How to re-tile your fireplace

So of course because we were redoing the floors, we decided we might as well get the fireplace done, too. It had the same, ugly tile surrounding it as the floor we just ripped up, and I wanted it gone. I really feel like by doing all this we are officially removing any evidence of the previous owners of the house.

I decided that I wanted the fireplace to be my project... mainly cause I was a little jealous that Rick got to do all the fun demo work and I didn't get to do any yet. Oh and because I wanted nothing to do with the jackhammering out of the old floor tiles. I figured this way I would be occupied with a pretty substantial project, and Rick wouldn't ask me to help him on his tremendously boring, tedious, and difficult project. So I got myself a crowbar and went at it, ripping out the old tiles and drywall till we were down to the studs.

Rick and I had gone to Lowe's and found the perfect materials for the surround... tumbled marble tiles and slate mosaic sheets. This baby is going to look classy when it's all done.

I had to clean up the drywall after my demo work, so I used a utility knife to cut away at the jagged edges of drywall that were left so that we had nice, straight lines to work with.

I got a new sheet of drywall and cut the pieces to size, then drilled the pieces right into the studs.

Of course by now Rick can't stand it that I am working on a fun project without him, so he came over and spread a layer of thinset over the whole area to prepare it for the tile.

I insisted on doing the thinset on the floor, though :)

After spreading the thinset, I laid out the tiles in our cool design. As soon as everything was in place, I cleaned it up with the sponge. Then, once again, Rick had to get involved so he set the tile that went up the wall.

The next morning I couldn't believe how great it looked - and it wasn't even grouted yet! I really like that we extended it all the way to the bottom of the shelf. It makes the fireplace really stand out and appear more substantial.

Since Rick decided he wanted to take over by this point, I let him do all the grouting ;)

I totally love that moment when you start wiping off the grout and you can really see just how awesome the tile will look when it's all done...

And, really... it already looks great here and we don't even have floors yet! Once the wood butts up to the edge of the hearth, it's going to seriously kick some fireplace butt. And I am not just saying that because I helped set the tile. It's really going to look awesome!

My favorite part about it is just how classy it looks... while also retaining a handcrafted feel with the different types of stone. All that's left is a nice waterproofing sealer that will bring out the shine in the slate and it will be perfect!