Fireplaces

Designing Your Fireplace

Posted on by Laird Plumleigh

Getting Started

Your living space can be greatly enhanced when the fireplace becomes an integral part of the room’s design. Using tiles for the surround marries it to the architecture while creating a striking focal point! The Studio of Laird Plumleigh handcrafts one of a kind, historical and arts and crafts decorative tiles and trim. The subtle, organic colors are created with propriety glazes, years in the making. These understated colors allow the tiles to integrate into almost any interior design.

Parts of a Fireplace

Using the diagram above, determine the total square footage and the number of tiles you will need.

Example: (length x width = Sq.In. ÷ 12 = Sq.Ft)

Add 5% to allow for breakage or minor changes in your design.

Please include measurements for all areas to be clad:

  • Facade
  • Outer
  • Facade
  • Outer Hearth
  • Mantel Shelf
  • Above Mantel
  • Return into the Firebox

    • To re-clad a new or existing fireplace you must have a clean surface that a tile adhesive will bond to properly.

    The best substraits include:

  • Brick and Mortar
  • Concrete panels such as Hardybacker and Wonderboard

    • Layout your design:

  • Using a full-size cardboard cut-out
  • Chalking the dimensions on a concrete floor
  • Or creating a scale drawing on the computer

    • Determine which size tiles works best for your overall dimensions

  • Allow space for grout lines (1/4” is typical)
  • 4” x 4” tiles (actual size is 3 3/4”-3 7/8”)
  • 6” x 6” tiles
  • 1” x 1” or 2” x 2” tiles
  • These can be used for interest or can help adjust your design to fit your space.
  • Moulding tiles (vary in size, see our attached chart)

    • * You may want to run one row of moldings into your firebox

    If you have any questions or need help, please give us a call!

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