Either stack it, or do a 33% or 50 offset. Don't reinvent a wheel

I love 12 x24 tile on a fireplace it keeps it from being too busy and I prefer a stacked pattern usually.

Thank you Patricia. The material is a natural slate, with some variation and movement in color. We wanted something calm and organic looking, and didn't want to muck things up by laying it in a "busy" pattern. Appreciate your advice on a stacked pattern - we are also going with a tight fit, no grout. If we are on the wrong path, please feel free to say so. Thanks!

"No grout" is a bad idea. There will be gaps - those gaps will fill with something you don't want there if you don't fill them with grout.

Hmm, ok. I see your point. How about a minimal amount of grout? Enough to fill the gaps you refer to, but not very evident? (I'm sure there is a technical term for that?)

Minimum gap size will be determined by tile variation - you can always choose a grout color and type that blends well with the tile.

It needs grout. Just tone it in to the hue you see MOST.

Also you need to check what is the minimum grout line that will work with your tile.

Real slate will have a lot of natural color variations; what is your idea of "calm ?" I did not see the firebox dimension, please post that so we can better visualize how the tiles will lay.

Nobody reads "Seven feet wide and sixteen feet tall". STACK it. : ) Get a fantastic PRO install so all the tones blend

The missing firebox dimension will help to configure how much space there's to the left and right of the cutout; to see how the tile will lay when one is using 2 foot wide pieces.

Will try and post either dimensions of firebox or a photo. Thanks for your guidance.

To Jan Moyer: would you please explain what you mean by "nobody reads seven feet wide and sixteen feet tall"? We are not well versed in design (obviously !!). Also thanks for the suggestion to have a pro blend all the tones! I appreciate all suggestions, keep em coming!

Finally getting back to Skippack Tile. Inside dimensions of firebox are 42" wide X 36" tall.

If the box is centered, that tell us you have each leg be 21". How do you want to lay the tiles? above the box it's 3.5 tiles. If you stack, start at middle of wall and have 6" cut tiles on the ends.

I am trying to draw something up, photo then post. That may be more than I can handle, may have to find a young person to help! ; ). What do you suggest for the "legs" on either side of box? (Yes box is centered). How do you place them in conjunction w the tiles above the box, w those being centered then 6" tile on either end? Arghhh! Thanks for your advice!

The legs will have the 6" piece in each end, with a cut tile next to them that is 16" wide.

Oh thank you! I've not been able to figure out how to post my photo of my drawing. And your drawing is exactly what we were going for. Thank you so much for your help, and patience!!! One more question - husband would like a mantle, what do we line that up with? He does not want the corbels, just a straight line.

You're welcome! For the mantel you can consider similar to these photos.

Shelter Island Beach House · More Info

Rustic Contemporary in Lake Barrington · More Info

Thank you so much for your help and guidance. So hard to put into words what is wanted, a picture says a thousand words! I will try and post a photo of the finished product to say "Thank You" again!!!