Nowadays it is quite possible to tile over the old tile and avoid the time and money of cleanup and backerboard installation.
Can you tile over tile fireplace.
You can tile directly over your current marble fireplace surround.
If you want to tile over a marble fireplace you have to address the problem of tile adhesion.
The peel and stick tiles have a little extra space on one side so you can overlap them slightly so there are no gaps.
Each time you cut a piece of tile take it over to fireplace and hold it up to make sure it fits.
Tile is not recommended for applications that will exceed 175 f 80 c so it s not an option for the firebox.
The average do it yourself homeowner can cover their old tile fireplace surround with new tile in one to two days depending on the size and scope of the project.
The firebox the surround and the hearth.
There are three parts to the fireplace.
Then take that piece and hold it up to the previous piece you cut to make sure it is the same width length whichever is applicable.
Nail a straight 1x board horizontally across the fireplace in line with the top of the firebox and use its top edge as a shelf as you set the tiles.
The row of tiles directly above the firebox is visually the most important so it should be absolutely straight.
The firebox is where the actual fire will be and it must be lined with the appropriate materials that will meet building codes.
How to tile with before and after pictures of a fireplace surround makeover.
Then if you use the proper mastic the tiles should stick.
My tile fireplace has a little space between the mantel and the tile so i was able to stick part of it behind the mantel to start.