Do you need special grout for a fireplace?

Author: Heath Hill  |  Last update: Friday, May 16, 2025

As mentioned, youll need a heat-resistant adhesive thatll keep the tiles in place for a long time. Youll also need heat-resistant grout. Go for the non-sanded type as this will ensure your tiles arent scratched as you wipe the surface clean.

What type of grout do you use for a fireplace?

Step 2: Mixing the Fireplace Grout

For best results, mix 3 parts sand with 1 part white Portland cement or white sandless mortar mix type N. (Never use gray cement.) If white mortar mix type N is not available in your area, you can use a formula of 3 parts sand, 1 part lime, and 1 part white Portland cement.

Do you need heat resistant grout for a fireplace?

Given the purpose of a hearth is to withstand higher temps than normal operating temps, this product would not be suitable. You'd need to use a refractory grout specifically designed for grouting hearth tiles, and unfortunately, I am unaware of any products that would suit your project.

What grout can withstand heat?

Setting materials that contain calcium aluminate cement are best-suited for tile installations near a heat source. These mortars and grouts exhibit high performance at high temperatures, allowing rapid development of strength over a relatively short period of time.

Do you need special mortar for fireplaces?

When you're building fireplaces, fire pits, ovens, or any other high-temperature project, High-Heat Mortar is your mix. Formulated to withstand temperatures up to 2550°F, this high-strength, highly workable mix is perfect for setting fire brick, clay masonry or as a parge coat.

This Grouting Mistake will Ruin Your Tile Job

What is the best mortar mix for a fireplace?

For fireplace installations, Type S mortar is a popular choice. This medium-strength mortar offers good adhesion and durability, making it reliable. It consists of a mixture of portland cement, sand, and lime.

Can I use normal cement in a fireplace?

If you're using a stove in conjunction with a chimney flue liner then you'll almost certainly need to use fire cement.

Can you get heat resistant grout?

Heat Resistant Tile Grout is a non-flammable, grey ready-mixed grout that is ideal for use with high temperature tiles such as porcelain, granite and mosaic tiles in areas subject to high temperatures such as fire surrounds, behind boilers, ranges, and radiators.

What is the difference between mortar and grout?

Mortar is the adhesive used to hold tiles to a surface or substrate. Grout, on the other hand, is the substance applied between the tile spaces to fill and seal the gaps. There's a mortar or grout product for every type of tile and tile location. It's important to choose the right product for the job.

What is the best adhesive for fireplace surround tile?

For anything hotter than 250 degrees, a cement-based adhesive is going to be needed. Everbuild KOS Fire Cement is a powerful adhesive that can handle temperatures up to 1250 degrees. That would be sufficient for the majority of fireplaces.

What is the best heat resistant tile for a fireplace?

Natural stone tiles, such as granite or slate, are known for their heat resistance and durability. Ceramic or porcelain tiles with a high PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) rating also offer excellent heat resistance.

What grout for fireplace tiles?

Heat resistant tile grout for use with fireplaces have specific properties which make them particularly suitable for the purpose of withstanding very high temperatures of up to to 1000°C. Our tile grouts are intended for grouting tiles which have been fixed with Heat Resistant Tile Adhesive.

How do you heat proof a fireplace?

Essential Fireproofing Materials for Your Fireplace

When it comes to keeping your fireplace safe and functional, fire cement, fireplace plaster, heatproof screed, and mortar are essential materials to have on hand.

Is mapei grout heat resistant?

Mapeflex Firestop 1200°C is a refractory grout suitable for chimneys, furnaces, radiators, barbecues, flues and fire break walls. It is ideal for pointing joints and bedding refractory bricks.

Does grout type matter?

The width of the joints between tiles. Sanded grout is better for spaces larger than 1/8 of an inch because unsanded grout shrinks during the curing process. Use unsanded or epoxy grout for spaces smaller than 1/8 of an inch. Grout is also for creating a nice-looking finish to your tile, so its color is important.

What happens if I use grout instead of mortar?

With some overlap in cementitious ingredients, grout and mortar do share a few properties. But largely, grout and mortar should not be used interchangeably. They are designed for different uses since they have different compressive strength levels, textures, appearances, and makeup.

What can I use instead of grout?

Caulk. Unlike grout, caulk is a latex-, silicone-, or acrylic-based product that, even after setting, maintains some flexibility, which is great for areas that need to accommodate movement and expansion, such as a bathroom or other moisture-dense places.

Does Lowes sell epoxy grout?

Among 90 choices, these Epoxy Grout have the highest satisfaction ratings with Lowe's customers. While these might be the highest rated, what you choose should fit your needs, so consider additional features such as Brand, For Use with Shower Walls and For Use with Bathroom Walls when making your selection.

Is grout fire proof?

There are no fire-rated grouts. If the full thickness is provided, then the grout has the same rating as the wall. It is similar to the exception for through penetrations. However, there is a problem using grout for the joint condition you are describing--there is no bond between the grout and the metal deck.

How to choose fireplace tiles?

When choosing tiles for a fireplace ensure those you have in mind are suitable for fireplaces and hearths since heat can cause cracks, melt adhesives, and damage glazes, while smoke can discolour tiles. Even suitable tiles should be kept a minimum of 30cm away from direct contact with flames or the main heat source.

What temperature can grout withstand?

Our SC Precision Grout HS and SpecPoxy Grout HS are designed to handle colder temperatures effectively. Proper Material Storage: Store grout materials between 40°F and 80°F (4°C and 27°C) to maintain optimal performance.

Do fireplaces require special mortar?

Refractory mortar is specially formulated to withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for fireplace applications.

Can you use quikrete in a fireplace?

A: QUIKRETE® Fireplace Repair Mortar is suitable for cracks in the firebox not exceeding 1/8” in width, regardless of surface area. It is not intended to repair chipping areas or deteriorating bricks. Products that will directly be in contact with the high heat, should be made of refractory cement.

Is cement tile good for fireplace?

Fireplaces are natural for tile designs, but it takes some time and planning to make a layout that works. Cement and ceramic tile are ideal, given the range of available patterns or color choices in plain tile.

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