Suitable tiles for a fireplace hearth?

[Greystoke]

Hi all,

Looking at possibly using tiles for a solid fuel fireplace hearth, and was wondering which (if any) would be suitable?

I assume that they will need to withstand a fair amount of heat so as not to crack, so are they any hard and fast rules I should follow? The missus has her eye on some travertine floor tiles at the mo.

Any help appreciated :=AC)

[simonsmith.uk]

I was advised that any floor tiles were OK, wall tiles WILL crack under the heat however ....

[The Natural Philosopher]

Mmm. Travertine is probably a nono if you have any chance of red hot ashes falling on it. You can use it in a surround, but not under the fire grate. Thats not so much a heat issue, more simply a staining/abrasive issue. Marble is soft and very prone to acid attack.

I've got quarry tiles. Tough and suit OUR style. Granite is good. Slate is not I believe - it can crack and split under high temperatures.

Some ceramic tiles are also OK - the sort that are sold for fire use.

The hottest part of the fire by the way is about 3 inches above the grate at the fire back. I've cracked two cast iron fire backs already..almost white hot at times.

[The Natural Philosopher]

I woudl be wary of that statement. SOME floor tiles are OK. But even glaze will denature under ash and intense heat..the best is unglazed tiles or stones of the granite type. Sandtsone is possibly OK as well - never actually tried it though.

[Greystoke]

Thanks for the advice guys, seems like quarry tiles or getting some stone cut would be the best option.

[Greystoke]

Very good point, hadn't thought about the day-to-day practicalities !!