How to Tile a Fireplace | House One

DIY Expert & House One editor Jenn Largesse installs tile on her fireplace and surround.

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In part one of this project, I removed my mantel so I could cut it shorter for a better television height and demo’d the tile on the fireplace surround and hearth. I realized my substrates were in pretty rough condition, so I replaced the drywall and prepped the floor with cement board. To see more of the that process, see below.

How to Prep a Fireplace for New Tile [   • How to Prep a Fireplace for New Tile ...  ]

For this project I installed a marble tile in a mesh-backed herringbone pattern on the surround, and 3x6 individual subway tiles on the hearth. As a quick note, I’ll say that the herringbone pattern was not the easiest to cut and install—it takes precision to cut the small pieces and keep the pattern aligned, and I definitely made my fair share of mistakes. Having said all that, I love how it looks, and I’m still glad I chose it.

Cost: $10 per square foot and up
Time: 3 work days
Skill level: Moderate

Shopping:
Marble herringbone mosaic tile [https://amzn.to/3r2rE19]
Marble subway tile [https://amzn.to/3qYe0fv]
Natural stone mortar [https://amzn.to/3gWsPdC]
Non-sanded grout [https://amzn.to/2WzJ1sh]
Tile sealer [https://amzn.to/2LISLy5]
1/8” tile spacers [https://amzn.to/38agJdd]
Nitril gloves [https://amzn.to/2KB5j9W]

Tools:
Medium tile saw (rental) [http://thd.co/3r6CSS2]
V-notch trowel [https://amzn.to/34fsI87]
Grout float [https://amzn.to/2IWgHNr]
Plastic bucket [https://amzn.to/3r47Qug]
Sponge [https://amzn.to/3oX9Oe3]
Paddle mixer [https://amzn.to/3ah30nk]
Drill/driver [https://amzn.to/3nqRjOX]

Steps for tiling a fireplace:
1. Prep the materials and layout
2. Mix the mortar
3. Spread and comb the mortar
4. Lay the hearth tile
5. Cut the tiles
6. Lay the first surround tile sheets
7. Cut the hearth tiles
8. Grout the tile
9. Clean the Tiles

See How to Build a Custom Built-in Shelving Unit. [   • How to Build a Custom Built-in Shelvi...  ]

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How to Tile a Fireplace | House One
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