How To Lay Ceramic Tile On A Brick Fireplace

Tile all the brick.

How to lay ceramic tile on a brick fireplace. Create a box for the electric fireplace to rest on and be screwed into. Butter the back of the tile with thinset using the edge of the trowel. Make over a brick fireplace with ceramic or natural stone tiles. The thinset will cover the bricks and mortar and provide a flat smooth surface for tile installation.

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. 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. Repeat this process for the other three cut tiles at the base of the legs.

Allow the thinset to cure for 24 hours before tiling. Install outlet inside fireplace to accommodate new electric insert. The process phase 1. Install thinset cement base directly to the existing brick or apply a cement board substrate.

Use a wire brush to remove any loose mortar or brick pieces from the brick surface. The board also prevents the tiles from slipping before the adhesive cures. Just peel the tiles you don t want off the mesh backing then add the new ones with extra mortar when the fireplace tile is installed. Soak a rag in white vinegar and scrub any soot from the face of the fireplace.

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. Allow the brick to dry for up to two days before proceeding. Meanwhile measure the fireplace to determine the number of tiles and quantities of thinset and grout that you will need.

Lay out the tile directly on the hearth to help determine the pattern they will be installed in.