When choosing tile for a fireplace surround, there are a few key factors to consider to ensure you pick the best option for your needs. The tile you select needs to be able to withstand high levels of heat exposure from the fireplace without cracking or discoloring. You’ll also want to pick a material that is low maintenance and easy to clean. And of course, you’ll want to choose a tile that fits within your budget and matches the overall aesthetic you’re looking for.
In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of the most popular tile options for fireplace surrounds so you can make an informed decision for your home. We’ll compare porcelain, ceramic, stone, marble, and brick tiles across important criteria like heat resistance, durability, maintenance, cost, and appearance. We’ll also provide tips on how to properly install and care for your fireplace tile. Read on to learn which material is best suited for your next fireplace tiling project.
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Heat Resistance
One of the most important factors to evaluate when selecting fireplace tile is the material’s ability to withstand high heat. The area directly surrounding a fireplace may be exposed to temperatures above 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Not all tiles can tolerate such extreme heat without cracking, discoloring, or deteriorating.
Of the common fireplace tile options, porcelain, ceramic, and natural stone tiles have the highest heat resistance. Porcelain tiles are typically fired at very high kiln temperatures, making them highly durable and resilient against heat. Glazed ceramic tiles can withstand moderate heat levels, up to about 150 degrees Fahrenheit before the glaze may burn off. Stone tiles like granite, slate, and marble have inherently good heat resistance due to their composition.
Brick and concrete tiles may crack or spall (chip on the surface) when exposed to high temperatures from the fireplace. These more porous materials retain moisture, which can cause cracking or steam damage during heating. They have lower maximum recommended heat exposure limits, around 120 degrees Fahrenheit or less.
If you opt for lower heat resistant tiles, placing them at a safe distance farther away from the immediate fireplace opening will help prevent damage. But for the areas in direct line of heat, porcelain, ceramic, and natural stone tiles are best equipped to tolerate high temperatures.
Durability
The durability or strength of the tile impacts its ability to withstand accidental impacts near the fireplace without chipping, cracking, or breaking. Durable tiles are also more scratch and stain resistant, helping them maintain their appearance over time.
Porcelain is widely regarded as the most durable tile option. The dense composition of porcelain makes it very impact resistant and helps it hold up to heavy use. Glazed ceramic tiles are also quite durable against cracks and chips if properly sealed. Their durability can vary based on the grade of ceramic, with higher ceramic grades being more durable.
Natural stone tiles like granite and slate have good durability as well, but may be more prone to cracking upon hard impact than porcelain. Marble is on the softer end of natural stone tiles and can scratch and etch easier than other options. Brick and concrete have the lowest durability out of the common fireplace tile materials. They can crack under impact or weight.
Opting for a durable tile material can help your fireplace area hold up well despite high traffic, cleaning, and the occasional fallen log. Porcelain tiles rate highest in durability, but ceramic and natural stone also provide good impact protection.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Tile surrounding a working fireplace will require regular cleaning to keep it looking its best. Some tile materials are lower maintenance than others when it comes to keeping them free of soot, grime, and discoloration.
Of all the fireplace tile options, glazed ceramic and porcelain are the easiest to clean. Their impervious glass coating prevents stains from penetrating into the surface. A simple wipe down is generally sufficient to clean off dirt and debris. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could scratch the surface.
Unglazed stoneware or ceramic tiles absorb stains more readily since they lack a surface glaze. These tiles require sealing to help resist staining and discoloration near the fireplace. Reapplication of sealers is needed periodically to maintain their protective qualities.
Natural stone tiles like granite, slate, and marble benefit from sealing as well. Marble in particular is prone to etching from acidic cleaning products, so mild cleaners are best. Use of sealers can help minimize staining and etching for stone surfaces.
Concrete and brick pick up dirt easily and require stronger cleaning solutions to remove soot stains from the fireplace. Avoid using too much water on brick, which can damage the surface or cause cracks from repeated soakings. Opt for tile materials that require less frequent deep cleaning for easier fireplace maintenance.
Cost
Budget plays an important role in choosing the right fireplace tile. Prices can vary greatly between the different tile material options. Here is an overview of relative tile costs, from least to most expensive:
– Brick: $2-$10 per sq. ft. installed
– Concrete: $3-$9 per sq. ft. installed
– Ceramic: $5-$20 per sq. ft. installed
– Porcelain: $7-$25 per sq. ft. installed
– Slate: $15-$30 per sq. ft. installed
– Marble: $40-$100 per sq. ft. installed
– Granite: $35-$75 per sq. ft. installed
Concrete and brick tiles are generally the most budget friendly options. Brick can provide a classic, rustic look for a fraction of the cost of higher end tile materials. Concrete tiles are inexpensive but offer a contemporary, sleek appearance.
For those seeking a more sophisticated or luxury aesthetic, natural stone tiles like marble and granite may be desired but come at a premium price point. Ceramic and porcelain tiles offer a nice middle ground, providing durable and easy to maintain options at moderate prices.
Installation costs can also impact the total fireplace tiling investment. Natural stone often requires extra labor for cutting, precise fitting, and polishing. The complexity of any custom designed fireplace tile layout will drive up installation costs as well.
Appearance
Aesthetics play a major role in choosing fireplace tiles that align with your personal style and home décor. Consider the color, texture, shape, and pattern of tiles that will complement your existing architecture and furnishings.
Ceramic and porcelain tiles offer the most diverse range of colors, textures, shapes, and designs. Bright colors, intricate patterns, mosaic layouts, and faux stone or wood looks are widely available. This versatility of design makes it easy to find ceramic and porcelain tiles that match your target style.
Natural stone tiles provide an elegant, high end look, with unique veins, whorls, and coloring in each piece. Granite, marble, and slate come in a vast array of natural shades and patterns that can beautifully dress up a fireplace. Stone tiles may have size limitations based on how they are cut from natural rock slabs.
Brick and concrete tiles take on more subtle earthy hues like reds, browns, tans, and grays. These materials create a clean, modern, industrial vibe. Concrete tiles can be stamped or textured to create visual interest. Brick patterns can also be laid in creative arrangements for rustic flair.
The options are nearly endless when selecting the perfect fireplace tile. Focus on tiles that complement the rest of your space and align with the visual atmosphere you wish to cultivate.
Heat Resistance
One of the most important factors to evaluate when selecting fireplace tile is the material’s ability to withstand high heat. The area directly surrounding a fireplace may be exposed to temperatures above 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Not all tiles can tolerate such extreme heat without cracking, discoloring, or deteriorating.
Of the common fireplace tile options, porcelain, ceramic, and natural stone tiles have the highest heat resistance. Porcelain tiles are typically fired at very high kiln temperatures, making them highly durable and resilient against heat. Glazed ceramic tiles can withstand moderate heat levels, up to about 150 degrees Fahrenheit before the glaze may burn off. Stone tiles like granite, slate, and marble have inherently good heat resistance due to their composition.
Brick and concrete tiles may crack or spall (chip on the surface) when exposed to high temperatures from the fireplace. These more porous materials retain moisture, which can cause cracking or steam damage during heating. They have lower maximum recommended heat exposure limits, around 120 degrees Fahrenheit or less.
If you opt for lower heat resistant tiles, placing them at a safe distance farther away from the immediate fireplace opening will help prevent damage. But for the areas in direct line of heat, porcelain, ceramic, and natural stone tiles are best equipped to tolerate high temperatures.
Durability
The durability or strength of the tile impacts its ability to withstand accidental impacts near the fireplace without chipping, cracking, or breaking. Durable tiles are also more scratch and stain resistant, helping them maintain their appearance over time.
Porcelain is widely regarded as the most durable tile option. The dense composition of porcelain makes it very impact resistant and helps it hold up to heavy use. Glazed ceramic tiles are also quite durable against cracks and chips if properly sealed. Their durability can vary based on the grade of ceramic, with higher ceramic grades being more durable.
Natural stone tiles like granite and slate have good durability as well, but may be more prone to cracking upon hard impact than porcelain. Marble is on the softer end of natural stone tiles and can scratch and etch easier than other options. Brick and concrete have the lowest durability out of the common fireplace tile materials. They can crack under impact or weight.
Opting for a durable tile material can help your fireplace area hold up well despite high traffic, cleaning, and the occasional fallen log. Porcelain tiles rate highest in durability, but ceramic and natural stone also provide good impact protection.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Tile surrounding a working fireplace will require regular cleaning to keep it looking its best. Some tile materials are lower maintenance than others when it comes to keeping them free of soot, grime, and discoloration.
Of all the fireplace tile options, glazed ceramic and porcelain are the easiest to clean. Their impervious glass coating prevents stains from penetrating into the surface. A simple wipe down is generally sufficient to clean off dirt and debris. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could scratch the surface.
Unglazed stoneware or ceramic tiles absorb stains more readily since they lack a surface glaze. These tiles require sealing to help resist staining and discoloration near the fireplace. Reapplication of sealers is needed periodically to maintain their protective qualities.
Natural stone tiles like granite, slate, and marble benefit from sealing as well. Marble in particular is prone to etching from acidic cleaning products, so mild cleaners are best. Use of sealers can help minimize staining and etching for stone surfaces.
Concrete and brick pick up dirt easily and require stronger cleaning solutions to remove soot stains from the fireplace. Avoid using too much water on brick, which can damage the surface or cause cracks from repeated soakings. Opt for tile materials that require less frequent deep cleaning for easier fireplace maintenance.
Cost
Budget plays an important role in choosing the right fireplace tile. Prices can vary greatly between the different tile material options. Here is an overview of relative tile costs, from least to most expensive:
– Brick: $2-$10 per sq. ft. installed
– Concrete: $3-$9 per sq. ft. installed
– Ceramic: $5-$20 per sq. ft. installed
– Porcelain: $7-$25 per sq. ft. installed
– Slate: $15-$30 per sq. ft. installed
– Marble: $40-$100 per sq. ft. installed
– Granite: $35-$75 per sq. ft. installed
Concrete and brick tiles are generally the most budget friendly options. Brick can provide a classic, rustic look for a fraction of the cost of higher end tile materials. Concrete tiles are inexpensive but offer a contemporary, sleek appearance.
For those seeking a more sophisticated or luxury aesthetic, natural stone tiles like marble and granite may be desired but come at a premium price point. Ceramic and porcelain tiles offer a nice middle ground, providing durable and easy to maintain options at moderate prices.
Installation costs can also impact the total fireplace tiling investment. Natural stone often requires extra labor for cutting, precise fitting, and polishing. The complexity of any custom designed fireplace tile layout will drive up installation costs as well.
Appearance
Aesthetics play a major role in choosing fireplace tiles that align with your personal style and home décor. Consider the color, texture, shape, and pattern of tiles that will complement your existing architecture and furnishings.
Ceramic and porcelain tiles offer the most diverse range of colors, textures, shapes, and designs. Bright colors, intricate patterns, mosaic layouts, and faux stone or wood looks are widely available. This versatility of design makes it easy to find ceramic and porcelain tiles that match your target style.
Natural stone tiles provide an elegant, high end look, with unique veins, whorls, and coloring in each piece. Granite, marble, and slate come in a vast array of natural shades and patterns that can beautifully dress up a fireplace. Stone tiles may have size limitations based on how they are cut from natural rock slabs.
Brick and concrete tiles take on more subtle earthy hues like reds, browns, tans, and grays. These materials create a clean, modern, industrial vibe. Concrete tiles can be stamped or textured to create visual interest. Brick patterns can also be laid in creative arrangements for rustic flair.
The options are nearly endless when selecting the perfect fireplace tile. Focus on tiles that complement the rest of your space and align with the visual atmosphere you wish to cultivate.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the best tile for fireplace surrounds, porcelain and ceramic provide the optimal combination of heat resistance, durability, easy maintenance, moderate cost, and design versatility. Either of these fired clay-based tiles are great options that can withstand the demands of a fireplace installation.
Porcelain edges out ceramic slightly when it comes to resilience against heat and impacts. But top grade ceramic tiles offer excellent performance as well. Both materials are available in a vast range of styles to suit any décor.
Natural stone tiles like granite, marble, and slate also rate very well for fireplace use. Their elegance and luxury commands a higher price point, but their inherent durability and heat resistance make them suitable for fireplaces. Budget friendly brick and concrete have some limitations in terms of durability and heat exposure but remain popular for certain design aesthetics.
Carefully weigh the factors of heat tolerance, durability, maintenance needs, cost, and appearance when selecting tile. Consider where and how the tiles will be installed as well. With some forethought, you can achieve the perfect tile fireplace surround design to enjoy for years to come.