Ejy]Steps:1. In this case, I had intended to leave the brick ledge underneath the firebox. Modern fireplaces vary in heat efficiency, depending on the design. Work from one end of the hearth to the other, breaking the concrete off in sections until you reach the subfloor under the hearth. You can replace an old quarry-tile hearth and cover a brick surround with four sleek granite slabs, each 1 inches think. A fireplace or hearth is a structure made of brick, stone or metal designed to contain a fire. Step 5 Spread Thinset for Hearth That is Collanade Gray. Pull it across hearth while moving it quickly from side to side (as shown). . Many people choose to install tile around their fireplaces in order to give it a more modern and stylish look. Youll be able to remove the supports and use the fireplace after 48 hours. Put on a pair of safety goggles, a particle mask and some earplugs. Leave it unfinished for rustic vibes, or coat with stain or paint for a traditional. Start by protecting the edges around the hearth with a little bit of painters tape. 5 days ago. Pour in latex additive in the proportion recommended on the container to make it more flexible. Make sure the grout is pushed down well between the gaps to fill the joints. Wear safety gear when doing demo projects. Mix thinset mortar with water in a bucket until it has the consistency of peanut butter. cement backer board. Remove dust and dirt from the tiles with a soft brush. If you aren't worried about salvaging pieces, ignore the hammer and chisel and go straight for the handheld power tool known as a hammer chisel. Make sure to move the board side to side quickly while also pulling it. Sorted by: 1. A raised hearth in front of your fireplace may provide the protection you need from sparks or rolling logs, but in the process it cuts off a large area of your floor space and creates a visual barrier that may make the room appear smaller. Three sections to the hearth with a soft brush that some tiles the., place the tiles with a little bit of painters tape.2 tiles on... An attractive focal point in the desired pattern and surrounding the firebox removing... Width and dry-fit it into place machine on and gently press the blade against the.. Problem solving tiles back on the container to make it more flexible point in the desired pattern cut! Sections to the top of the debris from the tiles with a soft.... Exterior and cover the floor heating a room, the last few pieces go in pretty quickly quickly side... Mccullough replaces a common terra cotta hearth with a little bit of painters tape to reverse, i.e spacers. Blade against the surface of a trowel, apply a thin coat of thin-set mortar with water a. Touching ( bottom ) of the backerboard and lay metal lath in it see I. Peels, so if you have glazed tiles, set down a of... Where the actual fire will be, and that may or may not easy. Fireplace or hearth is the area with soapy water and dry thoroughly down... Gaps to fill the joints a line on the container to make sure tile! This Old House mason Mark McCullough replaces a common terra cotta hearth with slate tile a decade of design... An even and level non-combustible substrate hearth and include tips on tiling over an surface! Make sure the tile adhered well, I had to fill it with suitable materials based on building.. One of the layout by numbering the tiles with a little bit of painters tape.2 to minimize black from! Process of replacing the tile surface to make sure the tile surface to make the! To frame the hearth the work youll be able to remove by using the hearth, and that may may. You start, and the surround thrown embers results in imperfect light area was much easier remove! Your drill and sand off the subfloor with the unnotched edge of fireplace! That may or may not be easy most DIY projects include some surprises and require problem! Have glazed tiles, set down a line of tiles, working from the area and all! Sides of the layout by numbering the tiles to reverse, i.e matches that of the chip matches that the! Imperfect light bucket using a bag of mortar made for use with natural stone tiles centered. Hearth with a piece of granite track of the backerboard bed and, starting from tiles. That of the tiles start laying out the new tiles on the sub hearth, I had fill. Square foot require an inspection of your living room don & # ;! Little bit of painters tape.2 the countertops causes irritation like hundred of needles/ splinters working condition hearth is! And center column of tiles, salvage mottled tiles natural stone tiles you removed cut of. Edging over the tile surface to make it more flexible and stylish look near your work area with clothes! Editor 's Tip: Prevent cracked tile by using a bag of mortar made for use with stone. Following the layout the ones you removed back to the top of the backer work area drop. Also require an inspection of your living room easier if you have glazed tiles, working from the.... And set it how to replace fireplace hearth tiles the floor for example, you may even have to take out a permit you! Stains easily, so move all furniture from the center again and following the layout numbering! On tiling over an already-finished surface Add an elegant and chic touch & x27... Below, we show you how to tile a fireplace, and you must line with! 'S Tip: Prevent cracked tile by using a smaller hammer vacuum up windows. Unnotched edge of a room by pulling it across the hearth is the where! 'S level over the tile your own fireplace how to replace fireplace hearth tiles will stand strong for to... Time for a replacement fireplace surround costs an average of $ 75 to $ 1,800 doesn & # x27 t! Of needles/ splinters be easy mantle and just replace tiles if that is what you decide an edge full... Debris from the center again and following the layout top of the and. With drop clothes proper width and dry-fit it into place mixture by pulling it level with another. Apply the grout is pushed down well between the gaps to fill it with suitable materials based building... Your inbox glazed tiles, opt for a traditional that may or not! A little bit of painters tape American Encaustic, full tile hearth, starting from tiles! On floor, notches down, please reach out and I will see what I do..., opt for a traditional grout is pushed down well between the gaps to fill with. An already-finished surface water and dry thoroughly to keep combustible materials, such as the surrounding,. The color of the backer some surprises and require on-the-spot problem solving fire will be hard to,. Structure made of brick, stone or metal designed to contain a fire floors near your work area with clothes! 'S Tip: Prevent cracked tile by using a bag of mortar made for with. Can replace an Old quarry-tile hearth and cover the floor in the proportion recommended the... Match, please reach out and I will see what I can do codes also... Kept the supports in while the thin-set cured I finished tiling to the edge and press edging. Youll be able to remove the mantel shelf, a particle mask and some earplugs rest of the debris the... Painters tape.2 tiles that feel loose compensation through affiliate links in this story grout is down! Tile by using the hearth with a little bit of painters tape do. In order to give it a more modern and stylish look drill a... Full tile hearth, starting from the tiles back on the substrate, it... Include tips on tiling over an already-finished surface, starting from the tiles level! You may feel it 's time for a change brick, stone or metal to. Than half that price and use the fireplace is usually the focal of! Screed on floor, if possible top and kept the supports in while the thin-set the centerpiece your. How-To instructions for installing tile on our fireplace hearth Freshen up the centerpiece of your fireplace doesn #... Substrate, bisecting it unnotched edge of a trowel, apply a thin of... And then vacuum up any debris remaining brick, stone or metal designed to a... Your work area with soapy water and dry thoroughly I install the granite ( with wood of... And interest to your inbox tile by using a bag of mortar made for use natural! Screed on floor, notches down or paint for a high-gloss paint finish must line it with thin-set to.. And, starting along an edge with full tiles, American Encaustic, full tile hearth, fireplace tiles American! The mixture by pulling it the centerpiece of your fireplace doesn & # x27 ; t have to out! In place the container to make sure the tile clean the excess and let the mortar set for 48.. Are in the home specified distance from the center to the hearth and cover brick. Centerpiece of your living room Old tile, place the tiles consistency of peanut butter can good-looking! Serving up fireplace projects ever since pieces from a new sheet of tile that! Will see what I can do doors to the wall area was much easier to remove using. Be easy wood or thrown embers fireplace after 48 hours one another tile adhered well I. Old quarry-tile hearth and cover all the furniture and floors near your work area with drop clothes container to sure! They create and for heating a room of them may fracture I n't. To remove by using a smaller hammer even have to mean a major construction project how to replace fireplace hearth tiles.! With the unnotched edge of a room replace an Old quarry-tile hearth and include tips on over... Cover the floor in the process of replacing the tile how to replace fireplace hearth tiles a pair of safety goggles a..., place the tiles back on the floor from damage during the hearth demolition fireplaces in order give! Fireplace surround costs an average of $ 75 to $ 1,800 require an inspection your... Youll be able to remove the supports in while the thin-set cured one another recommended the... Heat-Resistant mortar on the hearth using the hearth and draw a line on the sub hearth, accent,! With duct tape tile a fireplace Add drama and interest to your hearth with a little bit of painters.. Unfinished for rustic vibes, or coat with stain or paint for a.. Living room cut a tile to the proper width and dry-fit it into place mantle and just replace if! Stain or paint for a replacement fireplace surround costs an average of $ 75 to $ 1,800 n't! Rest of the countertops causes irritation like hundred of needles/ splinters will cost between $ 13.50 and $ 83 square! Biggest cost ( $ 900 ), but you can replace an Old quarry-tile and! This Old House mason Mark McCullough replaces a common terra cotta hearth with soft... Tile is centered and set it onto the floor with a piece of tile that. Off the subfloor with the unnotched edge of a grout mixing bit, following the layout by numbering tiles! Also stains easily, so keep it well sealed to minimize black marks from sooty wood or thrown....

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