Replacing a tile hearth around wood stove
by
Annie
+26
We are getting a new stove and so are replacing the tile hearth it will sit on. So, I am taking up the old tiles. Underneath them is the old mastic or mortar whatever it is called.
Can we just spread new mortar over the old and lay the tiles on top? Or do we need to actually chip all that old mortar away?
Underneath is particle board, which means it comes up just a little tiny bit at a time and makes for a huge job. Attaching a picture to explain better what I mean.
Any feedback or help for us? Thanks.
Everything I've read says you can retile over it as long as it's smooth.
You can add your new tiles on top of this! Just make sure you get any loose chunks and dust off it. And make sure it's level - so break off any old raised areas, if there are any.
Too bad you removed the tile. You could have just tiled over the old tile as long as it was stable. Then just add beveled wood trim around it.
Right now with the tile removed you would need to smooth out the existing mortar as best as you can. You can use a hand held electric grinder with a masonry wheel to smooth out what you can. Doesn't have to be perfect. You just want to get rid of the larger grooves. Then you can spread new mortar and tile. I also suggest you butter the back of the new tile with a thin coat of mortar and groove with a trowel. This will create a suction when laying the tile and fill any voids that weren't smooth. Also give the tiles a slight twist to set them. A rubber mallet and two foot level to make sure they are level.
I think you could retile it as long as it is completely even. This video is helpful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPwI6agHq0Q
I would just remove what is loose and tile on top.
This tile does not look smooth enough to tile over it. Lowes sells a hand tool that is a tile scraper. It is as large as a broom. It works great to clean up tile and mortar. It is going to be work but you will be very satisfied with the results if you clean it up properly.
Wiliam is correct in saying that you need to smooth out any existing old mortar. Yes, it may be more of a job than you thought you had to do, however, for maximum adhesiveness and longevity of the new tiles, this is an important step not to be skipped.
Hi Annie, you can tile on top of the mortar/cement. If there are any large holes or gaps fill them first so the slab is flat, before tiling.
if you make sure it's clean, smooth,and level you can put the new tile right on top.
We bought a ceramic tile pad when we got our stove. Looks much nicer then anything we could have done ourselves and since we bought the stove at the same business they came us a considerable price break.
Yes I understand. Even with about 1/4" height and wood trim around the perimeter it can still be a trip or toe hazard. 😁
I would chip away old mortar or replace the cement board. If you don’t, it won’t be smooth.
Most wood stoves are not in a highly trafficed area(s). Besides cleaning them out the only other time we really are near ours is to add firewood. They are no more a trip hazard then the curb on a shower (actually considerably less).
if you make sure it's clean, smooth,and level you can put the new tile right on top.
You can use a skim coat patch to level everything up again. Just make sure you get it nice and smooth.
Yes you can! You would need to ensure that you get any of those loose chunks and dust off it. Also see to it that it's level.