How to Lay Tile on an Outdoor Firepit
From rustic pits dug in the backyard to intricate tables adorned with brick or stonework, outdoor fire pits now make fashion statements in your outdoor decor. One way to dress up your outdoor fire pit is to lay tile on the circumference of the pit, adding a stylish look to a functional display. A few simple tools and an afternoon's worth of work are all that are required.
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Measure the area that requires tiling, and take these measurements to your tile store. Based on the size of tiles you wish to lay, the salesperson can tell you how many you need to purchase.
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Sand the area to be tiled, using an electric sander and fine-gauge sandpaper. Clean up the dust from sanding using a clean paintbrush or a hand broom.
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Cut the chicken wire to fit the area you'll be tiling. Affix it to the fire pit using a heavy-duty staple gun.
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Apply mortar to the chicken wire. About an inch in thickness is best because you want to coat both the wire and the original fire pit surface. Add tiles one at a time, pressing firmly until the tile stays in place on its own. If you need to cut any of the tiles, draw a pencil line where you need to make the cut, and cut on the line using the tile snipper.
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Use a putty knife to apply grout between the tiles. Wipe off the excess using a damp sponge. Allow the entire to project to dry for 24 hours before using your fire pit.
References
Resources
Writer Bio
Kimberly Ripley is a freelance writer and published author from Portsmouth, N.H. She has authored five books and hundreds of articles and short stories. Her work has appeared various publications, including "Parenting," "Writer’s Digest," "Vacations" and "Discovery Travel." She studied at the University of Maine and later pursued her writing studies through numerous classes and workshops.
Photo Credits
- http://www.appliancist.com/meadowcraft-fire-pit-slate-top-42-inch.jpg, http://www.moonlightfirepits.com/images/reddish%20earth.jpg
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