Hearth and back panel materials

[Stephen Gower]

The rest of you might be talking air-conditioning, I'm working out what to put at the bottom of my freshly swept chimney (now the gas monstrosity is out). The fireplace is an "original feature" of the 1960 built house - and must go! It's concrete (I think), with ridged yellowing tiles for the back panel and mantlepiece, and black glossy tiles covering the hearth. We need cheap, cos there are other bits of the renovation we have to spend our money on. Mantlepiece is going to be B+Q's cheapest untreated wooden one, with the final treatment to be decided on. Nicer tiles are probably OK for the back - can we just use any tiles and adhesive, or is something special needed for a fireplace? And any suggestions for something clean and smooth looking (while remaining cheap!) for the hearth? Many thanks as ever!

[Rick Dipper]

R u going to have a fire ? what type ?

[Stephen Gower]

Having spoken to the boss last night, we've decided to keep the hearth with the glossy black tiles for now, but we are going to change the surround. I think I've been told tiles are still a good bet - so my question boils down to: With a coal (or perhaps wood) open fire, can I use normal tiles and adhesive for the backpanel of the surround?