FIVE TOP TIPS FOR TILING AROUND A FIRE PIT
Is there anything more South African than sharing the inviting glow of a fire pit? A tiled fire pit is a popular feature in many homes but it requires a suitable installation system to ensure a long-lasting result. Read on for our 5 top tips for this project.
1. Tile options for a fire pit
Stone, cement and even wood-look tiles are excellent choices when tiling round a fire pit, or an outside entertainment area. Before purchasing your tiles however, check with the tile manufacturer/ supplier that the tile you like is suitable for this type of installation.
2. Outside not inside the fire pit
You should only ever tile the outside of the fire pit and around the pit area, but not inside the fire pit itself. The elevated temperatures of the fire will most certainly result in degradation of the adhesive and damage to the tiles over time. Basically, if the installation area is too hot to touch, it is too hot to tile with a cementitious tile adhesive.
3. Getting started with the fire pit project
Before tiling your fire pit, ensure that the substrate is firm, clean, dry, and free from dust and contaminants. This is to ensure a good bond onto the substrate.
Prime your surface to ensure better adhesion onto the substrate before tiling, particularly if the surface is steel floated (i.e. a smooth, dense finish). Use a primer slurry coat consisting of 1 part TAL Keycoat mixed with 2 parts TAL Keymix powder primer (by volume) and apply with a block brush. Allow the slurry coat to dry before you install the tiles.
4. Adhesive systems that can handle the heat of a firepit
Modified adhesive and grout systems, which can handle the heat and resultant thermal expansion and contraction of the tiles, are important for this type of installation.
Use a high-strength adhesive system, such as TAL Goldstar 6, modified with TAL Bond, as a total water replacement in the adhesive mix for enhanced flexibility. TAL Wall and Floor Grout should similarly be modified with TAL Bond. This modified adhesive and grout system will withstand exposure to temperatures of up to 65°C – 70°C for prolonged periods. If higher temperatures are anticipated, it would be best to use a special heat-resistant, or high alumina cement for your fire pit.
5. Finishing the fire pit
The installation should be allowed to dry for a minimum of 7 days before you light that first inviting fire. Then all that’s left to do is put out the chairs, and invite a few friends or family over, to enjoy your new fire pit.
If you have any questions or are in doubt about how to tile your outdoor entertainment area, call our Technical Advice Line or send us an email.
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