Hi all,

We’re in a bit of a bind and would greatly appreciate any advice! Our builder left our exterior fireplace incomplete and seems unsure how to finish it. It’s a Superior 50-Inch Radiant Wood Burning Fireplace (WRT4550), and we’ve been left trying to figure out how to apply a tile surround without much luck. Right now, the stainless steel of the firebox is exposed, and there’s a 1" height difference between the firebox and the stucco.

The main issue we’re having is with that 1" gap—it’s tricky because we need a smooth, even surface to apply the tile across both the steel and stucco. We tried priming the steel with PPG Seal Grip, then using Rutland 2000 Degree Furnace Cement and Rutland Dry Mix 211 to adhere the tile, but it all came undone. We’ve seen this fireplace successfully finished with tile or brick before, so we know it’s possible.

Unfortunately, the manufacturer hasn’t been able to provide any helpful guidance, so we're really stuck at this point. The tile we plan to use is approved for fireplace use.

Does anyone have experience with a similar situation or suggestions for how we can fill the gap and get a solid, even surface for tiling? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

(Images attached for reference)