Prep for tiling hearth - log burner

Ian Tinkler · 1 Jun 2020

Morning,

I'm building a hearth for a log burner. Plan is to use bricks to build it up from the concrete subfloor. I need to level before tiling. Can I shutter it and pour a thin (say 5mm) layer of self levelling screed to give me a flat surface to tile from?

My concern is heating might cause cracking / expansion.

Is a concrete (hardibacker) board better? If so how would you attached to the brick hearth below?

This is only for the base - the sides I'm using concrete backer boards as obviously a screed is not an option.

Second question - is there an issue with small air gaps being left between the tile and adhesive layer expanding? It's not exposed to direct heat but I imagine it'll get quite hot.

Thanks in advance!

Lower · 1 Jun 2020

You know you can buy pre-cast tiled heaths to whatever size you want?

https://www.castfireplaces.co.uk/hearths-and-chambers/tiled

Save you a load of time and hassle.

Ian Tinkler · 1 Jun 2020

Thanks - didn't know that, bought the tiles now and it's not a rectangular space, but definitely would consider another time.

Lower · 1 Jun 2020

They make them to order. I've bought a couple of T shaped ones and they're very good.

StephenStephen · 1 Jun 2020

I'm not a professional, but if any one of my woodburners was sending enough heat down through the legs, then through tiles, to crack a screed underneath I'd be worried about the woodburner!
I found this site useful: https://www.stovefitterswarehouse.co.uk/pages/hearth-regulations

JaimieH · 1 Jun 2020

I wouldn't bother buying a self levelling compound in addition to adhesive. Shutter up the sides as you are planning to do and spread a layer of C1 or C2 adhesive (rapid, or standard set, whichever you prefer) and trowel flat. Once set use same adhesive to lay tiles. It is important to avoid any voids under the tiles, not least because of the weight of the log burner, and you want to achieve as close as possible to 100% coverage. Trowel size is important and will depend what size tiles you are using but for anything 300mm and above I'd suggest a 20mm u-notch trowel or 12mm square notch and back skim your tiles before you bed them.

foxhole · 2 Jun 2020

IMG_2500

foxhole
1 Dec 2018

Very little heat reaches the floor. its main role is catching any hot debris that might fall out when feeding the fire.Used york stone [reclaimed from church ] For mine.

JaimieH · 2 Jun 2020

Boodiful

diynot

If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.

Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.

Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local

Prep for tiling hearth - log burner

Similar threads