So you’ve got your log burner, you’re ready for winter and you’re already thinking of nestling down in front of the fire with a good book and a hot chocolate. 

But now, you get to plan how to decorate the walls behind your log burner.

Materials to surround log burners with

When it comes to choosing a material to use behind and around your log burner, tiles have become the natural choice. Tiles behind a log burner provide extra heat protection, colour, texture, and warmth to a room. 

However, there are lots of options when it comes to tiles and we know just how daunting and confusing that can be. 

Here at Imaginfires, we want you to enjoy your log burner the way you’re meant to, stress-free. 

That’s why we’ve put together this complete guide about all you could ever need to know about how to choose the best tiles for your log fire.

What tiles are suitable to use around a log burner?

Using porcelain tiles for a log burner is a stylish option.

Porcelain is a very heat resistant material and can easily absorb any excess heat.

Furthermore, tiles made from porcelain are very easy to clean and are wipeable. Although, unlike traditional fireplaces, you don’t have to worry about soot or ash when you purchase a bioethanol log burner from us.

Using the traditional wood/log burners woud mean that you would need the added hassle of finding a sealant for your tiles to prevent soot or ash debris from working into the surface of the tile and damaging it. Not with bio fires!

Can you use ceramic tiles around a log burner?

You can use ceramic tiles but some of these tiles have a tendency to show some ‘crazing’ in their glaze. This is a cobweb pattern of almost-cracks that occurs if ceramic is exposed to high temperatures. Luckily with our biofire models, there is little excess heat from the back and sides but, to be safe, porcelain might be the better option.

How do you tile behind a log burner?

Here’s a few steps:

1. Measure the area where you plan on installing your tiles. This makes it easier to purchase the correct amount of tiles and the cement board you’ll use to cover the area. 
2. Always factor in an extra 1/8 inch gap between each tile when measuring (for grouting).
3. Measure, mark, and cut the cement board so that it fits the target area. This board is a heat-resistant and durable surface. You’ll use this to provide a stable base for the tile.
4. Now you want to do what is called a “dry fit”. This involves fitting the tiles into place and allow you to mark and cut the tiles where necessary. Remember your 1/8 inch gap!
   
   
   
5. Apply your tile adhesive to the area in a 4x4 foot section each time. 
6. Press your first tile into place and push it down until it feels snug. You can use a level here to make sure each tile is straight. 
7. Press a tile spacer against each edge that will adjoin to another tile. Repeat this process until you have installed the rest of the tiles. It should take between 4 and 8 hours for the adhesive to dry. 
8. After this, you can begin covering the surface of the tiles with grout, spread with a trowel. Make sure you move the grout into all the spaces between tiles.
9. Remove excess grout from the surfaces of tiles with the edge of the rubber-edged trowel.
10. Wipe the surface of your tiled wall down to remove the last excess and you have successfully tiled behind your log burner.

What tiles are suitable for a fireplace hearth?

For fireplace hearths, we would recommend a glazed porcelain tile because they are denser and more durable than regular porcelain tiles. This means they’re even better at protecting your room and walls from fireplace heat.

How do you choose the best log burner tiles?

We’ve already established that the right tiling choices can complete your room and your log burner’s look. Whether you want your log burner to blend in seamlessly or become its own contrasting statement piece depends on what tiles you choose.

The available materials for tiling are:

• Porcelain: as we’ve already covered, these are the more durable materials and come in a variety of different grades and designs.

• Marble: if you’re on the hunt for style and elegance, you can do no wrong with a marble choice. As a natural stone, it features its own natural variations in tone and design, giving classically variegated looks.

• Travertine: much like marble and other natural stone tiles, travertine is a very versatile material that can be used for both the walls and floor around your log burner.

• Granite: the material that is built to last. Granite is the strongest of all stone tiles and will ensure your walls and floor are tiled for a long time.

• Slate: if you’re looking for a more rustic touch, slate is the way to go.

• Terra-Cotta: for something with a little bit more of a southwestern touch, terra-cotta’s familiar tones are perfect for something casual and warm.

For all of your wood burner style bio fire needs, always turn to Imaginfires. Get in touch today to discuss the bio fire for your tiling of choice.