How To Buy Your Tile Fireplace

Take Measurements

First, a picture or sketch of the spatial layout with length and width measurements is required to build an accurate design and generate an estimate. Please note:

• type of mantle desired: wood, stone, tile.
• type of hearth: tile, stone
• hearth will be at the same level as the floor, or raised above floor level
• If hearth is higher, what will you use for the vertical part?

For fireplace tile designs, consider:

• horizontal or diagonal tile layout
• desired placement of accent areas or different tile types within layout
• edge trim, i.e. pencil liners, bull-nose, etc.

If the customer wants a specific grout color, please discuss with your Artistic Stone consultant well in advance of the day of installation. The installer typically also decides spacing between tiles when he or she examines the prepared site and the tile material on site. Very small gaps (1/8 in.) are harder to perfect for certain jobs; ¼ inch is more common (the minimum spacing is 1/16 in).

The fire code states that the fireplace hearth must be at least 12 inches (wood-burning) or 6 inches (gas-burning) wide. The distance between the firebox opening and any combustible material (such as wood mantle, floor or wall) must be at least 12 inches for wood-burning fireplaces and at least 6 inches for gas-burning fireplaces.

For the initial estimate, we ask that the customer provide measurements of the layout.

Tiles: The average cost of materials is $5-$15 per square foot. Some accent materials, such as glass and metal, can cost more.

Labor: The cost of labor for porcelain, ceramic, and natural stone tiles is $40-$42 per square foot. The cost of labor for glass tiles is $50-$52 per square foot. The cost of Demolition is $200-$1,000, depending on size and existing material. Preparation is $100-$500, depending on size and type of prep required. There may be additional costs for more elaborate design layouts.

Need help with design ideas? Our consultants are experienced stone and tile designers. Contact us to discuss your fireplace ideas.

Choose the Tiles
We recommend natural stone or porcelain tiles for fireplaces due to the heat.

Quartz tiles are not recommended for fireplaces.

When ordering tiles for fireplaces, remember to account for any trim, accent or bullnose edge pieces. For horizontal lays, add 10-15% overage for any cutting and breakage. For diagonal lays, add 15-20%. Allow 4-10 days for tile orders to arrive. A re-stocking fee could apply to tile returns.

Place the Order
Artistic Stone is not responsible for shortage or extra tile orders if our staff did not perform the measurement or installation. Please check with your contractor before ordering.

Demolition
To ensure a smooth installation of the fireplace, note that the area must be completely cleared before it is prepared. The amount of labor is determined on a case-by-case basis, which may involve no demo or may involve removing some or entire existing rock, brick, tile, or slab structure.

Preparation
Preparation of the fireplace area also depends on the scope of the job. If leveling is required, at least one day will be needed to ‘float’ the surface with thin-set mortar or cement.

Please note: Any structural construction and/or firebox installation must be permitted and signed off by the city inspector. This should be performed by a licensed general contractor.

Installation
Setting a tile fireplace requires 1-2 days for most jobs (add an extra day for large jobs or for elaborate accents or lay designs). The installer needs 2-3 hours for grouting, which is usually done on the 2nd day after tile setting is complete, and one hour for sealing 48 hours after grouting is finished.

Fireplace Mantles: we do not install all types of Mantles and a general contractor or a handy man might need to be involved. Contact our staff for more information.