The hearth tiles of course can be used to add beauty to the home but they will also need to be strong. The hearth is the part of the fireplace located at the base that extends out in front of it to protect the surrounding floor space. So when choosing fireplace surround tiles you have the option of using wall tiles (even ones that are more fragile) or thicker and heavier floor tiles if that’s what you prefer. Since they are up off of the floor, other than being made from a heat resistant material they don’t need to be very tough. While they do serve as a fire barrier for your walls, the tiles used here are also for decoration. Many surrounds are quite small and only require a handful of tiles to cover them completely. The surround is the vertical space directly surrounding the firebox. Tiles are usually added in two places: the surround and the hearth. This keeps the flames totally contained and your home safe. You won’t be installing new tiles inside of the actual fireplace (known as the firebox) where the conditions are too harsh for tile, but instead you will be surrounding it. The majority of tile materials can handle the extremely high temperatures that fireplaces reach and the extreme changes in temperature that take place very quickly without damage. For these reasons a fresh fireplace tile upgrade is one of the smartest and most economical home improvements you can choose even when on a tight budget.įireplace tile is not just used for its looks it also functions as a non-flammable barrier between the opening of your fireplace and the rest of your home. The total area to be tiled is usually fairly small and will only need a minimal amount of tiles, time, money, and effort to complete. By focusing your efforts on such a prominent feature, you can expect massive results not just for the fireplace itself but the entire room. Whether it uses wood, gas, electricity, or is just for decoration the fireplace is more often than not the highlight of the room. In fact traditionally they were installed in the center of the wall space to allow as many family members to gather around them as possible. And in front one is a fantastic place to enjoy time with friends and family or simply relax on your own. Here’s everything you’ll need to know to get the best results possible, along with all of the top tile ideas.Ī fireplace can add warmth and charm to your home. By installing new fireplace tiles you can use this natural focal point to your advantage. While the fireplace may not take up too much space, it always attracts an enormous amount of attention.

Slate tile for fireplace hearth