was wondering what how I can lay up next to the tile in front of the fireplace. My wood is running perpendicular to the fireplace. I really do not want to use transition pieces. Can I put the wood right next to the tile or must I leave a gap. Any ideas would be appreaciated.

Well, this is what I did, but you may get the idea, since you are running the other way.

I left a gap that will be filled with sanded caulk to match the caulk of my grout.