How to tile fireplace base?

becca_kelz

We’ve got a really shoddy base to our fireplace I’d like to fill with those misshaped stone mesh tiles, but wondering what I need to do to the edge to make it seamless. And do I take off the original wooden panel at the edge? Also can I groat shraight on top of the painted slab that was there from previous owner. Some advice would be appreciated. Thank you 

EricL

Hello @becca_kelz 

Thank you for sharing your question about your fireplace hearth. Before you make any changes to your hearth wold you happen to know how old it is or when it was built? I only ask as there might be a possibility that the material used under the original tile contains asbestos. If it does, I don't recommend removing the original tiles. 

Instead, I suggest just stripping the old paint on the surface and applying Crommelin 1L Tile On Tile Primer. This will allow you to tile directly on the surface of the old tiles.

However, before you begin, I suggest bringing a sample of your stone mesh tiles to a fireplace specialist or the local council and find out if it is compliant. Quite often hearths are made of stone tiles or ceramic tiles in large sizes. 

In regards to the edging, it's possible to remove the timber edging, however, it might reveal the floor edging gap which in turn might reveal the asbestos. If you wish for it to blend in with the hearth, it is possible to paint it with a similar colour to your stone.

Let me call on our experienced members @Brad and @TedBear for their recommendations.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric