Question 1

Can you restore the original tiles on a Victorian fireplace?

Accepted Answer

Often yes. The decorative tile panels on a Victorian fireplace surround are usually in the side cheeks and are not in the direct heat zone. Cracked or missing tiles can sometimes be sourced from salvage merchants. We clean, re-bed loose tiles, carefully fill any gaps and the result retains the original character.

Question 2

What tiles are suitable for a fireplace hearth?

Accepted Answer

The hearth must be a non-combustible material. Slate, natural stone, quarry tile and porcelain are all excellent choices. The hearth sits on the floor in front of the fireplace, outside the firebox, so it does not need to be a refractory material. It does need to be durable and easy to clean.

Question 3

Do fireplace tiles need special heat-resistant adhesive?

Accepted Answer

For decorative tiles on the surround outside the firebox, a standard flexible adhesive is fine. For any tiling inside the firebox itself, proper refractory adhesive and fire-rated grout are essential. We specify correctly for each zone.

Question 4

Can you tile inside a wood-burning stove recess?

Accepted Answer

The recess behind a wood-burning stove is a high-heat zone. We use refractory tiles and refractory adhesive in this zone. The stove manufacturer guidance on clearances must be respected. We advise on the appropriate materials once we see the installation.

Question 5

I want to tile over an existing tiled fireplace surround. Is this possible?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the existing tiles and substrate. Tiling over existing tiles adds height and weight, and can cause problems at corners and edges. In most cases it is better to strip the existing tiles, check the substrate and start fresh. We assess and advise on site.

Question 6

Can you source period Victorian fireplace tiles?

Accepted Answer

We have suppliers who specialise in reproduction Victorian tile panels and individual fireplace tiles. For genuine antique originals, we can direct you to salvage specialists. We are experienced in working with both and can advise on the closest available match.

Question 7

Do you do contemporary fireplace tiling with large format tiles?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A large format porcelain hearth and a tiled chimney breast in a matching or contrasting material makes a very strong contemporary statement. We have tiled a number of Sussex homes with floor-to-ceiling chimney breast tiling in large format stone-effect porcelain. The key is getting joints perfectly aligned.

Question 8

How do I clean tiled fireplace surrounds?

Accepted Answer

Regular dusting and wiping with a damp cloth is all that is needed for most fireplace tiles. For soot or smoke residue, a mild alkaline cleaner applied with a soft brush works well. Avoid acidic cleaners, which etch glazed surfaces and damage natural stone. Seal natural stone on the hearth every year or two.

Question 9

Can you match Art Deco fireplace tiles?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco fireplace tiles in Sussex properties from the 1920s and 1930s are usually a strong geometric pattern in a bold glaze. They are more commonly available from specialist suppliers than Victorian tiles. We have a good network of suppliers and can usually find a very close match for damaged tiles.

Question 10

Do you work on gas fireplace installations?

Accepted Answer

We tile the surround, hearth and any chimney breast. The gas appliance itself and any flue connections must be handled by a Gas Safe registered engineer. We are happy to coordinate with your heating engineer to ensure the tiling and the appliance installation sequence is correct.

Question 11

How much does fireplace tiling cost?

Accepted Answer

A Victorian fireplace surround restoration costs 30 to 50 pounds per square metre, depending on tile condition and sourcing complexity. A contemporary hearth in large format porcelain costs 40 to 70 pounds per square metre fitted. We quote the full project after visiting the site.

Question 12

How long does fireplace tiling take?

Accepted Answer

A straightforward fireplace hearth and surround takes one to two days. A full restoration with tile sourcing and careful re-bedding may take longer. We give you an accurate programme when we visit.

Zone	Tile Type	Heat Rating	Typical Use
Hearth (floor)	Slate, porcelain, stone	Standard	Non-combustible required
Firebox surround (decorative)	Ceramic, reproduction period	Standard to 200C	Usually not in direct flame
Back panel (inside firebox)	Fireclay, refractory brick	Very High (900C+)	Specialist refractory only
Victorian tile panels (side)	Original or reproduction ceramic	Standard	Often original tiles can be cleaned
Contemporary hearth	Large format porcelain, slate	Standard	Clean lines, minimal grout

Fireplace Tiling Across Sussex, Period Style or Contemporary

Fireplace Tiling FAQs