Okay, so, I started looking into redoing my fireplace. It’s gotten pretty old and just doesn’t look good anymore, you know? I’ve been thinking about what to use, and firebrick tile caught my eye. Seems like a good choice, right? It’s made for high heat and all that, which is obviously important for a fireplace.
First thing I did was measure the fireplace area. Gotta know how many tiles I need, right? Then I started looking at different firebrick tiles. There are a bunch of colors and sizes. Some are smooth, some have that rough, natural look. I ended up liking the classic red, smooth ones. Felt like they would look good with the rest of my living room. Also I found they were not too expensive.
Next up, I had to prep the fireplace. That meant cleaning out all the old soot and grime. It was a dirty job, I tell you. I also checked the existing mortar to see if it was in good shape. Most of it was, but I decided to patch up a few spots just to be safe.
- Measuring the fireplace area
- Choosing the right firebrick tiles
- Cleaning the fireplace
- Checking and patching the mortar
Then came the fun part – actually laying the tiles! I mixed up some refractory mortar, which is the special kind you need for high-heat areas. I started at the bottom and worked my way up, spreading the mortar and setting each tile carefully. It was slow going, but I wanted to make sure it was done right. I also paid attention to the pattern, and finally decided to use a simple brick joint one.
After the tiles were all in, I let the mortar dry for a few days. Then I cleaned up any excess mortar and gave the whole thing a good wipe down. And you know what? It looks fantastic! The new firebrick tiles really changed the whole look of the fireplace. It’s like I have a brand new one now.
One thing I learned is that firebrick can be pretty hard on your feet. It’s not the most comfortable thing to stand on, especially in the winter. But it’s perfect for a fireplace, and I’m really happy with how it turned out. It’s durable, it looks great, and it can handle the heat. What more could you ask for?
Tips I learned
- Make sure to use refractory mortar, not the regular kind.
- Take your time and lay the tiles carefully.
- Let the mortar dry completely before using the fireplace.
I am very happy with this new tile, hope my experience can help someone who has the same idea.
