How to Replace Fireplace Tiles With a Wood Surround

Cover any surface adjacent to the fireplace with masking paper and masking tape to protect it from scratches created by flying shards of tile material. Place a drop cloth over the hearth at the base of the fireplace to collect falling debris. Put on a pair of safety goggles, work gloves and a respirator for personal protection during the removal process.

Remove the grout in between the tiles with a rotary tool containing a carbide grout blade. Run the blade over the grout lines to cut through them down to the adhesive layer holding the tiles in place.

Pry the tiles from the fireplace surface with a flat prybar. Press the tip under the edges of the tiles and apply pressure to force it between the tile and adhesive. Apply upward pressure when you have some of the tip beneath the tiles to pop them from the surface. The process will break ceramic and marble tiles so make certain that you stand to the side of the tile during removal to avoid being hit by the tile as it comes off.

Break through tiles that are difficult to pry off using a hammer and chisel. Place the chisel tip on the tile center and then strike with a hammer to break into pieces. Use the prybar to remove the pieces, which should be easier to remove than the tile as a whole.

Remove the adhesive from the fireplace facade with a putty knife. Heat the adhesive with a heat gun to liquefy the material somewhat to aid in removal. If mortar was used as an adhesive, remove the mortar using the rotary tool and the carbide blade. Run the blade through the mortar, cutting the material from the surface of the facade.

Sand away any adhesive residue with a rotary sander. Wipe the surface of the facade clear with a tack cloth.

Wash the surface clean with a pH-neutral cleanser and a sponge. Rinse with water and allow the surface to dry.

Measure the dimensions of your fireplace facade with a tape measure for ordering a custom fit surround. Test the surround upon delivery, making any needed alterations with a circular saw.

Apply a layer of fire-resistant mortar to the legs of the wood surround using a notched trowel. Spread the mortar evenly along the rear of the wood and then run the notches over the surface of the mortar to raise ridges. Press the legs to either side of the fireplace, replacing the tile surface with the wood. Place a level across the top of the legs to make certain that the top is level straight across. Adjust the leg positions to make certain that its level while the mortar is still wet.

Apply the mortar to the top wooden panel using the same process as that used on the legs. Press the panel in place above the legs with the base of the panel against the top of the legs. Allow the mortar holding the wood surround to cure for the manufacturer suggested curing time before using the fireplace.