We used TEC Bright White with Daltile Modern Dimensions tile (Arctic White?). We used the "regular" TEC grout in our guest bathroom, and TEC XT in our hall bathroom (we used the same tile, but a couple of years apart, hence the different grouts). The TEC Bright White looks very good with the tile. I don't know how the Laticrete looks with it, but I think others here have used it and liked it. I think the Laticrete samples weren't as white??? FYI, unsanded grout will look whiter than sanded, because the sand adds a little color to the white grout. Can't wait to see pics!

Bill thanks, I am going to try to put pictures after he tiles. If you think there is another company that you like better please let me know, as I am going to Philadelphia Saturday to my sons, there are many tile places there. It's funny the samples I have home that they thought matched the best are straw from the one tile place and mushroom from the other. They both seem to blend or a little drker than the tile. Do you know of these 2 which comes out lighter when up. I want to stay lighter if I can.. Those paper samples are so deceiving. Thanks so much for your help.

Well, good question mtn. We have three finished rooms in the basement, about 1100 sq feet total. We're not touching DH's office. He is happy with carpet. The other two rooms will be opened up to each other and will all have the same flooring, including adjacent bathroom. The big back room (25 x 27) is under the front of the house; behind the far wall is an 18" poured concrete foundation and earth beyond that. The room is perfectly ok year round--- cool in summer with a fan to stir the air--- and warm in winter with the gas fireplace. So I don't think we need it there. The front room (bottom of the stairs, has exterior wall w/ door to downstairs patio) gets cold. It already has a vent from the main HVAC but it's on the ceiling which is 9 ft In that room. I hate forced air heating and cooling anyway. We put in two ceramic wall heaters in That room that warm by convection current. They do a great job but they are now sort of invisible bc of furniture placement. Once we strip the room of everything except the planned daybed/sofas, they will be very noticeable. We've spent some time in Utah in winter and like the combination of underfloor heat and gas fireplaces, but all those floors were wood. So, as usual a long answer to a short question :-) We def need something in the front room at least and really need it in the bathroom. But the floor is SO rough... I don't know what to do. I don't want to insist on authenticity at the expense of comfort or even usability. (Is that a word?). The brick is gorgeous, see link below. Here is a link that might be useful: Old Carolina Brick

got it. sorry you had to go through all of that. I was just trying to give you some input on finishing up the FP so that it looks good to go w/your new black surround. Maybe you like that limewash, but all I'm saying is it should be painted a brighter white. The limewash wasn't done correctly. why not look at the lime slurry link I posted and try that? couldn't hurt. And I still stand by the mantel comment. the gray stain isn't doing you any favors. This is what it should look like, with the darker mantel stain. (your limewash was applied too heavy and it looks more like a primer. sorry, it just does) Go over it w/a good masonry white paint. If you like the look of this white hearth, then look for a white, large format tile, or leftover piece of quartz. I gave you plenty of info on hearth material in my first comment. not sure what exactly you're looking for other than larger format tiles. choose the 24x24 or 30x30, 24x48" and cut them to size. go to a stoneyard ask for some remnants that are going in the trash (they throw away smaller pieces they can't sell) See if you can have them or pay a small price for them. give them your hearth measurement and they'll prob cut it to size for you. polish the edges w/various grits of sandpaper. Lastly, get mosac tiles on sheets and set those on cement board or suitable tile substrate.