Slate Fireplace Installation Guide

7 June 2010- A slate tile fireplace is something that can instantly bring a rustic or a sophisticated look- whatever you want it to look like- just by choosing the right type of slate tiles. Tiling fireplace with slate tiles is a little tougher than installing slate tiles anywhere else but it is not at all impossible plus the beauty of your slate tile fireplace will prove to be worth of all that hardwork! So, here is a step by step guide for slate tile fireplace installation. Just go for it- you'll definitely love this slate fireplace of yours!

Material Required for Slate Tile Fireplace Installation

These are the things that you'll need for installing slate tiles to your fireplace

• Slate Tiles
• Measuring tape
• Thinset
• Cement Backer Board
• Jigsaw with carbide blade (utility knife will also do)
• Drill
• Screws
• Thinset with acrylic or slate tile adhesive
• Grout
• Spacers
• Trowel (it must have ¼ inch notches)
• Grout float
• Sponge
• Level

Tips to Select Slate Tiles for Fireplace Installation

Before you install slate fireplace, you will need to buy slate tiles for the same. For doing this, you must consider certain facts so that you may not end up with a mess and an incomplete fireplace project.

• Determine your slate fireplace design even before you buy tiles for it. This will ensure that you buy the right kind of slate tiles. Decide whether you want just a border of slate tiles for fireplace surround or you want to tile the complete height of the wall or a combination of both these styles.
• Now measure the specified area for tiling with the help of your measuring tape.
• If you just want a slate tile border for your fireplace surround then buy smaller size slate tiles. However, bigger tiles will be needed if you want to lay them higher up to the wall.
• Buy a little more tiles than what you think will be sufficient for tiling fireplace. This will help in the event of any tile breakage during the fireplace installation.

Step by Step Instructions for Tiling Slate Fireplace

With all your essential materials, tools and tiles required for fireplace installation, you are ready to go ahead with your fireplace design. Just follow these step-by-step directions to get a perfect slate fireplace.

• Cover the measured area, where you'll install slate tile, with a thin layer of thinset. Again cover this with cement backer board.
• Now cut the cement board with the help of jigsaw having a carbide blade. If using a utility knife for the purpose, run the knife through on the mesh side and fold. It will break easily.
• Now secure the cement board up using screws and a drill. Keep the screw head below the cement board surface so that you could later lay the tiles comfortably over it.
• If you have chosen thinset as adhesive, mix it according to the directions on the package. Just use acrylic instead of water. If you have taken slate tile adhesive, do as directed on the package.
• Apply a thin layer of adhesive to the wall with the help of clean trowel. Work upon small sections. If you work on large section, it will dry very quickly making it rather difficult tiling work.
• Place tile over adhesive. Press firmly to make sure that it will stick. Use spacers as they keep the tile from sliding before it sets. Keep the spacing between tiles even with the help of a level.
• Keep on applying adhesive according to the layout of your slate fireplace design.
• Use a damp sponge to wipe adhesive that seeps up onto the face of the tile. Let it dry at least a day.
• After the installed tiles completely dry, wipe them off to clean up any dust or dirt, especially in the space between tiles.
• Now mix the grout. Follow the instructions on the package. Do not let any lumps to be formed. The grout should be smooth and consistent. If your fireplace design requires tiles to be installed high up to the wall then also mix only a small amount of grout to start with. You can mix more as you go along with the task. Let it sit for at least ten minutes before you start grouting.
• After removing spacers and again wiping the tiles, apply the grout. Scoop out some grout with the grout float and put it on the wall. Holding the grout float at a 45 degree angle, work grout back and forth over tile. While you do it, pay attention to the corners and the space between each tile. When you finish applying grout to your fireplace tiles, allow it to sit for about half an hour.
• When the grout dries out a little, make your sponge damp (do not make it wet- only a little damp). Starting at a corner, run the sponge across the tile at a 45 degree angle. Flip the sponge over and wipe again over the tile. Now rinse the sponge well. Keep on wiping, just ensure to rinse the sponge after every second wipe. Do this till you have gone over all the tile. If you see residue still on the tile, go over it again.

Your slate fireplace tile installation project is now complete. However, if you want to seal slate tiles of your fireplace, wait for at least a month to let it cure. Also, use a water-based sealant which is oil and stain resistant. If you wish, you may go for sealing only the grout and be ready to see it complementing your overall home decor!