A fireplace or wood stove will add comfort, beauty, and charm to a home, and these functional design elements need heat-resistant tiles. Luckily, homeowners and contractors don't need to choose between style and substance - the best tiles are fashionable and practical. 

What Makes a Tile Heat-Resistant?

Tiles can be naturally heat-resistant, and some stone tiles are. Others need a little help to become heat-resistant, such as quarry and porcelain tiles. Quarry tiles are fired at temperatures of up to 2000 Fahrenheit, while porcelain tiles are fired at lower temperatures. Along with natural stone choices, quarry and porcelain tiles can withstand plenty of heat. 

Fire Safety Considerations 

It's important to select tiles that are designed for use in fireplaces. Don't cut corners when it comes to quality. Also, the way they're installed will matter. For example, the supplies used to install them, from grout to glue and beyond, should also be fire-resistant. 

Best Materials 

Quarry tile sounds like something out of that retro cartoon, The Flintstones — rock that's taken straight from the earth. However, it's not. Some of its "ingredients" may be derived from natural stone, but quarry tile's actually crafted in a kiln. 

It may contain feldspar, shale, and clay. It's fired at extremely high temperatures (a process called vitrification), making it non-porous. Quarry tile then gains glass-like heat resistance. 

Porcelain tile's another fine choice for fireplaces. It's easy to take care of and won't crack when exposed to high temperatures, or emit substances. Made from sand and clay, porcelain fireplace tiles are usually eco-friendly options. 

Natural stone tiles are also heat-resistant — these are the tiles that are actually made "The Flintstones" way. They're cut from blocks of stone in quarries. They aren't created by combining ground-up ingredients that are later fired in a kiln. 

Tile Thickness Advice 

If you think your fireplace will get a lot of foot traffic, then go for thicker tiles, from 15mm to 20 mm (thicker tiles are more durable due to their density). If you don't, opt for thinner tiles, from 7mm to 12mm. 

Design Styles 

For a modern look, go for a white fireplace with pale-grey quarry tile. You'll have superior heat resistance, and the white and grey tones will blend beautifully. White-and-grey are a sophisticated pairing. 

For a more rustic effect, choose emerald green porcelain or ceramic tiles with glossy finishes. This brighter tone is a perfect choice for a brown fireplace. 

For an industrial look, choose grey natural stone tiles. Colors that match metal tones, from pale steel grey to gunmetal, will work well. You shouldn't add a lot of design flourishes. Industrial style is raw and stripped down. It's about what truly needs to be there. 

Trim Finishing Tips 

You may choose for different trims. They are: 

  • Bullnose (trim on a single edge only) 

  • Quarter round (curve trim that's quite thin) 

  • Flat liners (straight and sophisticated edge) 

  • Pencil liners (covers corners to hide tile edges) 

Start Your Tile Project With Wayne Tile Company

To learn more, please request a consultation, online or at a retail outlet. Wayne Tile's experts can help you find fashionable and safe fireplace tiles, and other types of tiles, such as porcelain slabs and high-end vinyl styles.