heat resistant tiling

[nhoj]

I would like to tile around the alcove which houses a log burning stove fire. Each side of the fire has about one foot of space and the back has only 2 inches. when lit the stove generates a lot of heat. At the moment the surrouind is painted but always discolours.

[Elfin]

I did my fireplace once and I had the same problem with the woodburner. I decided to use floor tiles - rustic looking ones, about 4 x 8 inch (they were end of line in a DIY store). I got some oatmeal coloured and the rest terracotta and did a cool herringbone pattern. Looked brilliant (although I say so myself). Never had any problems with the heat - no cracks.