Q&A Attaching facings to fireplace front

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QandA

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Staff member
Nov 27, 2012
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Question:

I am in the process of refacing my flush faced pre-fab fireplace with marble tiles. It was installed by the developer of my townhome development approx.10 years ago. I have removed the ceramic tiles that were attached with mortar directly to both the exterior black faced metal box of the fireplace and the adjacent drywall. Unfortunately- I found out that it was a relatively sloppy job and the underlying surface was not uniform (Apparently the box was dented and there were gaps between the dry wall and the metal surrounding the fireplace). I have been given conflicting advice about the proper way to attach the tiles to the exterior of the fireplace- especially the metal box. Some have recommended an underlayment like wonderboard (This wouldn't be the most aesthetic solution- as the marble would project too far out from the surface of the fireplace)- others say it isn't necessary and a latex thinset mortar applied to both the drywall and the box will do- and still others have recommended something called "heavy duty majestic adhesive". I would like to do a proper job- what do you recommend?



Answer:

The thinset mortar- with a latex additive- should work well. Sometimes I use silicone caulk on the black area of the fireplace if the tile extends partway on the wall facing and partway on the black area...but be careful- it is possible for silicone to "bleed thru" certain transparent marble.
 
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