You can use any regular grout mix since it won't be visible. Once the hearth is level, set, and dry, you can lay up the entire mantel dry on 1/4″ spacers.
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.
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.
Logically, refractory mortar should be used anywhere where it will be exposed to very high temperatures.
Vitcas® Heat Resistant Tile Grout Resistant to 1000⁰C for grouting tiles which have been fixed with Vitcas® Tile Adhesive. Applications: Do not grout tiles immediately after fixing. Leave for a few days to be sure that the adhesive has had time to set properly before grouting.
To grout your stone fireplace, you may use a grout bag to inject the grout into the joints. If you are using our “Buff” sand, sift out the larger aggregates to prevent clogging the tip of the grout bag.
Refractory mortar is specially formulated to withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for fireplace applications.
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.
Normal tile adhesive should not be used for tiling a fireplace as it simply cant withstand high temperatures meaning your tiles are likely to come loose and fall off with time. Choose an adhesive that can withstand temperatures of up to 150-200C. If its going to get hotter than that, a cement-based product is needed.
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.
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.
Epoxy Grout
Mixing also starts the grout setting up, so it has to be applied quickly in small batches. Epoxy grouts meet or exceed industry standard, ANSI A118. 3. Epoxy grout is considered the most durable and robust of all the grouts and has superior stain and chemical resistance.
Materials such as ceramic tiles, natural stone, and metal are known for their high heat resistance capabilities, making them ideal choices for fireplace surrounds. Ceramic tiles, for instance, are excellent at withstanding high temperatures and are also easy to clean and maintain.
In general, the majority of porcelain tiles are suitable for fireplace applications. Porcelain tiles undergo high-temperature firing, making them resilient to the minimal impact of radiant heat from enclosed fires. However, it's advisable to avoid using glass tiles for fireplaces due to their heat sensitivity.
Daltile recommends using non-sand and non-acid grout for the fireplace. MAPEI Kerapoxy Design is recommended for best results.
TEMPERATURE Grout temperature should be maintained from 50 - 90 degrees F (10 - 32 degrees C). Use cold water in hot weather or hot water in cold weather to achieve desired grout temperature. Do not pour grout if temperature is expected to go below 32 degrees F (0 degrees C) within a 12 hour period.
MAPEI's Type 1 should not be used with radiant-heat flooring systems. Polymer-modified, cement-based mortars such as MAPEI's Large Tile & Stone Mortar are generally recommended for installing tile over radiant-heat systems.
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.
Before you begin, it's important to make sure that you choose tiles that are suitable for a fireplace, and thus, are able to withstand heat. Porcelain is the best option, its dense nature means it absorbs heat better, so is perfect in a fireplace with an open fire or a log burner.
It's easy to confuse the terms grout and mortar since both are used for setting tile and other types of masonry materials. With some overlap in cementitious ingredients, grout and mortar do share a few properties. But largely, grout and mortar should not be used interchangeably.
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.
Mix the white, latex-modified thin-set cement according to the manufacturer's instructions. Aim for a consistency similar to mayonnaise. This type of thin-set is specific for fireplace applications because it can withstand heat better than many other adhesives.