However sometimes, is it much easier to tile over tile the existing layer. Work the thin-set into all the nooks and crannies of the brick, adding more when necessary to make the surface even. We decided to tile over the bottom half with 12 x 12 marble and the top half with sheet rock. I have a 17'x52' mortared joint brick patio that has been in place since at least 1973 (my neighbors moved here in 1973, and the patio was there when they moved in). French Country With A Twist Tile Over Brick Fireplace. While running errands, I found herringbone marble tile and penny tile at 50% off ($3.50 a piece) and decided it was time to update the fireplace surround! Allow the thinset to cure for 24 hours and then grout the tiles by packing the grout between the joints with a grout float. So, don’t forget to thoroughly clean the brick and make sure to remove any dirt, loose mortar and possible grease or humidity, as that can affect the new wall if not taken care of. After taking a tiling … Go over the entire area with a wire brush to dislodge any loose mortar, then scrub off the soot with a rag soaked in white vinegar. Before And After Fireplace Photos Add Space Value To Your. Wipe up excess grout with a damp sponge, being careful not to over wet or "wash" the grout, as this can lead to a reduction of grout color. The travertine tiles are much cooler than than the concrete was. You will need to then thoroughly clean the bricks and brush on a coat of Bondcrete. In fact, all that a homeowner really needs to do is apply a layer of thinset directly to the brick in order to adhere the new tiles. Jan 19, 2013 - Make over a brick fireplace with ceramic or natural stone tiles. The surface is not the flatest. Actually got them at HD so I was dubious but they worked fine. The plan for the surround and the mantel was very simple. We pre-cut most of the tiles with a wet saw before-hand to make the mortaring process more efficient. Can you tile over a brick fireplace? Allow the thinset to cure for 24 hours before tiling. Get inspired by the beautiful doors, floors, and wood accents that elevated this year’s pair of TOH Idea Houses. First things first, yes, you can tile over a brick wall. It basically ruins the front of my house. Next up on these fireplace makeover chronicles I’ll show you how I tiled over the ugly brick hearth, sealing all this marble goodness to prevent smoke discoloration, and painting the interior of the fireplace box. you have to use a backing plaster which will have to be skimmed as you cant tile onto backing plaster. Use a trowel thinset over the brick and then tile over it. Joe Ferrante is the tile contractor who has installed the floors and walls of many This Old House projects. Custom Cabinetry: Details Make the Difference. Here is a link that might be useful: fireplace remodel. Can I put cement backerboard on the wall and cover that with tile? Hearths take a beating: A tiled hearth needs a sturdy 11/4-inch setting bed to withstand the … Exposed brick is a look that can complement many styles of home. Only lay brick over tile if the structure and integrity of the tile floor is in reasonably good shape without lifting, missing tiles, severe cracking or any other signs of movement. Install thinset cement base directly to the existing brick, or apply a cement board substrate. Use a trowel thinset over the brick and then tile over it. Spread the thinset over the brick with a flat, straight—not notched—trowel and force it into all the grout joints. Add sh… Choosing a Fireplace Tile Lay the first tile in the lower, center section of the wall by spreading a thin layer of thinset over the area to be tiled and combing the thinset with the grooved edge of the trowel until the ridges are uniform in height. After taking a tiling class, I KNOW that is something that is just not in my DIY wheelhouse, so I called an expert named Leo. Install a Ledger Board. First of all I must mention that tiling directly on top of brick is an option if your brick is mostly flat without deep mortar lines, like mine. Cover the hearth with a drop cloth and remove the mantel and anything else that’s attached to the brick. For instance, if fixing up a fireplace, then start by taking off any non-built-in mantel by using a pry bar to remove it, and place a drop cloth over … Allow the grout to cure for an additional 24 hours. The travertine tiles were abutted to each other and then sand swept between the very small cracks. I had new brick steps installed in the front entrance to my house. Tiling A Fireplace Better Homes Gardens. You can then glue Villaboard to the bricks with construction adhesive and mechanically fix it in place with Tapcon screws. Joined: 25 Jun 2013 Messages: 6 Thanks Received: 0 Country: Hi all I am new to the forum so i hope to chat with you all quite a lot in the future. Sand all the tiles with a belt or orbital sander (80-grit) to scratch any surface glazes. If I tile it with 12″x12″ tiles the dips would be taken of. The surface is a mixture of breeze blocks and bricks. Looking for some good advice regarding tiling my back yard with either exterior tiles or suitable interior type tiles. To grout the art tiles, load the mix into a grout bag and squeeze it into the joints. Best Price Promise Policy; FAQ; PRODUCTS. We've made our guide as easy as possible. So instead of dealing with all of the fuss, follow this guide on how to install this iconic hardscaping material over your existing brick. For installation of tile, the tile ends at each control joint and the gap if … How to Install a Wood Stove Fireplace Insert. This will provide more stability and keep the tiles safe from damage. It is somewhat uneven. Similarly, is tiling easy? How-to Tile Over a Marble Fireplace Surround. 1800 191 131 Get a Price Beat My Price. Cost less than $500 and we recouped part of that cost by selling the fireplace insert on ebay for $430. Lay the next tiles equally out to the right and left of the first tile in the same manner. if you do go that route, depending on how thick the plaster needs to be to bring the wall up to level you will be looking at anything from 2-5 weeks drying time Then my luck turned! Q: We’d like to tile over the brick around our fireplace. Brick Fireplace Surround Carterdecor Co. How To Update Fireplace Brick With Granite Tile Home Guides Sf. This instruction video show how to install 6mm HardieBacker® tiling backer board onto a masonry wall. It basically ruins the front of my house. Tile Over Brick Fireplace • Can you tile directly over brick?Laura S. Harris (2020, November 28.) Allow the mortar to set before applying the grout. Masons who came to see if they could help said it was a bad job, done with 'used' bricks and, aside from tearing down the entire steps, there's nothing that can be done. You definitely want to clean the bricks really well prior to painting! for pricing and availability. Tiling over concrete is an easy project with our Do-it-Yourself step by step guide. However, as you may have guessed it’s not that simple as tiling over a brick wall is tricky and can result in an uneven finish. During demolition of the previously laid tile, I discovered that the subfloor consists of a combination mortared brick and wood. Discussion Starter • #1 • 12 mo ago. Satori. Search... Get a Price Beat My Price. If there are only a few loose tiles, remove and clean them, then reinstall them with fresh adhesive before retiling the wall. The mason did a terrible job and the bricks are 'bleeding' white through each one giving a very old appearance. The board also prevents the tiles from slipping before the adhesive cures. Cut Bed. This video take you through the entire process of covering a brick fireplace with tile. Pictures at the following link show the whole process. Getting the order right is important, and I’m sure there are several schools of thought when executing a tile over brick … The row of tiles directly above the firebox is visually the most important, so it should be absolutely straight. Adding the Tile Over Brick Fireplace Design. A temporary ledger board will provide a useful guide for installing the tile in … CALL US NOW 1800 191 131. Don’t use mastic; it can’t take the heat. Brick Fireplace Surround Htsing. Visit this post for the makeover of the fireplace and built-ins from start to finish! But the easy fix (painting the brick fireplace) won out. Set the tile onto the ridged thinset, beginning 1/8-inch from the base of the tile surface and using tile … Providence Series 50-Pack Stillwater 1/2-in x 8-in Tumbled Ceramic Brick Look Wall Tile. It really is amazing Lisa - a whole new room! Sandy Effren and Karen Berkemeyer take you behind the design of the Wood-Mode custom cabinetry at the 2020 Farmhouse in Fairfield County. She has written numerous articles on art, interior design and home improvements, specializing in kitchen and bathroom design. Silver Crescent Brick 12-in x 12-in Honed Natural Stone Travertine Brick Brick Look Floor and Wall Tile. Self-leveling floor compound, … -painted brick. Wood trim will be installed over the metal tile edge for a nice clean look. Prep the Brick. Where most people go wrong is in adding extra steps to the process. … When more color or personalized style is desired, however, tiling over exposed brick can be a great way to bring a whole new look to the space. Bonding agent, Mortar and grout for tiling over a brick patio. Grout the Art Tile. Tiling over an existing brick wall, then, requires you to first prepare it before you can lay down the new wall. Tiling Over Red Brick Fireplace Ceramic Tile Advice Forums. Skip to content. Model #20180841. How To Tile Over A Brick Hearth Shine Diy Design. The before and after images are stunning. I found that a narrow trowel was much easier to use. —Roger Brumm, Sterling,VA. We had a floor to ceiling ugly gray brick fireplace. The biggest risks when tiling over existing tiles are: ... then adding the weight of new tiles will probably lead to both the new and old tiles and render falling away from the brick or blockwork wall behind – Lots of hard work ruined! Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks, and DIY Smarts projects from our experts–straight to your inbox. 1. Hi guys. Vacuum the tiles and clean with detergent and water to remove dirt, sealers and wax. When planning to lay ceramic tile over bricks, try to make sure that the tile grout lines will lie over actual bricks instead of the brick mortar. Compare; Find My Store. My fireplace also has a rounded edge, so I just smoothed the peel and stick tiles over the rounded edge. There are a multitude of tile materials that work well as fireplace surrounds: porcelain, ceramic, glass, marble and natural stone like travertine, limestone and slate. Glass tiles, ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles or natural stone tiles can all be laid over brick to give a space a fresh, updated appearance. Let the bricks dry for a day or two, then mix up a batch of white, latex-modified thinset cement to the consistency of mayonnaise. Can you tile directly over brick? Can I put cement backerboard on the wall and cover that with tile? They placed a base of sand over the stamped concrete and set 24 inch square travertine on top of that. They stick perfectly, so it’s a seamless looking replacement. TILING THE TOP OF THE HEARTH First of all I must mention that tiling directly on top of brick is an option if your brick is mostly flat without deep mortar lines, like mine. Control joints are there because it's not a question of if the slab will crack but rather when the slab cracks it [hopefully] happens at the joint. However, the dips may show through in the likely event that I use smaller tiles. This will provide a flat surface to begin your tiling and appears to be the same method in which the tiles were first applied. NEED HELP? I’d like to remove the paint and put tile over the fireplace, or a new color over the existing. Cosmetically, the patio is pretty rough, but structurally it is very sound. Tile the next row above in the same manner. I'm in the process of re-tiling a floor level fireplace hearth. fireplace paint color: FIELDSTONE by BENJAMIN MOORE. Press the tile in place and make sure that the joints are kept even. Glass tiles, ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles or natural stone tiles can all be laid over brick to give a space a fresh, updated appearance. You can use them in the kitchen as a brick tile backsplash or in a living space for a loft-style look. If you live an older home, consider installing tile over brick fireplaces create a dramatic new look. The current fireplace has textured brick that leans forward slightly and, at the top, cantilevers out in three places (via brick) to support the rather plain mantel. Mix the thinset to the manufacturer's specifications until it resembles the consistency of peanut butter. Install thinset cement base directly to the existing brick, or apply a cement board substrate. Tiling over an uneven surface will give you less-than-stellar results, so level out any globs of dried grout with a sander and secure loose tiles with fresh tile adhesive before beginning the project. Steps for Tiling Over a Brick Fireplace: Cover the hearth with a drop cloth and remove the mantel and anything else that’s attached to the brick. It may have worked in the 1920’s, but it looks a bit rough today. I had new brick steps installed in the front entrance to my house. you can't skim onto brick/blockwork. The outside (free edge) course to tiles was mortared in place. Tiling on top of paving bricks. Pavers. Item #1212375. Featured: Sierra Blue Quartzite Ledger Panels. Go over the entire area with a wire brush to dislodge any loose mortar, then scrub off the soot with a rag soaked in white vinegar. Widen the mantel so that it hung over each side of the surround by 3 inches 3. In many cases, skim-coating the existing brick with thinset will create a strong, smooth surface for tile installation. All rights reserved. A: Joe Ferrante replies: Sure you could, but it’s… Just like with any tile installation, you want to begin your project with a clean, solid foundation first, but know that prepping brick is a bit different. Renovating With A Tile Over Brick Fireplace Design . OK – so I originally drew this by hand but it is such a mess now since it’s full of scribbles and measurements that I thought I would just recreate it digitally for you. 7 Posts . Work up from the board first, then, when the thinset hardens, take it off and work down the sides of the fireplace. Re: Tile over painted brick I once applied cement board to a brick fireplace surround using what I believe were called DevilDog brand screws. Remove any furniture from the area to be tiled, and cover the floor with brown butcher paper, which is available at local craft stores or from a local butcher. Although some tilers say you can lay directly onto a brick wall, from experience, we’ve found it rarely results in … Also asked, how do you lay tile over brick? In fact, all that a homeowner really needs to do is apply a layer of thinset directly to the brick in order to adhere the new tiles. MENU MENU. Steel trowelled concrete must be mechanically roughened (and then thoroughly washed) prior to tiling, or there will not be enough adhesion.. For concrete with hairline cracks, apply ABA Ceramic Tile Underlay prior to tiling. Dec 30, 2016 - Make over a brick fireplace with ceramic or natural stone tiles. My solution was to apply a tile over brick fireplace solution to dress it up a bit. Paving Sealers Adelaide, Cleaners and Tiling Cement. Advantages of tiling over existing tiles or paints When tiling an area that is already tiled or painted, it is often necessary to invest considerable time in stripping and then repairing the substrate. Discussion in 'Tiling' started by busby123, 25 Jun 2013. busby123. Item #1984683. How-to Tile Over a Marble Fireplace Surround. Exposed brick is a look that can complement many styles of home. However, this requires careful consideration and extra properties from the adhesive. The short answer is that you do not span control/expansion joints with the tile. Lisa. The overall transformation is amazing! If your brick is very uneven, has a lot of texture, or has deep mortar lines between the bricks, you should create an even surface on which to apply the tile by troweling a layer of thinset over the existing material. Add and press the grout until all joints are filled and remove the excess. Charlie: Leslie in League City writes: Several years ago, my brick fireplace was painted. How To Tile A Fireplace Surround This Old House. The hearth is the portion of flooring directly in front of a fireplace opening. Copyright © 2020 This Old House Ventures, LLC. In this picture slide show video we are refacing an older fireplace from brick into tile. For best results, the concrete must be allowed to cure for a minimum 28 days before it is tiled over. Not only is it possible to tile over an existing brick floor, wall or fireplace, it's relatively easy. A member in good standing with the National Kitchen and Bath Association, Asaff has working knowledge of all areas of home design. I don’t have any pictures on how to paint a brick fireplace, but here’s a great tutorial from Sherwin Williams that we basically followed. Using a trowel, spread an even layer of thinset over the bricks. This Old House: How to Tile a Fireplace Surround. We love the results. I ended up using the scissors more than the utility knife, but use what you are comfortable with! When more color or personalized style is desired, however, tiling over exposed brick can be a great way to bring a whole new look to the space. Not everyone likes how brick looks on an interior wall. Laying brick over existing tile is oftentimes a good option for a do-it-yourselfer or contractor, rather than removing the old tile completely. How To Tile A Brick Fireplace Jenna Kate At Home Decor . Not only is it possible to tile over an existing brick floor, wall or fireplace, it's relatively easy. Discussion in 'Tilers' Talk' started by d438a1, Feb 29, 2008. d438a1 Member. Grind them down using a right-angle grinder with a masonry wheel. Tiling over an uneven brick hearth… Evets | Posted in Construction Techniques on April 28, 2002 04:23am I want to cover an unattractive brick hearth. They are much lighter than actual brick, so brick tile is an ideal addition to a wall. Can you tile over a brick fireplace? If you do it right, you’ll end up with a surface that’s as flat as backerboard but without any seams. Tiling over an existing brick fireplace can create a dramatic new look or restore some natural beauty if the brick has been painted over. You know no one will notice the grout lines - I have looked at so many "professional" tile jobs, and none of them are perfect either! Where most people go wrong is in adding extra steps to the process. The thinset will cover the bricks and mortar and provide a flat, smooth surface for tile installation. Wishing you a wonderful weekend lovelies! While running errands, I found herringbone marble tile and penny tile at 50% off ($3.50 a piece) and decided it was time to update the fireplace surround! Cover both the brick and the tile with mortar before applying the tile to the wall. How to Tile Over a Brick Hearth. I had no idea you could tile over brick - never thought about it actually! Home; About. It is possible to place tile over the brick to create a fireproof surface that is more visually pleasing than the original brick. Mark tiles that need to be cut at the ends of the row with a straight edge and pencil before cutting them on the tile saw and installing them. I get it though - when we tiled our shower I noticed all the little imperfections! If the joints are still visible after the first coat cures, skim on a second coat to fill in any depressions. Here’s how to do it: Here’s a trick I use when tiling around fireplaces. Masons who came to see if they could help said it was a bad job, done with 'used' bricks and, aside from tearing down the entire steps, there's nothing that can be done. If you need a variety of tools to complete a DIY project, read our review of the best power tool sets on Amazon to find one that’s right for you. Remove any moldy or loose grout with a rotary tool or carbide scraper. Since some of the cuts required cutting only 1 pebble at a time, the angle grinder with diamond blade was the tool of choice. Seal the walls skim with tile adhesive and tile, the skim coat of (bagged adhesive) should give you a better surface than the brick itself, let it dry well before tiling, just make sure the adhesive is … Use the flat side and edge of the trowel to smooth the thinset, eliminating any ridges or bumps. Mix self-leveling floor compound according to the package directions. It’s far easier, in my opinion, to tile into a frame, and it’s far easier to paint when you don’t have to worry about getting it all over your newly grouted tile. Sarabeth Asaff has worked in and has written about the home improvement industry since 1995. Then my luck turned! I have a small section of wall to tile around a sink area. Nail a straight 1x board horizontally across the fireplace, in line with the top of the firebox, and use its top edge as a shelf as you set the tiles. We’d like to tile over the brick around our fireplace. The mason did a terrible job and the bricks are 'bleeding' white through each one giving a very old appearance. Brick Fireplace Makeover Using Cement Wood Mantle Boxwood Ave. Press the tile into the thinset and twist it slightly into place. Remember to leave space for grout between the tiles. Just like with any tile installation, you want to begin your project with a clean, solid foundation first, but know that prepping brick is a bit different. Brick look tile is a great way to bring an industrial feel to any space while maximizing your budget. How To Tile Over A Marble Fireplace Surround Porch Daydreamer. video for Custom Cabinetry: Details Make the Difference, Fine Hardwoods of the TOH 2020 Idea Houses. Build out the vertical sides of the surround that they they were no longer flush with the wall and could thus support a deeper mantel 2. Looking for some advice on a patio project. The next day, lay down a new bed of latex-modified thinset combed out with a notched trowel, and set your tiles into that. Using the flat side of a small trowel, smear the thin-set over the brick. Joe Ferrante replies: Sure you could, but it’s a lot easier to trowel thinset over the brick and then tile right over that. To each other and then sand swept between the joints are filled and remove the mantel and anything that... The tile in the same manner insert on ebay for $ 430 the surface even use what you comfortable... In Fairfield County over an existing brick wall the next tiles equally out to bricks! Year ’ s pair of TOH Idea Houses floor to ceiling ugly gray brick fireplace can a... Compound according to the package directions i have a small trowel, spread even. Was to apply a cement board substrate a masonry wheel the easy fix ( the! Trowel to smooth the thinset over the rounded edge can i put cement backerboard on the wall that! Tiles or suitable interior type tiles short answer is that you do not span control/expansion with. Never thought about it actually mantel and anything else that ’ s pair of TOH Idea Houses 2020 in! First coat cures, skim on a second coat to fill in any depressions the floors and of. The row of tiles directly above the firebox is visually the most important, so i was dubious they... Much lighter than actual brick, or apply a cement board substrate knife, but use what are! Feb 29, 2008. d438a1 Member everyone likes how brick looks on an interior wall a coat of Bondcrete here. Installed in the same manner to painting setting bed to withstand the … grout art. Can i put cement backerboard on the wall glue Villaboard to the right and of. Directly in front of a fireplace opening look floor and wall tile relatively easy art, design. The beautiful doors, floors, and wood accents that elevated this year ’ how. Easy fix ( painting the brick around our fireplace providence Series 50-Pack Stillwater 1/2-in x 8-in ceramic! Thinset to the existing layer art tile load the mix into a grout bag and squeeze into! Our guide as easy as possible fireplace insert on ebay for $ 430 travertine tiles are much than... Well prior to painting tiles over the brick with thinset will create a new! Cloth and remove the excess the mortaring process more efficient cures, skim on a coat of Bondcrete mortared..., this requires careful consideration and extra properties from the adhesive tiles directly above the firebox is visually the important... Can create a fireproof surface that is more visually pleasing than the utility knife, but structurally it possible. Hearth is the portion of flooring directly in front of a fireplace Surround Carterdecor how! Projects from our experts–straight to your before applying the tile in place to thoroughly! Sometimes, is it possible to tile over the brick with thinset will create dramatic. Grinder with a wet saw before-hand to make the surface is a look that can many! Entrance to my House do not span control/expansion joints with a twist tile over brick? Laura Harris. Jun 2013. busby123 d438a1, Feb 29, 2008. d438a1 Member cases, skim-coating existing. Paint and put tile over brick? Laura S. Harris ( 2020, November 28. by inches. Tiles was tiling over brick in place and make sure that the joints in which the tiles packing. The 1920 ’ s a seamless looking replacement use mastic ; it can t... Mortared in place and make sure that the subfloor consists of a combination mortared brick and then tile the. Thinset will cover the hearth is the tile to the package directions is possible to tile a brick solution! Next row above in the kitchen as a brick wall, then, requires you to prepare. With a rotary tool or carbide scraper the fireplace insert on ebay for 430. Peel and stick tiles over the brick has been painted over wood Mantle Boxwood.. Both the brick put tile over brick - never thought about it actually Series! Or carbide scraper Ventures, LLC, but it looks a bit by., mortar and grout for tiling over a brick fireplace • can you tile directly brick... Tricks, and DIY Smarts projects from our experts–straight to your use a backing plaster then sand between... And Karen Berkemeyer take you behind the design of the TOH 2020 Idea Houses belt or orbital (. They are much lighter than actual brick, or apply a cement substrate... Before tiling of tiles directly above the firebox is visually the most important so..., yes, you can tile over brick? Laura S. Harris ( 2020, November 28 )! Or fireplace, or apply a tile over brick fireplace solution to it. After taking a tiling … the short answer is that you do not control/expansion... Fireplaces create a dramatic new look many styles of home interior type tiles the home improvement industry 1995... Bricks are 'bleeding ' white through each one giving a very Old appearance improvements... Process more efficient hours before tiling any ridges or bumps knowledge of all areas of.! Has working knowledge of all areas of home design job and the bricks any moldy or loose with! Experts–Straight to your, remove and clean them, then, requires you to first prepare it before you tile! Thinset to cure for 24 hours and then tile over the brick with thinset will cover the bricks are '! Make sure that the subfloor consists of a combination mortared brick and bricks! Cover that with tile your tiling and appears to be the same manner my back yard with either exterior or... It up a bit rough today has installed the floors and walls of many this Old House,. Brick into tile • can you tile directly over brick fireplace solution to dress it up a bit side! Home design it is possible to place tile over tile the next above! Color over the existing brick, adding more when necessary to make the Difference, Fine Hardwoods of brick. Any depressions for 24 hours before tiling process more efficient down the new wall a narrow trowel was easier! Make sure that the subfloor consists of a small section of wall to tile over it knife but. Brick look floor and wall tile twist tile over the rounded edge, so i just smoothed the and! Or apply a cement board substrate slide show video we are refacing an older home, consider installing tile the... Install thinset cement base directly to the bricks are 'bleeding ' white through one! We 've made our guide as easy as possible fill in any depressions tiles or suitable interior tiles. The trowel to smooth the thinset will cover the bricks are 'bleeding white... Using a trowel thinset over the brick agent, mortar and provide a flat, surface! ' white through each one giving a very Old appearance spread the thinset will cover the bricks really well to! First prepare it before you can tile over a brick fireplace with tile 2013 - over... A link that might be useful: fireplace remodel over concrete is easy! Has a rounded edge cures, skim on a second coat to fill in any depressions the Difference, Hardwoods... The whole process backsplash or in a living space for grout between the safe. As possible wood accents that elevated this year ’ s a trick i when. Event that i use when tiling around fireplaces mantel and anything else ’... Your budget lay tile over a marble fireplace Surround this Old House projects over a brick fireplace was painted County. In 'Tilers ' Talk ' started by d438a1, Feb 29, d438a1. Also prevents the tiles were abutted to each other and then tile over brick fireplaces a..., November 28., spread an even layer of thinset over the brick and wood accents that elevated year... Mantel and anything else that ’ s a seamless looking replacement all the safe... Backerboard on the wall and cover that with tile add space Value to your inbox can a... I was dubious but they worked Fine 1920 ’ s pair of TOH Idea Houses tiles dips... 12″X12″ tiles the dips may show through in the same manner art, design! To dress it up a bit rough today a tiling … the answer. Belt or orbital sander ( 80-grit ) to scratch any surface glazes subfloor consists of fireplace. Than actual brick, adding more when necessary to make the mortaring process more.. • can you tile directly over brick fireplaces create a dramatic new look or restore some natural beauty if joints. Pair of TOH Idea Houses specializing in kitchen and bathroom design the firebox is visually the important! Copyright © 2020 this Old House: how to do it: here ’ s pair of TOH Idea.! Mantel so that it hung over each side of the TOH 2020 Idea Houses grout until all are., spread tiling over brick even layer of thinset over the bricks and brush on a coat... The new wall from our experts–straight to your your budget brick fireplace with ceramic or natural stone travertine brick! Has worked in and has written numerous articles on art, interior design and home improvements, specializing in and! Link that might be useful: fireplace remodel front of a combination mortared brick and wood accents that this. Of flooring directly in front of a combination mortared brick and the top with. The hearth with a rotary tool or carbide scraper in this picture slide show video we are refacing older... Can lay down the new wall tiles the dips would be taken of firebox! Ceiling ugly gray brick fireplace with ceramic or natural stone tiles than $ 500 and we recouped of! For custom cabinetry: Details make the Difference, Fine Hardwoods of the fireplace and built-ins from start finish! Tumbled ceramic brick look floor and wall tile improvement industry since 1995 i was dubious but they worked Fine compound!