Are Brick Slips Suitable for Fireplaces? A Practical UK Guide
A brick fireplace has a way of making a room feel finished. It adds texture, warmth and a sense of permanence that painted plaster rarely achieves. That’s one reason brick slips have become such a popular choice for fireplace surrounds, chimney breasts and feature walls — particularly when homeowners want the character of real brick without rebuilding the entire structure.
But one question comes up again and again: Are brick slips suitable for fireplaces?
In most cases, yes. Brick slips — made from real clay brick — are naturally heat tolerant and can work extremely well around fireplaces and stoves when installed correctly. The important thing to understand is that the brick slips themselves are only part of the system. The backing surface, adhesive, grout and distance from the heat source all play an equally important role.
This guide explains where brick slips can safely be used, what “heat resistant” really means in a real home environment, which installation materials matter most, and which design approaches look best long-term.
What brick slips are...
and why they’re popular around fireplaces
Brick slips — sometimes called brick slip tiles or brick tiles — are thin cuts of real brick. Because they’re made from fired clay, they carry the same character you expect from brick: subtle tonal variation, texture, and depth. They’re often used to create:
- a chimney breast feature wall
- a brick fireplace surround
- an alcove treatment around a stove
- a full-width fireplace feature wall in a living room
The big win is practicality: you get a real brick finish without losing lots of floor space, and without the structural work that full brickwork can require.
Are brick slips heat resistant?
The short answer is: the brick slips themselves are typically heat tolerant, because they’re made from brick that has already been fired at high temperatures (clay brick is manufactured by firing in kilns at very high temperatures; many brick slip suppliers reference kiln firing up to around 1,200°C).
However, “heat resistant” in a fireplace setting is not just about the brick face. What usually fails first — if anything fails — is the system behind it:
- a backing board that can’t handle warmth
- an adhesive not suited for higher temperatures
- grout/pointing that dries, cracks, or de-bonds over time
- installation too close to the appliance
Several brick slip installation guides stress that heat resistance of adhesives and grout matters, especially near fireplaces.
So the right way to think about it is:
Brick slips are generally a good fireplace finish — but only when the installation system is appropriate for heat exposure and the appliance clearances are respected.
Fireplace types: what changes depending on what you have?
1) Electric fires
Electric fires typically produce less “surround heat” than open fires or stoves. Brick slips are commonly used around them as a purely decorative finish, and it’s often one of the easiest applications.
2) Gas fires
Gas fires vary by model. Some push substantial heat forward; others are designed to keep surround temperatures lower. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions — but aesthetically, brick slips work extremely well here.
3) Wood burners / log stoves
This is where homeowners are right to ask more questions.
The stove manufacturer will specify required distances to combustible materials, and industry advice commonly stresses that there isn’t one universal clearance — it depends on appliance output, installation method, and materials. HETAS highlights that appliance and chimney manufacturers specify safe distances from combustible materials, and some provide heat shields to reduce distances for particular installations.
Some installer guidance also references rules of thumb (for example, guidance discussing distance from flue pipe diameter to combustibles), but the safest, most correct consumer advice remains: follow the manufacturer’s stated clearances and use a competent installer.
4) Open fireplaces
Brick slips are often used successfully around open fireplaces, typically as surrounds and chimney breast finishes. The firebox itself is a different matter: standard brick slips are usually intended for surfaces around the opening, not as a replacement for firebricks inside the firebox (unless you are using products specifically rated for that purpose).
Where can brick slips go around a fireplace?
In most homes, brick slips are best suited to:
- Chimney breast feature walls (full height or partial)
- Surrounds around the opening (outside the firebox)
- Behind a stove on a chimney breast, where the surface is non-combustible and clearances are observed
- Alcoves and side returns where you want a cohesive brick finish
A good rule of thumb is: brick slips are ideal for the “architectural” surfaces — not for direct flame contact zones.
If you want to go closer to a heat source, the decision becomes more about:
- what the backing surface is
- what adhesive/grout system you’re using
- the appliance instructions
Backing surfaces: the quiet detail that makes or breaks fireplace installs
This is the part that trips people up. Brick slips might be non-combustible, but if they’re bonded onto a surface that doesn’t like heat (or movement), problems can appear over time. Some brick slip guidance explicitly warns to consider the backing surface and clearances — not just the slips themselves.
For fireplaces and stoves, installers often prefer non-combustible substrates in heat-influenced areas (for example, cement-based boards) rather than standard plasterboard. The “right” substrate depends on your situation — but the principle is consistent: use a stable, heat-tolerant base where heat exposure is expected.
Adhesive and grout: what matters (and what to look for)
If there’s one practical tip worth emphasising, it’s this: Use the right adhesive for the environment.
Multiple trade and supplier guides recommend heat-resistant or suitably rated adhesives for applications near fireplaces.
Some guides also mention heat-resistant grouts/pointing solutions for higher-heat situations.
You don’t need to turn your living room into a kiln-rated engineering project — but you do want materials that won’t soften, crack, or de-bond if the surround warms up.
If your project is around a stove or open fire, it’s also reasonable to speak to your installer about:
- adhesive temperature rating (where provided)
- jointing product suitability
- whether a heat shield or additional protection is required
Clearance and regulations: the safe way to phrase this (and what to do)
Clearances depend on the appliance. A stove manual example (HETAS-linked installation document) references clearances and points back to relevant standards and building regulations, reinforcing that the correct distances should be followed.
So the most accurate advice we can give is:
- Follow the stove/fire manufacturer’s clearance guidance.
- Use a competent installer (HETAS-registered for solid fuel where applicable).
- Keep combustible materials out of the heat zone and use non-combustible finishes where required.
Design ideas that actually work (and don’t date quickly)
A classic chimney breast feature wall
A full-height brick slip chimney breast looks timeless, especially in period properties. Reclaimed blends or handmade-look slips are particularly strong here — they add character without looking “too perfect”.
A stove focal point with texture
For stoves, brick slips behind the appliance can be stunning, especially paired with a stone hearth and timber beam. The key is keeping the finish crisp: clean edges, consistent pointing, and enough surrounding negative space so the brick is the hero.
Modern contrast in a contemporary room
Lighter brick slips (whitewashed, pale greys, or softer buffs) can make the fireplace feel architectural rather than rustic. This is where new brick slips often shine, because consistency supports a cleaner look.
How many brick slips do you need for a fireplace feature wall?
If you’re covering:
- just the surround, you’ll measure the opening and the surround band
- the chimney breast, measure width × height (and subtract openings if needed)
- alcoves, measure each return wall
Next Step:
Try our Brick Slip Calculator to help you calculate the number of brick slips for your project.
FAQs
Are brick slips suitable for fireplaces?
Yes, for surrounds and chimney breast feature walls. The system (substrate + adhesive + grout) and appliance clearances must be suitable.
Are brick slips heat resistant?
Brick slips made from real clay brick are generally heat tolerant, but adhesives, backing boards and jointing products must also be appropriate for the expected heat exposure.>
Can you put brick slips behind a log burner?
Often yes, provided the backing surface is appropriate and the stove manufacturer’s clearance distances are followed. HETAS advises that manufacturers specify safe distances and may provide heat shields to reduce distances.
Do you need special adhesive for brick slips near a fireplace?
For higher-heat areas, guidance commonly recommends heat-resistant adhesives and suitable grouts/pointing products.
Installation & Safety Guidance
Fireplace and stove installations should always follow manufacturer instructions and current UK Building Regulations. While brick slips are suitable for many fireplace surround and chimney breast applications, installation requirements can vary depending on appliance type, heat output, substrate and materials used.
For this reason, it is always recommended that projects involving heat sources are assessed and installed by a suitably qualified professional (such as a HETAS-registered installer where applicable) to ensure safety, compliance and long-term performance.
Final word: brick slips + fireplaces is a great pairing, done properly
Brick slips remain one of the best ways to elevate a fireplace area because they combine authenticity with practicality. If you:
- keep them out of direct flame zones,
- use a suitable substrate,
- choose the right adhesive/grout for the environment,
- follow manufacturer clearances,
…you end up with a feature that looks like it belongs — and stays that way.
A brick fireplace has a way of making a room feel “finished”. It adds texture, warmth, and a sense of permanence that painted plaster rarely achieves. That’s why brick slips have become such a popular choice for fireplace surrounds, chimney breasts, and feature walls — especially when homeowners want a genuine brick look without rebuilding the whole fireplace in full bricks.
But there’s one question that comes up again and again: Are brick slips suitable for fireplaces?
In most cases, yes — brick slips (made from real clay brick) are naturally heat tolerant, and they can work brilliantly around fireplaces and stoves when installed correctly. The key is understanding that the brick slips are only one part of the system. The backing surface, adhesive, grout, and the distance from the heat source matter just as much.
This guide covers the practical side: where brick slips can safely go, what “heat resistant” really means in real homes, the adhesive and grout choices that matter, and the design approaches that look great and last.
What brick slips are (and why they’re popular around fireplaces)
Brick slips — sometimes called brick slip tiles or brick tiles — are thin cuts of real brick. Because they’re made from fired clay, they carry the same character you expect from brick: subtle tonal variation, texture, and depth. They’re often used to create:
- a chimney breast feature wall
- a brick fireplace surround
- an alcove treatment around a stove
- a full-width fireplace feature wall in a living room
The big win is practicality: you get a real brick finish without losing lots of floor space, and without the structural work that full brickwork can require.
Are brick slips heat resistant?
The short answer is: the brick slips themselves are typically heat tolerant, because they’re made from brick that has already been fired at high temperatures (clay brick is manufactured by firing in kilns at very high temperatures; many brick slip suppliers reference kiln firing up to around 1,200°C).
However, “heat resistant” in a fireplace setting is not just about the brick face. What usually fails first — if anything fails — is the system behind it:
- a backing board that can’t handle warmth
- an adhesive not suited for higher temperatures
- grout/pointing that dries, cracks, or de-bonds over time
- installation too close to the appliance
Several brick slip installation guides stress that heat resistance of adhesives and grout matters, especially near fireplaces.
So the right way to think about it is:
Brick slips are generally a good fireplace finish — but only when the installation system is appropriate for heat exposure and the appliance clearances are respected.
Fireplace types: what changes depending on what you have?
1) Electric fires
Electric fires typically produce less “surround heat” than open fires or stoves. Brick slips are commonly used around them as a purely decorative finish, and it’s often one of the easiest applications.
2) Gas fires
Gas fires vary by model. Some push substantial heat forward; others are designed to keep surround temperatures lower. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions — but aesthetically, brick slips work extremely well here.
3) Wood burners / log stoves
This is where homeowners are right to ask more questions.
The stove manufacturer will specify required distances to combustible materials, and industry advice commonly stresses that there isn’t one universal clearance — it depends on appliance output, installation method, and materials. HETAS highlights that appliance and chimney manufacturers specify safe distances from combustible materials, and some provide heat shields to reduce distances for particular installations.
Some installer guidance also references rules of thumb (for example, guidance discussing distance from flue pipe diameter to combustibles), but the safest, most correct consumer advice remains: follow the manufacturer’s stated clearances and use a competent installer.
4) Open fireplaces
Brick slips are often used successfully around open fireplaces, typically as surrounds and chimney breast finishes. The firebox itself is a different matter: standard brick slips are usually intended for surfaces around the opening, not as a replacement for firebricks inside the firebox (unless you are using products specifically rated for that purpose).
Where can brick slips go around a fireplace?
In most homes, brick slips are best suited to:
- Chimney breast feature walls (full height or partial)
- Surrounds around the opening (outside the firebox)
- Behind a stove on a chimney breast, where the surface is non-combustible and clearances are observed
- Alcoves and side returns where you want a cohesive brick finish
A good rule of thumb is: brick slips are ideal for the “architectural” surfaces — not for direct flame contact zones.
If you want to go closer to a heat source, the decision becomes more about:
- what the backing surface is
- what adhesive/grout system you’re using
- the appliance instructions
Backing surfaces: the quiet detail that makes or breaks fireplace installs
This is the part that trips people up.
Brick slips might be non-combustible, but if they’re bonded onto a surface that doesn’t like heat (or movement), problems can appear over time. Some brick slip guidance explicitly warns to consider the backing surface and clearances — not just the slips themselves.
For fireplaces and stoves, installers often prefer non-combustible substrates in heat-influenced areas (for example, cement-based boards) rather than standard plasterboard. The “right” substrate depends on your situation — but the principle is consistent: use a stable, heat-tolerant base where heat exposure is expected.
Adhesive and grout: what matters (and what to look for)
If there’s one practical tip worth emphasising, it’s this: Use the right adhesive for the environment.
Multiple trade and supplier guides recommend heat-resistant or suitably rated adhesives for applications near fireplaces.
Some guides also mention heat-resistant grouts/pointing solutions for higher-heat situations.
You don’t need to turn your living room into a kiln-rated engineering project — but you do want materials that won’t soften, crack, or de-bond if the surround warms up.
If your project is around a stove or open fire, it’s also reasonable to speak to your installer about:
- adhesive temperature rating (where provided)
- jointing product suitability
- whether a heat shield or additional protection is required
Clearance and regulations: the safe way to phrase this (and what to do)
Clearances depend on the appliance.
A stove manual example (HETAS-linked installation document) references clearances and points back to relevant standards and building regulations, reinforcing that the correct distances should be followed.
So the most accurate advice we can give is:
- Follow the stove/fire manufacturer’s clearance guidance.
- Use a competent installer (HETAS-registered for solid fuel where applicable).
- Keep combustible materials out of the heat zone and use non-combustible finishes where required.
Design ideas that actually work (and don’t date quickly)
A classic chimney breast feature wall
A full-height brick slip chimney breast looks timeless, especially in period properties. Reclaimed brick slips blends or handmade-look slips are particularly strong here — they add character without looking “too perfect”.
A stove focal point with texture
For stoves, brick slips behind the appliance can be stunning, especially paired with a stone hearth and timber beam. The key is keeping the finish crisp: clean edges, consistent pointing, and enough surrounding negative space so the brick is the hero.
Modern contrast in a contemporary room
Lighter brick slips (whitewashed, pale greys, or softer buffs) can make the fireplace feel architectural rather than rustic. This is where new brick slips often shine, because consistency supports a cleaner look.
How many brick slips do you need for a fireplace feature wall?
If you’re covering:
- just the surround, you’ll measure the opening and the surround band
- the chimney breast, measure width × height (and subtract openings if needed)
- alcoves, measure each return wall
On the RBC site you can direct customers to the Brick Slip Calculator (and position it as the “next step” once they’ve decided on the style).
FAQs
Are brick slips suitable for fireplaces?
Yes, for surrounds and chimney breast feature walls. The system (substrate + adhesive + grout) and appliance clearances must be suitable.
Are brick slips heat resistant?
Brick slips made from real clay brick are generally heat tolerant, but adhesives, backing boards and jointing products must also be appropriate for the expected heat exposure. >
Can you put brick slips behind a log burner?
Often yes, provided the backing surface is appropriate and the stove manufacturer’s clearance distances are followed. HETAS advises that manufacturers specify safe distances and may provide heat shields to reduce distances. >
Do you need special adhesive for brick slips near a fireplace?
For higher-heat areas, guidance commonly recommends heat-resistant adhesives and suitable grouts/pointing products.
Final word: brick slips + fireplaces is a great pairing, done properly
Brick slips remain one of the best ways to elevate a fireplace area because they combine authenticity with practicality. If you:
- keep them out of direct flame zones,
- use a suitable substrate,
- choose the right adhesive/grout for the environment,
- follow manufacturer clearances,
…you end up with a feature that looks like it belongs — and stays that way.
RBC-B-149
