Whole fireplace brick surround. Facing out edge of arch and sides need an edging.
How do I edge the tile around my fireplace hearth?
by
Khaki
+1
I am planning to tile my fireplace surround in a few weeks. The surround is arched. I am having trouble figuring out the tiling around the outside (facing out) arch. I’m fairly certain there is some sort of “edging” (non tile) that can be purchased to “outline” the edge of the arch around the firebox and that would cover the edge of the tile, but I can’t figure out exactly what it is from any images I can find online. In fact, it’s difficult to find images of similar situations. The tiles are small, if that figures in. Does anyone one know what the “edging” might be or where to find it?Alternately, does anyone have a suggestion on how to make the edge of the tile that lines up with the edge of the arch look well done?I’m attaching pictures. I tried to photo the sample of the tiles being used, as well as the fireplace brick surround. Thanks so much in advance for any direction!
Bigger image of hearth.
Close up of tile that will be used.
Close up of brick of arch.
Here are some examples for you:
https://images.app.goo.gl/mHAFmjs6epyPZS5u9
https://images.app.goo.gl/WAKjray76ViCF49y6
https://images.app.goo.gl/mbcoXG5ttfUfE1sd6
http://www.fireplace-tiles.com/opening_tiles
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/102034747784145127/
Take these photos and go back to your tile store and they will be able to help you. By cutting or using smaller tiles of the same material, you create the "arch."
To see more, just google: "how to tile a fireplace arch" or "how to tile an arch."
Now you know why tile installers make a lot of money. It is an art, there is more than just buttering up some tile and slapping on the surface.
You can do this, will just take some planning, time and fiddling, (do a dry fit on the floor first, make a template if you need to), to get it right.
If you use smaller tiles as your edging that would work, like 2x2. Also using the brick layout by using small subway could work.
Yes, Naomie nailed it.
You’re going to need a wet tile saw, measure twice and cut once.
I would draw it out in CAD and calculate the exact cuts and degrees, but you probably don’t have access to CAD. If you know someone, ask them to draw this up for you and pay them for their time.
If not,
Did you ever take trigonometry? Those formulas will do it, once you draw it out on graph paper.
Once you get your cuts figured out, I you cut out some craft paper pieces and pretend they’re tiles, and double stick tape them up. They become templates. Essentially.
Number the pieces to match the numbers in your drawings.
Your mortar & where you start laying them up is critical at the firebox. I would do the firebox surround first, starting from the bottom, taking 2 days, as we don’t want pieces to be slipping as you’re installing the next higher pieces.
Go for the thinnest possible grout joints as, sooty grout is no fun to clean. I would put an acrylic additive in non-sanded grout.
The edging you are describing is a metal or pvc bullnose. They sell it in 8' strips in the flooring department of any home improvement store. It is flexible and can be notched out to fit any profile. Here's a link.... https://www.homedepot.com/p/Schluter-Schiene-Aluminum-3-8-in-x-8-ft-2-1-2-in-Metal-L-Angle-Tile-Edging-Trim-A100/100192445?MERCH=REC-_-NavPLPHorizontal1_rr-_-NA-_-100192445-_-N