How to tile fireplace hearth + safely remove mirror?

[MarlieBeena]

Hi Workshop Community, 

We’re working on updating an empty fireplace in our 1950s double brick home and would love some advice.

The fireplace previously had a gas heater, but the gas line has been removed by a plumber recently. There’s now just a power cable inside, and we’re planning to:

1. Tile the hearth – We want to give it a fresh new look with tiles.

2. Install an electric fireplace heater – an inset unit is what we're after

What’s the best way to go about tiling the hearth? Do we need to prepare the surface in any particular way before laying tiles? Also, are there any things we need to keep in mind for safely installing an electric fireplace where a gas one used to be?

Bonus question:
There’s also a large mirror fixed above the fireplace that we’d like to remove. What’s the safest way to do this without cracking the glass? Pic shows how it is mounted. 

Thank you

Sophia 😊

[MarlieBeena]

[JacobZ]

Hi Sophia (@MarlieBeena)

This looks like a fantastic project that will modernise and beautify your home as well as keep you warm during the cold months.

To begin tiling the hearth, the most important step is to ensure the surface is properly prepared. Start by thoroughly cleaning the area to remove any dust, soot, or leftover adhesive. Scrub the hearth with sugar soap and warm water using a scrubbing brush. 

Once clean, apply a tile primer or bonding agent such as this Davco Ultraprime Surface Primer to help the tile adhesive stick more effectively.

Use a high-quality tile adhesive that specifically mentions it can be used for wall tiles. My suggestion is this Davco SMP Evo Tile Adhesive, which is a non-slump formulation, meaning it holds tiles firmly in place on vertical surfaces without sagging. This is particularly important when installing heavier tiles or working with a pattern where precise alignment is critical. It’s also suitable for a wide range of tile types, including ceramic, porcelain, and stone-look porcelain, which gives you freedom in your design choices.

Look for tiles specifically marked as suitable for walls, especially if you’re considering larger formats. Lightweight options like subway tiles and mosaic tiles are popular for vertical applications. If you're after a natural look, stone-look porcelain is a fantastic option.

Manufacturers of fireplace heaters will usually specify minimum clearances around the sides, top, back, and front of the unit to prevent overheating and ensure proper airflow. These can vary between models, so check the installation manual prior to purchase to ensure it is possible to meet these requirements.

To safely remove the mirror, you'll want to ensure you take all precautions possible to ensure your safety. Make sure you have a helper and preferably two and make sure everyone is wearing long protective clothing, gloves and eye protection. Have a clear plan in place about where you are moving to, and put down a soft floor covering, such as a thick rug or foam mat, where you are planning to place the mirror. Communicate clearly so your movements are coordinated, and the mirror is adequately supported.

When everything is ready and you are all on the same page, disconnect the mirror from the wall. It looks like the small plastic brackets are keeping the mirror in place. It may come free when you remove these, but if not, there is a good chance adhesive has been used. If the mirror has been glued to the wall, I would consider having a glazier or handy person do the work for you, as it will need to be pried off the wall, which is inherently risky. 

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Allow me to tag @AlanM52, @Nailbag and @Dave-1 to see if they have any ideas or inspiration to offer.

You might also like to check out Stacked stone cladding for gas heater fireplace from @Jimi and Stacked stone cladding for brick fireplace from @loggie for some inspiration.

Jacob

[Dave-1]

Afternoon @MarlieBeena 

You fireplace project will come up beautifully I would follow @JacobZ 's suggestions closely as I would also step through it the same way, from cleaning the area to tiling. I would add that it will be an idea to seal the chiment if it hasnt already been done, I would seal it top and bottom so birds/small animals cant gain access and then you will haveto get them out. 

With the sealing of the bottom, I would install two horizontal pieces of timber just above eyeline of the top of the fireplaec opening, Then cut a piece of plywood to fit the hole and sit it on the two horizontal strips. 

With the sealing of the top, I will go for a metal lid of some kind (if it hasnt already been sealed) something with wrap over the edge deal so the lid can be screwed from the side into the chimeny.

Are you installing a powerpoint in fireplace itself? I would do that before you start and let the sparky know you will be tiling so it can be accomodated for.

With the mirror, pretty much the same as @JacobZ again, I am hoping those clips on the side and maybe top are for holding the mirror to that frame it is in and its not actually glued in place. Safty equipment and furniture/flooring coverings will be a must.  The mirror kind of looks like it may have been put together on a seperate piece (due to the small squares and big square) and then installed within that frame. Crossing fingers.

Dave

[AlanM52]

Hi MarlieBeena,

Fireplace - Electrical

A typical electric fireplace on high setting will draw about 1,500 watts.

The electric fan on the previous gas heater would have consumed about 200 watts.

That 10A surface mount socket and the connecting cable looks very sus!

The cable disappears under the fireplace floor?

For now let's make a note of the above and move on.

Fireplace - Floor

The floor looks sus!

Looking along the front... the fireplace floor is lifting off what it was sitting on, presumably brickwork.

In the fifties double brick homes were usually on stumps - same for that house?

The first thing I would do is remove the fireplace floor and eyeball what's in there.

PS. You don't want to be at that stage where a sparky comes in for heater install and be informed the electrical is not to code and must be replaced.

I'll leave it at that for now...

Cheers

[Nailbag]

Hi @MarlieBeena 

Q: What’s the best way to go about tiling the hearth?

A: Going by the photo's it appears to be tile ready? As long as the surface is sound, then you should be able to tile straight over. If not, fixing tile underlay down first will ensure its 100% tile ready.

Q: Are there any things we need to keep in mind for safely installing an electric fireplace where a gas one used to be?

A: I would get an electrician to check and update the powerpoint. But before that, I would get the fireplace installers to look at the opening and provide any detail requirements they need to make it installation ready.

Bonus question:
A: This is a pie in the sky question because though it may appear that those side white claims are securing the mirror to the wall. I'm betting it also has some form of adhesive. if this is the cas the mirror unfortunately won't be salvageable.

You can try using a blade along the edge to break the paint seal. then remove the side clips and see how it might then gently pry off. It's basically a suck and see situation.

Nailbag