Tile adds a beautiful focal point to any room and is highly functional. The best part is that it can be used in most areas of your fireplace surround, as long as you keep it a good distance from the actual fire. You can tile the hearth, the area surrounding a fireplace opening, or the surround, which frames the front of the fireplace.

Versatility

The hearth and surround of a fireplace benefit from the heat-resistant, dirt-resistant, and easy-to-clean qualities of tile. Whether you want to refresh the look of your fireplace or create a whole new room for entertaining and relaxing, there is an array of tiles for your fireplace surround to choose from that will fit your needs and budget.

You can’t go wrong with stone tiles such as marble, granite, slate or travertine for a natural, earthy style. With its warm browns and beiges, Limestone also looks great for a modern or traditional fireplace design. Mosaic tile offers a creative way to bring eye-catching colors and patterns to the space.

For a more subtle accent, try herringbone tile that resembles the skeleton of a herringfish and elongates the room. A brick appearance is another classic option for a more rustic or farmhouse aesthetic. Alternatively, you can opt for a subway tile to create a more contemporary and modern feel.

Heat Resistance

A tile wall can make a fireplace the focal point of your room, and it also provides a durable surface for holding up to the heat levels of log burners or stoves. Whether you use a decorative porcelain mosaic or a sleek, modern treatment of tiles that go up and around the firebox, you can enjoy your beautiful fireplace surround without worrying about damage or igniting a house fire.

For a traditional feel, brick-look tiles are ideal for a fireplace surround or hearth. However, even this classic style can be adapted to suit purely decorative fireplaces or gas or bio-ethanol fires that don’t generate real heat. Try a picket tile shape for a contemporary treatment of the fireplace surround.

Long and narrow with pointed ends, this style adds texture and dimension while introducing a unique touch. Regardless of the tile you choose, always check that any glazed surfaces are suitable for the firebox area and be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions regarding whether they need to be sealed.

Durability

Aside from being easy to clean, tile is also very durable and can withstand the heat of your fireplace, especially when you use high-quality grout that can handle high temperatures. If you choose to do a tile upgrade around your fireplace, you should also be prepared for the project to take a while and to work with special heat-resistant adhesives.

Ceramic and porcelain are the most popular tiles to install around a fireplace. However, stone tiles like marble and granite are also a good option. They can withstand heat without cracking and are available in various colors and patterns to create a unique look.

The way you use your fireplace surround makes a difference. While many people use a standard straight lay or herringbone pattern for their fireplaces, the possibilities are endless when choosing a tile design that will work in your space. 

Low Maintenance

A fresh new tile installation for the fireplace surround is one of the most cost-effective home improvements you can make. It also requires a minimum of time, effort and energy. Tile is a simple material to maintain and easy to keep clean. Its low maintenance is ideal for a space with a lot of activity in and around it.

Ceramic tile is a classic option for fireplace surrounds because of its heat resistance and durability. It’s made of a mixture of natural clay, sand and water, and can be glazed or unglazed. Ceramic tile is also available in porcelain form, which has a slightly different appearance because it’s fired at a higher temperature and is denser.

The versatility of tile is a big reason why it’s such a popular choice for fireplace walls. Many ceramic tiles have a range of patterns and designs that allow you to add personality and character to your fireplace surround or create a completely new look. These options include textured tiles that bring rustic style, mosaic tiles with multiple materials (like stone and glass), or even tiles with an artistic touch like those with hand-painted designs.

Aesthetics

Tile is a beautiful material in various colors, designs, and textures. Whether you prefer a sleek and modern design or something more earthy and natural, there’s sure to be a tile that perfectly complements your decor.

The hearth and surround (the area below and on the front of the fireplace) are places where tile works great. This is because they aren’t directly exposed to the fire but are a barrier between your walls and any ash or smoke the fire might produce. You can even use tiles to spruce up the look of an old or outdated brick fireplace surround.

For example, instead of painting the mantel and surrounding areas with a color that might be too bright or matchy-matchy, opt for a stone or ceramic tile with a high glaze variation for a speckled, organic look. Several mosaics mix multiple materials like stone and glass for a more unique design option.