tiling a fireplace hearth

[mike@]

Hi
wonder if anyone can help i am after some black tiles that i can lay on a concrete base for a hearth for a solid fuel coal fire, tried limestone slabs but they have cracked under the heat, they were 2no. 600mm x 600mm slabs so need something equalling this size. Am thinking porcelain might do the trick but a little unsure any advice would be grateful.

cheers

Mike

[Dave]

Hi Mike..

When you say limestone slabs.. how thick..?

My Stone supplier sells loads of Black limestone pavers for hearths and they are about 30 to 40 mm thick.

[mike@]

Hi Dave

They are only about 20mm thick hence why they cracked i guess but really wanted something i could lay lower than the existing. Will see if i can investigate underneath without too much disturbance and see if i could get thicker slabs in.

thanks

Mike

[Dave]

What about black quarry tiles mike.?

[mike@]

Hi Dave

I did think about quarry tiles and could go down that route, but i would prefer to go for a larger tile if poss. Will visit a few tile shops and see if they have any other options.

thanks again

Mike

[Dave]

No probs.. let us know which way you go..

[Richard Edwards]

Try to find a fully viterous tile which are really strong and will withstand heat, however you may struggle to get a viterous tile at that size. I have done a few but only 200 x 300mm max

[david campbell]

cosmo's in glasgow do a 500mm2 vitrous tile thats about 30mm thick i'v laid on 2 heraths and one was a log burner,no problems whatsoever

[mike@]

thanks for all the advice, found some riven slate effect tiles manufactured for use on solid fuel hearths 30cm x 30cm square @£4 each so ordered these and will see how i go.

thanks
Mike

[Dave]

Thanks for the update.