Tiling Fireplace Surround

6 years ago

We are preparing to tile our new fireplace surround (photo # 1) and are going for a contemporary look (photo #2). The challenge is that there are four surfaces that need to be tiled (front, left & right sides, and mantle top which is set back from the front). The tile contractor is encouraging us to use Schluter edge trim on the left and right edges and a wood mantle to avoid tiling the top. However, this will ruin the look we are trying to emulate. The final image (photo #3) appears to show a real-life example where the tile meets nicely at the corners, which is what we want. Is our request to miter the edges reasonable? Do any of you have additional advice on how we can achieve the look we're going for? Thanks for your help!

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PRO

Patricia Colwell Consulting

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

I think it depends on your budget and the tile you choose IMO schluter is almost invisible when done and works very well in contempoary spaces. Mitering the tile is expensive and is best done with a tile that is the same all the way trhough. I would not do an actual mantel on that FP at all. How large are the tiles you are using?

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Comments (7)

PRO
Woodhaven Renovations
6 years ago
Miter the side corners. a skilled tile setter should have no issue with that.
mplund99 thanked Woodhaven Renovations
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PRO
Imperial Flooring Inc.
6 years ago

Fireplace · More Info

Fireplace · More Info

Fireplace · More Info
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Nancy Walton
6 years ago
Yes, I agree that a good tile setter will have no problem with a mitered edge. They have a special wet saw which makes it easy. If they don't, then they are not a good tile setter.
mplund99 thanked Nancy Walton
PRO
Skippack Tile & Stone
6 years ago
To achieve what you want you'll need the experienced installer that can handle this. Be sure your porcelain selection is rectified as well.
mplund99 thanked Skippack Tile & Stone
mplund99
Original Author
6 years ago
Thank you Patricia Colwell Consulting, the face of the fireplace is approximately 68 x 50. We're looking at this tile: https://www.daltile.com/product/Articulo?color=Editorial-White&shape=Rectangle, which comes in 12 x 24, 6 x 18, and 18 x 36. Do you have a size recommendation?
Nancy Walton
6 years ago
If I were doing it, I would use the 6 x 18. Sure, you will have more grout lines, but fitting the layout should be easier. With 24" tile you would have quite a few small pieces, unless you do a stacked bond, which would make them all uniform.