A fireplace is one of the few features that gets looked at every day, so the tile around it deserves more thought than an afterthought trim job. Here's how to pick between large-format porcelain, honed concrete-look tile, and textured stone ledger, plus the patterns and finish combinations that make a modern surround feel custom instead of builder-grade.

Tile installation disasters almost always trace back to the same mistake: the wrong questions were never asked before work began. Here are 8 questions every homeowner should ask their tile installer before a single piece is set.

Plan checkerboard tile with confidence. Learn layout tips, grout choices, tile sizing, waste allowance, and common mistakes to avoid before installing checkerboard floor tile.