How to Change a Brick Fireplace to Tile
Brick fireplaces that are too big or too much trouble to dismantle and remove can be changed to a tile exterior. The process of changing a brick fireplace to tile involves covering over the existing brick with the new tile. However, before tile can be applied, the brick exterior needs to be properly prepared. You can change a brick fireplace to tile by first creating a smooth surface to lay the tile on the fireplace. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Drop cloth
- Wire brush
- Power drill
- Wire brush attachment
- Circular saw
- Vacuum
- Tile saw
- Thin set
- Tile spacers
- Grout
- Grout float
- Sponge
Instructions
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1
Remove the mantel or any other objects that are attached to the brick. You will also need to cut off any pieces of brick that stick out from the fireplace to create a flat surface.
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2
Remove any dirt and loose paint using a wire brush or a power drill with a wire brush attachment.
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3
Clean the dust and debris from the brick and the floor using a vacuum. The brick will need to be clean before applying the thin set.
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4
Fill in the joints between the brick with mortar which is called thin set. Use a trowel to force the thin set within the joints and then smooth it out.
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5
Let the thin set completely dry overnight before laying the tile.
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Apply a thin layer of thin set to the fireplace and to the back of the tile. Set the full tiles in place on the fireplace first and insert tile spacers in between each piece of tile.
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Cut smaller tile pieces with the tile saw and then set them in place.
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8
Grout the tiles after the thin set has set overnight. Use a grout float to pull the grout into the joints.
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9
Wipe the excess grout form the tile using a damp sponge.
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Tips & Warnings
Pieces of brick can be cut off the front of the fireplace using a circular saw with a diamond blade that is used for masonry work.
If the brick is not clean, the thin set will not adhere to the brick.
Eye protection and masks should be worn when using power tools to cut or clean the brick on the fireplace.
