How do I tile over an existing brick fireplace?
Facing for the fireplace must be made of noncombustible material. Standard ceramic tile and cementitious grout would work. Some premixed grouts may contain plastic ingredients that may not stand up to heat. Depending on how high your mantel is, you may need a mantel shield to protect it from the heat of the insert. Check the clearances listed on the stove or in it’s manual to see what the manufacturer requires. Make sure your insert is installed with a properly sized flue liner to the top of the chimney. Fireplaces are not designed to vent wood stoves, so a stove must have a smaller liner installed to vent properly. Check with your local CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep for help with proper installation and any other chimney questions you may have.
