Tile a hearth in earthy tones to surround a slow combustion heater. This hearth measures one metre square and is designed for a heater installed against a brick wall.

We chose 330x330mm ceramic tiles that look like terracotta. The centre tiles are laid diagonally, accented with a strip of marble tiles. Another choice would be slate tiles. The timber surround is 19x40mm.

You'll need:
Galvanised steel for backing hearth
1 sheet 19mm thick particle board
1 sheet 4.5mm thick fibre cement
1 x 3300x19x40mm timber for surround
Short screws
Basic carpentry tools: hammer, nails, spirit level, tape measure, plumb line, marker pen
Diamond wet saw
Tile pincers
Non-oily carborundum stone or tile file
Notched trowel (6mm)
Buckets (several) for mixing adhesive and water
Cement-based adhesive
Nylon spacing crosses
Grout
Sponge and rubber squeegee (for applying grout)
Clear polyurethane or paint for timber

Here's how:
1. Nail the sheet of galvanised steel to the back of the particle board to act as a heat shield or reflector. On the top surface, glue and screw the sheet of fibre cement for a non-combustible tiling surface, using short screws.

Laying the tiles
2. Set out your design on a separate board or plan paper using a marker pen. Check that it's accurate.

3. Cut the tiles for the front in half, allowing for joints of 3-5mm between tiles. Lay out the marble strips for the front and separate the marble pieces from the backing to build the corners. Next measure and cut the side tiles. (It's practical to cut more than one piece from each full tile.) Then set out the diagonal central pattern. Carefully mark the position of each tile on your plan.

4. For clean diagonal cuts, hire a diamond wet saw. These saws are heavy but easy and quick to use. (Other forms of cutting could break off the 45 degree corners.) Trim the small marble tiles with a pair of tile pincers. Once all the tiles are cut, check that everything fits. Rub any rough cut edges with the coarse side of a non-oily carborundum stone or tile file.

5. Trowel on enough cement-based adhesive to lay the front and side marble tiles. Lay all the edge tiles first and then do the marble strips. Don't press on the marble strips individually, wait until all of them are in place, then press with a timber offcut. Check with a spirit level.

Lay the outside edge tiles first, followed by the marble strip. The internal diagonal tiles are laid last.

6. Lay the internal tiles.

7. Cut a surround from 19x40mm timber; cut down to 32mm thick and bevel the edge. Mitre the front corners. Paint the timber or coat it with clear polyurethane. Let it dry thoroughly.

8. Grout the base with a stiff, creamy mix of 1:5 off-white cement/sand and equal parts liquid bonding agent and water. Work the grout well into the gaps and wipe the surface clean with a damp sponge, changing the water often.

9. After 24 hours, polish any leftover cement film with a cloth or a nylon kitchen scourer. Put another finishing coat on the timber; allow to dry.

Tip
The size of the hearth depends on the size of your heater and the local regulations regarding clearances to combustible and non-combustible materials.
Slow combustion heaters need a minimum of 300mm of hearth projecting from the face of the door.
Move the combustion stove very gently in place so you don't chip or crack the tiles.

Source: Tiling (Murdoch Books)