Steps for Buying Your Tile or Stone Tile Fireplace

Step 1: Take Measurements

For your Tile or Stone Tile Fireplace‘s initial estimate, we ask that you provide measurements of the layout.

Take 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:

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

For tile or stone tile fireplace designs, you should also consider:

• Whether you’d like a horizontal or diagonal layout
• The placement of the accent areas or different types of tiles 
• The edge trim, such as pencil liners, bull-nose, etc. 

If you’d like a specific grout color, please let us know well in advance of the day of the installation. The installer will decide the spacing between the tiles when they examine the materials at the prepared site. Very small gaps (⅛ inch) are more difficult to perfect for certain jobs; ¼ inch is more common (the minimum spacing is 1/16 inch). 

The fire code requires the fireplace hearth to 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.

We do not install all types of Mantles and a general contractor or a handyman may need to be involved. Contact our staff for more information.

Step 2: Choose the Tiles or Stone Tiles for the Fireplace

We recommend natural stone or porcelain tiles for fireplaces due to the heat they’ll be exposed to; quartz tiles are not recommended for fireplaces.

When ordering tiles or stone tiles for fireplaces, we’ll need to account for any trim, accent, or bullnose edge pieces. For horizontal lays, we add 10-15% overage for any cutting and breakage. For diagonal lays, we’ll add 15-20%. 

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

Labor costs vary depending on the materials used:

• Porcelain, ceramic, and natural stone tiles: $40-$42 per square foot
• Glass tiles: $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.

Step 3: Place Your Order

Tile orders typically take 4-10 days to arrive. Artistic Stone is not responsible for shortages or extra tile orders if our staff did not perform the measurement or installation. Please check with your contractor before ordering; a restocking fee may apply if you choose to return the tiles.

Step 4: Demolition

To ensure smooth installation, please make sure that the area is completely cleared before we arrive to prepare it. Labor is determined on a case-by-case basis; it may involve no demolition or it may involve removing some or all of the existing rock, brick, tile, or slab structure.

Step 5: Preparation

The preparation of the fireplace area depends on the specific needs of the project. If it’s necessary to make the surface completely flat and even, we’ll need a day to level it, which involves applying a layer of thin-set mortar or cement to create a smooth and uniform surface.

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.

Step 6: Installation

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

So, for more information or to get started on selecting stone tiles for your fireplace, stop by our showroom, or feel free to contact us online!