Using Cement Board For Fireplace Surround

Before the tile can be placed cement board must be installed.

Using cement board for fireplace surround.

Once i figured out to add cement board to the fireplace surround i was a little worried about the edges of the cement board showing when it was installed. If you do this you have to countersink the holes in the board and use thunderbolts with tapered heads. Homes with outdated brick fireplaces can be brought up to date with a new tile fireplace surround. Fireplace surround plywood or durock cement board.

I also like the stucco idea. An old fireplace can be an eyesore. After some research and looking online for inspiration i decided to use a piece of metal schluter for the edges on the inside of the fireplace. However using fiber cement board like hardieboard is acceptable in locations including the mantel and fireplace surround.

Note that you can use thunderbolts instead of adhesive and we often do if the walls are flat and true. Fire ratings the hardiebacker board is made with a quarter inch thickness so that it can serve as fireplace facing. Cement board on the fireplace surround. The fireplace manual should specify how far around it you need fire resistent typically cement board or steel board typically it is only for the top.

Achieving a paintable fireplace surround with cement board if paul says hardiebacker then i d trust him. Expanded metal mesh two coat stucco over top scratch and finish use play sand or another fine sand for a better finish and then prime paint. It can be used as part of a hour long fire wall which is a wall that can resist a fire for up to an hour.