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.
Using cement board for fireplace surround.
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.
I also like the stucco idea.
I d use at least a foot of cement board to be safe if you can t find the spec.
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.
However using fiber cement board like hardieboard is acceptable in locations including the mantel and fireplace surround.
Fireplace surround plywood or durock cement board.
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.
Note that you can use thunderbolts instead of adhesive and we often do if the walls are flat and true.
Cement board on the fireplace surround.
If you do this you have to countersink the holes in the board and use thunderbolts with tapered heads.
An old fireplace can be an eyesore.
Before the tile can be placed cement board must be installed.
You will need to paint the surface of the inside walls of the recess and one side of the cement board with a pva mix 3 water to 1 pva.
Fire ratings the hardiebacker board is made with a quarter inch thickness so that it can serve as fireplace facing.
The cement board creates a sturdy surface for the tile installation.