Fireplace surround

[oldhouseguy]

x

[Tool Guy - Kg]

[cx]

Likely even less chance of a response now that you've removed the post content, Jeffrey. Sometimes you need to wait longer than just overnight for our all-volunteer army of helpers to see your question, eh?

[oldhouseguy]

No disrespect meant, I was having trouble getting my pictures to work correctly, so I tried to delete the thread and I couldn’t figure that out on my phone, so I edited down to nothing and then it asked for a reason.

I didnt want to waste anyone’s time asking for me to post the second picture.

I am just looking for advice on what mastic or thinset to use on a gas fireplace surround.

I will try to add these two pictures. One shows the surround, the other shows the cut stone tile.

The fireplace photo keeps posting as sideways, so rotate your screen!

1/2 inch duroc over steel studs on top and sides are wood studs with 1/2 inch Duroc.

The top 10 inches is the only area where the surround has to be non combustible per the fireplace manufacturers, but I am doing the sides for continuity and appeal.

[oldhouseguy]

Here is hopefully a better picture, I was using my wife’s artwork to aim the accent lighting, but it should allow you to see the fireplace better.

No clue why it keeps posting sideways!

[Carbidetooth]

Jeffrey, I'd look to thinset mortar for installation of those tiles. Is the plank looking stuff tile? Flooring? Something else?

Your photos are most likely rotating because the files are too large and for some reason forum software seems to see this as a solution. I've encountered it elsewhere.

[oldhouseguy]

It is 1/2 inch reclaimed wood planks, tacked to 1/2 inch sheathing behind it. the pictures don’t really do it justice everyone seems to really like it in person.

[oldhouseguy]

I am mostly concerned if there will be any advice on the thinset being able to handle some heat, although it is a vented fireplace, I can’t really predict how much heat, there is a non combustible area of 10 inches above the fireplace for some reason, so I assume it can get fairly hot there after several hours of running.

[Carbidetooth]

Roger that. Two things I'd suggest. Use mesh tape on backer joints and a soft joint or some way to accommodate movement at the intersection of wood and tile.

[Snets]

Jeffrey, those tiles will work just fine and using a good modified thin set mortar from your big box store is correct. That area of your fireplace facade will get warm, but not too hot.

Your hearth area in front of the fireplace WILL get hot (floor in your case.) What is the plan there?

I am also wondering if you are going to tuck those tiles behind the fireplace front trim. It should have enough adjustment to fit over the tiles on the face of the fireplace.

[oldhouseguy]

The way the fireplace is designed, the hearth area doesn’t get hot at all. I know it seems weird but there is literally 0” of clearance required by the manufacturer. In fact right now the cardboard covering the hardwood floor is right up to the fireplace, doesn’t even get warm.

The bottom of the actual unit it set on top of a piece of 1/2 concrete board behind the framing, on top of the hardwood flooring which is 3/4 inch red oak.

I was planning on adding a hearth made of 1/4 plate steel painted black but when we saw it all together my wife likes the no hearth look better.

[oldhouseguy]

Yes, the fireplace trim has plenty of adjustment, so the tile edge will butt up to the edge of the wood trim which should stand proud of the tile by 1/8 inch, and the frame face removes and four screws allow for adjustment to basically rest it flush up against the tile. That part of the fireplace is really cool how it all goes together.

[oldhouseguy]

Grout matching flexible caulk between the wood and tile?

I feel like they make such a thing? Will it withstand heat?

[Carbidetooth]

There is such a thing as "grout matching caulk". Two flavors. 100% silicone and acrylic, often called "siliconized" which is simply marketing hype. Neither will like getting hot. I can't imagine it being very hot at that juncture, though you'd be a better judge.