Fireplace surround

[Tre V]

I would like to incorporate art glass in a fireplace surround. This is a zero clearance wood burning fireplace, a BIS Tradition Ce fireplace. Nonetheless, it cranks out a significant amount of heat.  I love the craftsman style of the the old Rookwood tile fireplace surrounds, and was thinking of doing the innermost row of tiles in art glass instead. Will this work? Will they crack from the heat? Are glass tiles different than glass pieces? I can get 6" glass tiles, but I don't think I can get them any larger to cut into shape. I'd appreciate any and all comments.

[Tre V]

The glass for just that interior circle, then field tiles for the rest..clear as mud?

[ct4mom]

What about some fused tiles. There are some beautiful fusing glass out there. Not sure would work but a thought!!

[Tre V]

Yes, that may be the ticket! Thanks

[AglassAct]

Amazingly, your catalog pic is my fireplace!! We are restoring an arts and crafts house that was built in the late 20,s. We have not tackled this fireplace as of yet, but it is probably a Rookwood, since we are only a couple hrs. from Cincinnati. Thanks for inadvertantly giving me some info on my home!! Our tiles are a drab pinkish brown unglazed mottled tile. Hubby wants to to redo, but I like the original look of the tiles. I will take a pic next time I am at the house.

[Rebecca]

Are you thinking the fused tiles would stand the heat of the fireplace better than "art" glass?  Because I don't think that is the case.

I am not sure I understand what you are asking.  Is the first picture your existing fireplace?  Are you thinking of putting glass over the existing rock?

Rebecca

[Judy K]

I googled Rookwood tile fireplace surrounds and saw many ideas. I think it depends on how well your fireplace is built, how hot you burn it, and how fast you add heat. Glass takes high heat in the kiln but it heats up slowly. If heated fast you can get thermal shock and Crack!

The farther from the edge of the hot fire, the better luck you have with the glass.

My dad burned our fire place really hot one Christmas. He burned the old couch, piece by piece. It craked the brick all the way to the ceiling. They have not used it since.

[Tre V]

!!! An original Rookwood tile fireplace is priceless...well, not exactly, you could sell those tiles for a gazillion dollars! If you ever decide to get rid of it, be sure to talk to a restoration person, or the Rookwood people on how to get those things off there without damaging them.
    Rebecca, we're doing new construction, so currently there is NO surround at all, just the  framed box and the metal insert. I'm going to tile it in one way or another. Yes, I supposed that the fusable glass would have better heat resistance...shows how much I know! Maybe I'd be better off just sticking to actual tile..
     Thanks for the input everyone. I really appreciate it.