Porcelain tile is an incredibly durable, versatile, and stylish surface material, and it's ideal for use around fireplaces. Since it's easy to install, this upgrade is a great DIY project — and even with a professional installation, it's easy on the budget as well.
Porcelain is also a great pick for the fireplace. It is fired at a higher temperature giving it a slightly different look than can be achieved with ceramic unless it is glazed. It stands up to high temperatures just as well as ceramic and often has more options available because of its popularity.
Porcelain is less likely to crack under extreme heat, whereas ceramic can become damaged, cracked, or even change shape when exposed to extreme heat.
Material. There are a multitude of tile materials that work well as fireplace surrounds: porcelain, ceramic, glass, marble and natural stone like travertine, limestone and slate.
Some examples of non-combustible fireplace materials include sheet metal, cement board, tile, stainless steel and cast iron. These are often very expensive when compared to materials like brick or concrete block, but offer superior safety ratings in the case of an accidental fire.
Stone, brick, cement, or fire-rated drywall finish are the go-to materials for making fireplace hearths durable and fireproof. They're also fairly adaptable when it comes to design: They can be left as they are or painted to match surrounding elements in a room.
Porcelain tiles do not contain plastic or organic substances of any kind and are inert if subjected to high temperatures. Therefore, they are not in any way combustible or flammable and cannot be damaged by cigarettes, embers, boiling liquids, or flames.
Porcelain tiles are manufactured at a very high temperature and hence the reason why porcelain tiles are fireproof. They won't burn, produce smoke or any toxic fumes. They are fire resistant.
What type of tile can be used in a fireplace? If the heat source is more than 20cm away it would be safe to use most types of tiles however it's advised to use porcelain. This material acts in the same way as fire-resistant bricks by absorbing the heat without transferring it to surrounding areas due to its density.
So, can porcelain tile withstand heat? Porcelain tiles can withstand extended heat for long periods without altering their appearance or chemical properties. These tiles will remain uninterrupted in temperatures between 1200 and 2000 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is typically resistant to cracking and breaking, but it can be susceptible to thermal shock if it is subjected to sudden changes in temperature. If you pour hot water into a porcelain vessel that is not heat-resistant, it is possible that the porcelain could crack or break as a result of the thermal shock.
Both tiles are clay-based and kiln-fired, but porcelain is technically a specialized type of ceramic. The clays used to make porcelain have a higher density and are fired longer at a higher temperature than ceramic. The difference in ingredients and production methods creates types of tile with unique characteristics.
Cardboard in all forms (including pizza, cereal, and shipping boxes) should never be burned in your fireplace. These materials are often treated with wax, plastic, ink, paint, and other materials which can release toxic fumes when burned.
Porcelain can be used in high heat areas, such as fireplaces and fireplace surrounds. It has a high heat tolerance, unlike quartz.
In fact, porcelain tiles heat up easily and just as easily convey that heat to the environment. But the good thermal conductivity of ceramic tiles also applies when the radiant floor is used for cooling through the introduction of cold water into the coil, a possibility that makes air conditioners unnecessary.
Porcelain tile is an incredibly durable, versatile, and stylish surface material, and it's ideal for use around fireplaces. Since it's easy to install, this upgrade is a great DIY project — and even with a professional installation, it's easy on the budget as well.
Pouring boiling water is quite risky as it might lead to a steam burn or scalding. Another thing to keep in mind is what type of material you are pouring in into. If you have a porcelain sink, it is likely to crack due to the heat. All in all, pouring boiling water down your drain will only cause issues down the road.
Porcelain will not burn. Not like wood, or any other combustible, but it can develop burn marks. IT does melt at 1840 °C., with finer and denser porcelains needing to reach temperatures above 2,000 ℃ before they begin to melt or decompose.
Though popular for being gentler alternatives to harsh chemical cleaners, baking soda, Borax, and even salt can harm the finish of your porcelain fixtures. As gentle as they are, these compounds are still abrasive and will scratch your finish, especially with regular use.
Porcelain tile generally gets hotter than concrete pavers or natural stone. So if your surface is in an area that gets a lot of direct sunlight, choose a lighter color tile to avoid burnt feet! A cream, beige, or light gray porcelain will be less prone to absorbing heat.
Which is more heat-resistant: porcelain or ceramic? The clays used in the manufacture of porcelain tiles are denser than the clay used in ceramic tiles. This makes porcelain more porous, hence they do not attract moisture easily. As a result, porcelain is more heat-resistant than ceramic.
Perhaps the most popular option for a fireplace surround, granite is one of the most durable materials you can buy. It's extremely scratch resistant, unlikely to crack or chip, and it has good heat tolerance. Granite is suitable for gas or wood burning fireplaces.
Add a Hearth Extension
Often made of brick, slate, or some other type of stone, a hearth extension will help to ensure your hardwood doesn't get marred by a spark of some soot. If you don't want to have an extension built onto your fireplace, you can always just purchase a hearth extension pad.
Be sure to use non-combustible materials such as brick, stone or slate to help keep your peace of mind. If installing or extending the hearth is not an option for you, you can always opt for a hearth pad or a fireplace rug. Hearth pads are made of tile or other hard materials and can often act like a hearth extension.