Tile around firebox

[Looking4ideas]

Hi, I've searched the forum and have found a lot of posts about tiling a fireplace, but can't seem to find the answer to this question: is there a rule of thumb for how much non-flammable material, such as tile, should be placed on the fireplace face around the firebox opening? For example, should I trim around the opening with a 12- or 13-inch tile before adding wood trim -- or is a narrower tile permissible? Also, are there any guidelines for the type of thinset or grout that can and cannot be used in this area? I've seen several mentions of using cement backer board near the firebox opening but is this advisable with a wood-burning fireplace?

My plan is to cover the existing brick with one row of a marble or granite tile up the sides and along the top of the opening, then build a wood mantle and surround on the outside.

Barb

[river-wear]

Hi Barb,

You should check with your local building authority for the local code requirements for the width required for non-flammable materials around the firebox. I would expect it to be at least 12 inches, but I do not know off-hand. There may also be some restriction on the distance the mantel can extend from the wall.

Cement board is non-flammable so you shouldn't have any problem using it around a fireplace. Use any cementitious thinset that is appropriate for the tiles you're putting up - that is, one you have to mix from a powder rather than any premixed stuff in a bucket.



Here's what I found on a website as a MINIMUM from the (U.S.) National Fire Protection Association:

* There must be a least 6 inches between the sides and top of the firebox opening and any wood that projects up to 1.5 inches from the face of the fireplace.

* Any wood that projects more than 1.5 inches from the face of the fireplace, such as a mantel or pilasters, must be at least 12 inches from the opening of the firebox.

[Looking4ideas]

Thanks, Michele -- I suspect the code here requires at least 12 inches.