fireplace hearth tile

10 years ago

We are planning to install a wood burning insert into our existing masonry fireplace. Building code requires that our hearth be extended about 3 inches. Finding a match for our existing hearth tile is unlikely and the red square tile isn't that exciting anyway so we're thinking we'll lay a thin course of tile over the existing hearth as well as 3 inches of the wood flooring. Suggestions for tile that would look nice with the dark brick of the fireplace and complement the 1920's craftsman style of our house?

Featured Answer

greenwoodframed

10 years ago

We went with slate for our hearthstone (not vermont slate, but italian slate that is apparently much softer.) I love the look of it and it wasn't too insanely expensive.

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Comments (10)

annespan
Original Author
10 years ago
Maybe I should paint the dark brink of the fireplace surround as well?
acm
10 years ago
you might look at slate...
annespan thanked acm
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gtcircus
10 years ago
Consider slate or even one large slab of dark stone rather than tile. It will be easier to clean. You can get a remnant for this application that should work
annespan thanked gtcircus
Christy Reves
10 years ago
I think a slate or black hexagon Saltillo tile would look nice.
annespan thanked Christy Reves
acroteria
10 years ago
Using anything in a thin thickness, to overlay existing brick, will likely lead to early cracking. Horizontally applied tile needs a mortar thickness to prevent flexing and cracking.

Does your insert require just ember protection or ember and thermal transfer protection? Some use a thermal pad with a 20 GA metal hearth. Such a thing could "sit" on the existing brick and extend over the wood flooring...secured in place, of course.
annespan thanked acroteria
katinparadise
10 years ago
I agree that slate would be a wonderful option for your hearth.
annespan thanked katinparadise
annespan
Original Author
10 years ago
@acroteria I intend to install the tile on top of HardieBacker to give it some stability and will run some quarter round or similar around the edge. Hopefully that'll prevent cracking.
Tammy Lawhorn
10 years ago
I agree the slate would look nice, but use felt specifically for this application between the tile and slate. A professional tile person will know what I'm talking about.
annespan thanked Tammy Lawhorn
David Strain
9 years ago
Hi,

my fireplace looks almost exactly like yours.

same textured brick and layout. different color tile but same color style. do you happen to know any history on the construction of your house. were you able to find a wood insert? if so what kind?