Fireplace tile

10 years ago

I just got a sample of some travertine tile for the floor by our fireplace. Is it sturdy enough for the floor? Or is it more of a wall tile?

Featured Answer

PRO

Rebecca Quandt Interiors

10 years ago

First of all, I agree with Michael Menn, that you should have non-combustible materials in front of your fireplace. I would highly recommend looking into your local building codes to find out the requirements. If you need help, please feel free to contact me and I'd be happy to point you in the right direction.

To answer your original question, the short answer is yes, it is strong enough. You can always ask the manufacturer to make sure that it's acceptable for flooring, however people rarely stand in front of their fireplace. The hearth acts somewhat as a mental boundary and most people walk around it. In that regard, I think it would be fine to put it on the floor.

Good luck! I think it will look great!

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Comments (8)

PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
10 years ago
Can't tell how thick this tile is from your photo. The success of this tile will be based on what you place beneath it. However, I would not use this tile without running it up the face of the fireplace also. It's really quite nice. Too good to be used just for a hearth floor.
lynartist
10 years ago
If you are replacing the blue tile that we are getting a peak of in your picture then it does appear you will be using this to face your fireplace also as Beverly suggested. Very pretty, install will be the key!
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Stacie Magana
Original Author
10 years ago
We were just planning on using it for the floor only. The rest of the fireplace we will drywall and match the paint of the walls. Maybe if it is pretty enough we will rethink the whole fireplace! The tile is about 1/2" thick, so not too thin.
lynartist
10 years ago
Oops! You know what they say about assume;) !
PRO
Michael Menn Ltd.
10 years ago
By code at least 12" wide on the sides and top of the fireplace opening ,ust be finished with a non-combustible material (tile). I (like the previous people, like the idea of using the travertine on the hearth and surround
PRO
Wholesale Flooring Services
10 years ago
Depending on where you got it from- you should be able to ask if its floor and/or wall rated. That will give you your answer if its okay on the floor.
PRO
Jason Conaway Architect, Inc.
10 years ago
Hi stdybala,

Most tile manufacturers provide recommendations as to where a particular tile should be installed (wall, floor, exterior, interior). I would recommending calling the manufacturer, tile supplier, or do an online search for that info.

Keep in mind a few characteristics that differentiate floor tiles from wall tiles are how much load they can carry, and floor tiles have a slipperiness rating call the coefficient of friction.

The tile in the photo you provided looks like a wall tile, which is typically thinner that floor tile, and might become a hazard if it is used in a floor situation and gets wet. But the manufacturer should be able to guide you in the right direction.