How To Lay Tile On A Brick Fireplace

A brick fireplace is a beautiful focal point in any home, but it can also be a bit drab. Tile is a great way to give your fireplace a makeover, and it's a relatively easy project for DIYers with some basic skills. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to lay tile on a brick fireplace.

1. Prepare the Surface

The first step is to prepare the surface of the brick. This involves cleaning the brick to remove any dirt, dust, or debris. You may need to use a wire brush to remove any loose mortar or paint. You can also use a pressure washer to remove any stubborn stains or dirt.

Once the brick is clean, you need to check for any loose or cracked bricks. If you find any, you should repair them before you proceed. You can use mortar to fill in any cracks or gaps. You may also want to consider applying a sealant to the brick to prevent moisture from seeping in. This will help to preserve the brick and prevent any future problems.

If your fireplace has a mantel, make sure to remove it before you begin tiling.

2. Choose Tile and Mortar

There are a wide variety of tile styles available, so you can choose one that complements your fireplace and the overall design of your home. Consider the size, shape, and color of the tile, and make sure that it's compatible with the brick. The tile should be frost-resistant if it is being used outdoors.

You will also need to choose the right type of mortar. Mortar is the adhesive that holds the tile to the brick. The type of mortar that you choose will depend on the type of tile you are using. You can find mortar at most hardware stores.

In addition to the mortar, you will also need to choose the right type of grout. Grout is the material that fills the gaps between the tiles. Like mortar, the type of grout you choose will depend on the type of tile you are using. You can find grout at most hardware stores.

3. Lay the Tile

Once you have the necessary materials, you can start laying the tile. You’ll need to use a trowel to apply the mortar to the brick. Spread the mortar evenly and then press the tile into place. Make sure that the tiles are level and that they are all the same height. Use spacers to ensure that the tiles are evenly spaced.

Start at the bottom and work your way up. You can use a level to make sure that the tiles are all level. If you are using a large tile, you might want to consider using a tile cutter to cut the tile to size. However, if you are using a smaller tile, you may be able to simply break the tile with a hammer.

Allow the mortar to dry completely before you move on to the next step. Once the mortar has dried, you can remove the spacers.

4. Apply Grout

The final step is to apply the grout. Use a grout float to spread the grout evenly between the tiles, filling in all of the spaces between the tiles. Press the grout into the spaces with the grout float and then remove any excess grout. Let the grout dry completely before you seal it.

Once the grout has dried, you can use a damp cloth to wipe away any excess grout. You can then apply grout sealer to protect the grout from moisture and stains. You may want to use a grout sealer that is specifically designed for fireplaces.

After the grout sealer has dried, you can re-install the mantel.

Tiling a fireplace is a relatively easy project, but it does require some patience and attention to detail. If you follow the steps above, you can successfully tile your fireplace and give it a fresh new look.