Yes! Using tiles around your wood burner is not only safe when done correctly – it’s also a brilliant way to add style and character to your living space. Whether you’re framing the back wall, tiling the hearth, or creating a stunning surround, fireplace tiles offer a practical and heat-resistant solution that enhances both form and function. In this guide, we’ll explore the best tile options for wood burners and share inspiring ideas to help you transform your fireplace into a standout feature in your home.
The Logistics of Tiles Around a Fireplace
We recommend using porcelain tiles, which are very heat-resistant. Most wood-burning stoves have insulation blocks in the back and sides to minimise the heat escaping, and there should also be a minimum of 150mm (6 inches) around the back and the sides of the stove for ventilation. So the heat coming into contact with the tiles shouldn’t be too great.
Also, a heat-resistant tile adhesive such as the Palace Heat Resistant Adhesive should be applied onto a good, solid surface. If for any reason the inner walls of the chimney are not in a good enough condition (e.g. crumbling or uneven), we’d advise that tile backer boards would be a good solution to give you a suitable surface to tile onto.
Which tiles look best behind a wood burner or fireplace?
If you’re installing a wood burner or stove in your living area, and you’d like to use tiles as a backdrop surrounding it, then we recommend choosing porcelain tiles, which are heat-resistant. But there are so many porcelain tiles to choose from – so which would look best?
If you love keeping up with the latest interior design trends, then one thing we’ve spotted at-home styling shows lately is textured surfaces. It’s all about injecting a textured look into your interiors these days, which helps to add a more interesting, characterful, eye-catching finish. So our advice? Introduce textured tiles and finishes to your fireplace. Fires and wood burners tend to give off a warm glow, which would really help to accentuate the texture on your tiles, casting shadows, and highlighting certain sections.
Above: Chatham Carbon Brick Tiles
Our top five picks to amplify your fireplace:
Hamlet Metro Tiles
When selecting tiles for use around a wood burner, it’s essential to choose materials that can withstand high temperatures and provide both safety and style. Our Hamlet Matt Brick Wall and Floor Tiles are an excellent choice for this purpose. Crafted from durable porcelain, these tiles offer excellent heat resistance, making them suitable for areas exposed to the warmth of a wood burner. The matt finish not only adds a touch of sophistication but also minimises glare, enhancing the cosy ambience of your home.
Scintilla Tiles
Make a statement with these fun and charming tiles. Ideal for making any fireplace a feature, these textured star-patterned tiles add the contrast you’ve been waiting for to liven up your late-night TV surroundings!
Camden Marble Effect Tiles
The Camden Marble Effect Wall and Floor Tiles are an excellent choice for enhancing the area around your wood burner. Their elegant marble effect, accentuated with subtle grey veining, adds a touch of sophistication to any fireplace setting. Measuring 200x200mm, their compact size allows for versatile installation patterns, enabling you to customise the design to suit your space.
Churchill Mosaic Tiles
Churchill Chequer Mosaic tiles are a perfect, stylish choice for enhancing the area around your wood burner, combining traditional design with durable performance. Crafted from quality porcelain, these tiles are heat-resistant and robust enough to withstand the fluctuating temperatures that come with owning a wood burner. Easy to clean and maintain, Churchill Mosaic Tiles offer a practical yet stylish solution for creating a beautiful fireplace surround or hearth zone that stands the test of time. Did you know? Our Churchill range actually comes in a variety of on-trend colour options.
We hope that we have not only explained the practical to you, but that we have also inspired you to use texture and light to its advantage!
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