In article , Heathcliff wrote:

Looks like a good candidate for tiling. I have seen some beautiful
fireplaces done in regular ceramic tile - nice handpainted tiles, or
patterns in the tile, etc.

Yes, although my preference would be for natural stone. Slab
would be great but the cost is prohibitive. But I've seen
some natural stone tiles that a reasonably priced.

Not sure why you would want backerboard unless you are worried
about an uneven surface.

Yes, the brickwork doesn't look that even to me. Also, on
the vertical surfaces, it would assure sound adhesion. I
think it's possible the bricks were at some point wiped
with linseed oil or some other color enhancement treatment.

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