How to Make a Marble Tile Fireplace
- 1). Clean the current fireplace surround. Use a mixture of two parts vinegar and one part water to clean soot from brick.
- 2). Smooth the fireplace surround surface with thinset mortar. Spread a latex-modified thinset mortar over the bricks and smooth it. This process works better than installing cement backer board because the backer board will have seams and extra width on the front of the fireplace. Let the mortar dry for 24 hours.
- 3). Dry fit the marble tiles on the fireplace. This process involves setting a few tiles in place on the fireplace without mortar. Dry fitting will help you to see the tile layout and will allow you to make changes as desired. Mark a few layout lines with a pencil to help you as you install the tiles.
- 4). Trowel latex-modified thinset mortar onto the front of the fireplace with a notched trowel.
- 5). Press the marble tiles into the notched thinset mortar. Place a tile spacer between each tile. Cut the marble tiles with a tile saw that has been fitted with a diamond blade. Wait overnight for the tiles to set up in place.
- 6). Grout the marble tile joints. Spread the grout into the joints with a rubber grout float. Remove the extra grout by moving it across the tiles in a diagonal direction. Wipe away the grout residue with a grout sponge. Do not wet the sponge too much or it can damage the grout. Let the grout dry overnight.
- 7). Seal the marble tiles and grout with a stone and tile sealer. This is important because marble tiles can stain easily. Follow the manufacturer directions of the sealer to do this.
