Fireplaces
A beautiful fireplace becomes the center of attention in a living space – especially when entertaining on cold days during the holiday season. Fireplaces can be updated to blend with your personal decorating taste or they can be drastically transformed to make a bold design statement. Either way, putting new tile on the walls surrounding the fireplace is a simple way to update the look of your fireplace. Below are steps to help guide you in your fireplace surround project.
Calculate Materials and SuppliesStep-By-Step Guide
Step 1 Inspect substrate (or existing fireplace wall).
- Determine if it is an acceptable type of substrate to receive a tile installation. It must be structurally sound, solid and stable.
- When applicable, replace it with an appropriate substrate material such as cement board or drywall.
- Clean the substrate (or existing fireplace wall). All substrates should be clean, dry and free of dust, dirt, oil, grease, paint, wax, soap, loosely bonded toppings, any primers that are not MAPEI brand, old adhesive residues (unless otherwise recommended by MAPEI), and any other substance that may prevent, reduce or affect adhesion or performance.
Step 2 Prepare the substrate to receive tile.
- If you are installing over existing brickwork or stone with mortar joints, fill recessed joints and create a smooth surface using MAPEI Ultraflex LFT Rapid.
- For clean drywall and drywall patching compounds (wall mud), apply MAPEI Primer T™ primer.
- For cement board substrates, tape and fill joints per the cement board manufacturer’s written instructions.
- Clean the substrate (or existing tile). All substrates should be clean, dry and free of dust, dirt, oil, grease, paint, wax, soap, loosely bonded toppings, any primers that are not MAPEI brand, old adhesive residues (unless otherwise recommended by MAPEI), and any other substance that may prevent, reduce or affect adhesion or performance.
Step 3 Plan the fireplace wall layout and make cuts.
- Measure and mark the center points of the left and right wall edges in the area between the lower end of the mantle and above the fireplace opening. Use a chalk line tool, china marker or pencil to create a line, connecting the two points.
- Measure and mark the center points of the lower end of the mantle and the top edge of the fireplace opening. Create a line connecting these points. The intersection of the two lines marks the center of the focal point of the fireplace.
- Using a carpenter’s level, verify that the horizontal line marking the vertical center on the focal point is level and adjust as needed.
- Take time to carefully plan the layout. It is best to have the cut tiles at the top of the wall, just underneath the mantle and have whole tiles on the row adjacent to the top of the fireplace opening. You will probably also have the cut tiles at the bottom of the left and right walls, adjacent to the floor or hearth.
- It may be helpful to plan the tile placement by creating a “story pole.” To make a story pole, first lay out the tile with spacers in between each tile on a flat surface, which will represent your tiled wall (left to right = bottom to top). Then mark all tile and grout joint measurements on a long wooden dowel rod. Include decorative inserts and accent tile. Transfer the markings onto the wall surface and review the placement.
- If you are using border tiles to frame the opening of the fireplace or are using decorative accent tiles, measure and mark lines to indicate these areas.
- Dry-fit a row of tiles (or mosaic tile sheets) by placing the tile (or sheets) in position with spacers along reference lines to check for accuracy and determine tile cuts. Adjust reference lines as needed.
- Pre-cut all tiles, with the exception of the bottom row (first row) of tile on the left and right walls surrounding the fireplace.
- On the left and right walls, mark a line where the second row of tile will start.
- Attach 3 wood ledger strips to the substrate using screws. The ledger strips will function as temporary supports for the tile until the mortar dries.
A very long ledger strip should be positioned just below the top edge of the fireplace opening. It will need to span the entire length of the tile row from the left wall edge to the right wall edge. Ledger strips should be used to support the second row of tile at the bottom of each of the left and right walls. The top of each ledger board will mark where the second row of tile will start.
Step 4 Mix and apply the tile mortar.
- Measure water amounts carefully. Mix the mortar according to the instructions on the package. Refer to current Technical Data Sheets on our product pages for detailed instructions.
- Select a notched trowel size that is appropriate for the size of the tile. Contact MAPEI’s Technical Services Department for guidance if needed.
- Using a notched trowel, spread mortar while holding the trowel at a 45-degree angle to the wall.
- First, using the straight (flat) side of the trowel, apply a thin and even coat to the surface. Follow immediately with more mortar and “comb” the mortar in one direction, using the notched side of the trowel to achieve an even-setting bed. If using tiles larger than 15″ (38 cm) on any side, back-butter tiles before setting them to provide uniform mortar coverage and maximum support. Note: Do not back-butter ceramic tile with curved surfaces such as chair rails and rounded, decorative listellos. Back-buttering these shapes can cause cracking.
- Only spread as much mortar as can be covered with tiles before the mortar skins over or loses transfer when touched.
Step 5 Set the tile.
Note: If using mesh-backed mosaic tile sheets, skip Step 5 and go to Step 6.
- Set the first row of tile above the top of the fireplace opening. Allow the area to dry until the mortar achieves its initial cure and the tile becomes solidly bonded.
- Set the second row of tile on the bottom of the left and right walls. Allow the area to dry until the mortar achieves its initial cure and the tile becomes solidly bonded.
- Building upward, row by row, continue to place the field tiles and decorative accent tiles in position in the area below the mantle and on the left and right walls. Firmly apply pressure to the face of the tile while moving the tile back and forth perpendicular to the trowel ridges; this helps to ensure that the mortar transfers to the back of the tile and that the tile is in an even plane with adjacent tiles.
- Periodically check that the tile lines are level using a carpenter’s level.
- Check several of the set tiles for adequate mortar coverage by lifting them up. All of the ridges should be collapsed without voids or trowel lines. Mortar should also cover the entire back of the tile without voids or trowel lines.
- Keep a damp sponge nearby for quick cleanup in case mortar is dropped on the tiles or any other surfaces.
- Keep grout joints free of mortar. Remove excess mortar by cleaning the grout joints while the mortar is still soft.
- Place plenty of spacers in between tiles to ensure even spacing between tiles as well as straight, uniform grout joints.
- Allow field tiles to dry to a firm set, remove ledger strips and then install the border tile, bullnose or edge trim. Refer to the instructions on the package of mortar or current Technical Data Sheets on our product pages for recommended drying times.
- Finally, precut the bottom row of tiles for the left and right walls and set the tiles in place. Leave a gap between the tile and the floor or hearth area. Use spacers to maintain a consistent gap. Allow the area to dry until the mortar achieves its initial cure and the tile becomes solidly bonded.
- Protect the area from use and avoid disturbing the tile.
- (Go to Step 7.)
Step 6 Set mesh-backed mosaic tile sheets.
Note: Follow the written instructions of the mosaic tile manufacturer when instructions are provided.
- Gently place the first mosaic sheet in the center of the first row of tile above the top of the fireplace opening. Allow the area to dry until the mortar achieves its initial cure and the tile becomes solidly bonded.
- Gently place the second mosaic sheet on the second row of tile on the bottom of the left and right walls. Allow the area to dry until the mortar achieves its initial cure and the tile becomes solidly bonded.
- Building upward, continue to gently place the sheets in position in the area below the mantle and on the left and right walls.
- Using a soft foam rubber grout float, place the float flat against the top surface of the sheet and apply gentle pressure. This will ensure that the mortar transfers to the back of the mosaic tile and that the tile is in an even plane with the adjacent mosaic tile sheets. Avoid pushing too hard, which will result in mortar coming upward and filling the grout joints.
- Check several of the set mosaic tile sheets for adequate mortar coverage by lifting them up. All of the ridges should be collapsed without voids or trowel lines. Mortar should also cover the entire back of each individual tile without voids or trowel lines. Note: This is especially important for clear and translucent glass tile.
- Keep a damp sponge nearby for quick cleanup in case mortar is dropped on the tiles or any other surfaces.
- Keep grout joints free of mortar. Remove excess mortar by cleaning the grout joints while the mortar is still soft.
- Place plenty of spacers in between mosaic tile sheets to ensure even spacing between tiles as well as straight, uniform grout joints.
- Allow mosaic tile sheets to dry to a firm set, remove ledger strips and then install border tile. Refer to the instructions on the package of mortar or current Technical Data Sheets on our product pages for recommended drying times.
- Protect the area from use. Avoid disturbing the tile.
- Finally, precut the bottom roll of mosaic tile for the left and right walls and set the sheets in place. Leave a gap between the tile and the floor or hearth area. Use spacers to maintain a consistent gap. Allow the area to dry until the mortar achieves its initial cure and the mosaic tile becomes solidly bonded.
- Protect the area from use. Avoid disturbing the tile.
Step 7 Prepare the installation for grouting.
- Allow all tiles to dry until a firm set. Refer to the instructions on the package or current Technical Data Sheets on our product pages for recommended drying times.
- Remove the spacers.
- Certain types of tiles – such as heavily pitted tiles, unglazed tiles, and tiles that have textured surfaces such as some wood-look tiles – may require special preparation before grouting. The application of a pre-grouting sealer may be necessary to prevent grout haze and permanent staining of the tile.
Step 8 Mix and apply grout.
- Moisten the surface of the tile with a damp sponge.
- If Keracolor® U, Keracolor® S or Ultracolor Plus FA grout is used, measure water amounts and do not add any extra water. Mix the grout according to the instructions on the package. Refer to current Technical Data Sheets on our product pages for detailed instructions.
- If MAPEI’s UltraCare®Grout Maximizer additive is used with Keracolor® U or Keracolor® S grout, mix the entire bag of grout with ¾ (75%) of the coordinating unit of UltraCare Grout Maximizer and do not add any water. Add some or all of the reserved UltraCare Grout Maximizer as needed in order to reach a sticky paste consistency similar to creamy peanut butter.
- Next, holding the grout float at a 45-degree angle, force grout into the joints to completely fill the joints with no voids.
- When grouting a large area, grout and clean one section at a time rather than applying grout over the entire tile area.
- Remove excess grout from the tile surface by moving the rubber float at a 90-degree angle across the tile in a diagonal direction.
Step 9 Clean up after grouting.
- Refer to the instructions on the grout package or current Technical Data Sheets on our product pages for cleaning instructions.
- Never allow the grout to remain on the surface of the tiles for an extended length of time before completing the initial cleaning.
- After each wipedown, rinse and wring out the sponge so that no excess water stays on the tile surface.
- Change the rinse water frequently. Having multiple buckets of clean water at hand will simplify this process.
- Make sure that all tiles are thoroughly cleaned before the grout dries. Note: This is especially important when using a rapid-setting cement-based grout such as MAPEI Ultracolor Plus FA.
- If grouting with MAPEI Keracolor S or MAPEI Keracolor U grout, come back about an hour later and check the tile for any residual haze. If needed, buff the tiles with a dry terrycloth towel to remove any remaining haze. Contact MAPEI’s Technical Services Department if the grout haze persists.
- If grouting with MAPEI Ultracolor Plus FA, all residual grout haze must be removed from the tile surface within 30 minutes to one hour after grouting.
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Calculate Materials and SuppliesFAQs
Which mortar is recommended for high-heat areas?
MAPEI's Ultraflex LFT Rapid is recommended for areas with high heat, such as walls and floors adjacent to fireplaces and wood stoves that are used as heat sources.
Which mortar is recommended for moderate-heat areas?
Two-component mortars – such as MAPEI's Adesilex P10 Mosaic & Glass Tile Mortar mixed with MAPEI's Keraply (for tiles 15" or smaller), or MAPEI's Ultraflex LHT SG mixed with MAPEI's Keraply – are recommended near fireplaces where the area does not become too hot to be touched.
Which grout is recommended for high-heat areas?
MAPEI's Ultracolor Plus FA is recommended for areas with high heat, such as walls and floors adjacent to fireplaces and wood stoves that are used as heat sources.
Which grout is recommended for moderate-heat areas?
MAPEI's Keracolor S, Keracolor U and Ultracolor Plus FA grouts are recommended near fireplaces where the area does not become too hot to be touched.