How to Install Tile Around Fireplace?
Installation of Home Decor Natural Stone Mosaics
1. Always follow and check your local Building code requirements.
Natural Stone should only be applied to structurally sound surfaces incorporating good building practices.Please note that the assistance of a professional contractor or engineer may be needed to evaluate your installation or the soundness of your installation back up wall. A contractor or engineer can also provide important information regarding local building codes, seismic building codes, institutional building codes and installations
2. Apply Mortar.
Using a mason’s trowel, cover the entire back of all panels completely with a ½” thick, even layer of mortar.
3. Secure the Natural Stone Mosaic to the Wall.
The stone needs to be pressed firmly against the scratch coated wall to ensure a sound bond. It is suggested to keep the stonework free from mortar dropping and mortar spread as much as possible. Mortar droppings can be removed with a damp cloth.
4. Wetting the stone and surface.
Under certain conditions, the stone and surface may need to be wetted. if the stone is being installed onto a very hot /dry surface or in a hot/dry climate, the stone and wall surface should be wet to prevent excessive absorption of moisture from the mortar. This can be done by spraying water on the wall surface and back of stone.
5. Lay the Natural Stone Mosaics in an horizontal fashion.
This will reduce the appearance of the vertical joints.
7. For cold weather situations.
Applications should be protected from temperatures below freezing, so the mortar may set up property as recommended.
8. Cleaning.
After 36 hours, it is suggested to wet the stonework down with water and then apply a mild cleaning detergent with a soft bristle brush to remove any dirt or mortar smear left from the installation. Do not use any type of acid.
Completion
1. Stone is a natural product that “breaths”. It does absorb oil, water and other substances that are
in contact with the stone. Sealing is not necessary but may be desirable for attaining deeper and enhanced colors. Sealants are recommended for interior use where water, oil, food stuffs may be in contact with the stone.
2. The sealer should be tested on small loose “trial” pieces prior to a large area application.
7 Comments
Jen,
You can install wonderboards as it levels the surface and recommended for tile installations.
Jason,
This product is mostly installed without any grout and if you want to do so, you can still grout it with a non-sanded grout, which will be a lot easier to work with compared to the other ones. But, since the joints are very tight on this item, you really do not need to grout it in anyway. As long as there’s no direct water exposure, you will be ok.
Can we grout these products?
I read couple of blogs saying underneath the stone we have to put wonderboard? Do we need it around fireplace?
Henry,
As long as the surface is not wet or if you install it around an area that is not expose to water like bathtub or shower then mastic should be ok. But we strongly recommend thin set as it is low cost, efficient and effective, strong. Just use tape around the tile you should be good. Make sure you use alkali resistant mesh tape.
What about thin set vs Mastic? which one do you recommend?