Can we see your FP and your room.

Thank you responding! Here is the open wall and a couple pictures from before we started.

I associate Victorian with a subway tile, gloss finish, smaller size.

I do, also, that's likely the direction we'd want to go in. I've been frustrated as our contractor insists it can't be done and that a stone surround would be more appropriate and practical. If ceramic tile is an option, that's what I'd like to do - he keeps saying that the heat of the fire will be "too hot." The picture I posted upthread was just to give an idea of the very saturated color I like, and a floating mantel atop tiled surround. It's not a huge wall, so I'm thinking we shouldn't do a huge/full mantel. Thanks for responding!

Both examples (deep color green and blue) are beautiful with the smaller tiles. If you end up with a lot of space around the fireplace opening (as in the green example) you could insert a few other tiles with a relief, like rosettes, very close in color to the other tiles, to make it interesting and special.

Here's one example I found that also has a tile pattern. It wouldn't necessarily have to be even this elaborate. Those 3 floral tiles alone add a lot of interest. I wasn't able to find one with a painted mantel, but you probably get the idea.

love that pic - will save, for sure!

Tell your contractor he's out to lunch on this one. How does he think ceramic tiles are made?

Ceramic. Ceramic has been used on fireplace surrounds and hearths for hundreds of years. Decorative tiles were especially popular in the late 19th century. Ceramic withstands heat well and is durable enough to withstand the demands of the fireplace.

Your contractor is full of bull pucky. A stone surround is easier for him to do. Go find a talented tile installer to do yours. That's what I did.

he keeps saying that the heat of the fire will be "too hot."

Boy is he showing his ignorance. Does he realize that quality ceramic tile is fired in kilns where the temperature is much hotter than anything you'd generate from a home fireplace? Sheesh.

Here's my zero clearance fireplace built into my new house 4 years ago

. Tiles are Rookwood. There are lots of choices from several wonderful manufacturers.

Omg I LOVE Rookwood tiles! Yours are just gorgeous. Yeah, situation with the contractor is bizarre!

Zero Clearance means you should be able to use regular building materials right up to the firebox. That's what zero clearance means. This means regular framing and drywall.

Ceramic tile is fired at 1000-1250F. If the surface of your fireplace surround gets to this temperature you've got bigger problems than cracking tile.

Thank you for the reassuring responses - I feel like I've been losing my mind with this! Palimpsest - I'd been thinking the same thing - isn't that the whole point of the zero clearance fireplace? I've been second guessing myself, because he's so insistent...and yet here I am, filling my houzz pics and pinterest boards with images of tiled fireplace surrounds!

Omg I LOVE Rookwood tiles! Yours are just gorgeous. Yeah, situation with the contractor is bizarre!

Rookwood is fabulous. I spoke with their designers and they were able to design the layout fo the tiles for me based on my budget and what I was wanting with the roses and leaves.

It's not bizarre. it's either that he hasn't a clue how to lay tile or more likely doesn't want to spend the money on a talented tile installer. My tile installation if I recall took a full day just for the tiles. Then grouting took another bit of time.

@cpartist can I ask if your zero clearance fireplace is by Napoleon, as well, or another manufacturer? Have you been happy with it?

Review the specification yourself on the install and look at the combustible clearances needed for the unit and yes ceramic tile are non-combustible.

https://www.napoleon.com/sites/default/files/fireplaces_products/W415-2955_NZ5000%20Spec%20Sheet_-e-f_02.08.22.pdf

Really helpful, Lorraine, thank you. If I am reading this correctly, there is no indication that ceramic tile would not be acceptable?

Gotcha! Thanks, cpartist.

Don't think there should be a problem with using tile. As others have pointed out tile is fired in a kiln at high temps. The fireplace shouldn't be generating temps as high as that.