Hearths

Originally a fireplace was the sole source of heat for warming and cooking for cooking or warming oneself. Over time, this cornerstone of home comfort has transformed, offering a myriad of uses beyond its traditional roles. While its historical significance remains, the contemporary fireplace hearth brings forth a blend of utility and style, enhancing your living space in more ways than one.

What is the purpose of a fireplace hearth?

1. Floor Protection: Acting as a shield, the hearth guards your flooring and other combustible material from the intense heat of the fireplace.

2. Safety Barrier: The hearth creates a barrier, keeping them at a safe distance from the fire, preventing accidents and burns.

3. Aesthetic Enhancement: Beyond its practical functions, the hearth contributes significantly to the overall style and ambiance of your home, completing the look with its design and material choices.

4. Code Compliance: Building Regulation requires a fire hearth to be installed, you can find full UK part J building regs here. We would also recommend using a HEATAS approved installer if you are installing a new fire or log burner.

While these are some primary functions, the versatility of the fireplace hearth knows no bounds. From traditional brick or stone structures to modern variations featuring diverse materials and heights, the options are endless.

Whether you seek a rustic charm or a contemporary allure, there's a fireplace hearth style to suit every taste and home decor preference. So, as you envision your ideal hearth, remember it's not just a functional element but a center piece that adds warmth and character to your living space.

3 Different Types of Fireplace Hearth Fitting

When it comes to fireplace hearths there are a few height options to consider. Essentially, the height of your hearth dictates its type, offering a range of options to suit your preferences and space.

If you're contemplating installing a fireplace hearth and want to understand your choices, here are the four main types to consider:

1. No Hearth - Also known as a "hole in the wall" fireplace, this design foregoes a traditional hearth, featuring only a firebox built directly into the wall. It offers a sleek and minimalist look, ideal for contemporary settings. A fire hearth is not always necessary here but most people do install one in case any embers fall from the fire. A stone frame or slips are generally also installed around the opening to protect the front of the chimney breast or plaster from cracking

2. Flush Hearth: With a flush hearth, the hearth aligns perfectly or flush with the firebox opening. This will generally need an existing floor covering cutting out to make the top of the fireplace hearth flush with the floor finish height. This is easily achieved when undertaking a new build or room renovation as the hearth can be installed before the floor finish.

3. Raised Hearth: A fire hearth can be "boxed and lipped" to achieve any height. This option is generally used when there is an existing plinth or brick hearth that has deteriorated and it needs to be covered.

These options allow you to customize your fireplace to suit your style and space requirements. Whether you prefer a modern, streamlined look or a more traditional feel, we are happy to advise you on the correct fitting for your requirement.

Fireplace Hearth Materials

When it comes to planning installing a new hearth there really is something for every design scheme. From classic stones to modern ceramics, the options are vast, allowing you to tailor your hearth to suit your home's style and your personal preferences and complement your interior design.

Here are some of the common materials used for building fireplace hearths:

Granite Hearth

The most popular among homeowners, granite offers a huge choice of colours, patterns and finishes from polished to leathered. It's an excellent choice for wood-burning fireplace hearths, due to its high heat tolerance and durability.

Slate Heart

Known for its versatility, slate comes in an array of hues, from vibrant greens to sleek blacks, with honed and riven finishes. Ideal for all types of fires slate can lend a unique and stylish look to your hearth.

Marble Hearth

A classic choice that has been used in stately homes and high end properties going right back to Roman times, its timeless beauty makes marble a luxurious option for fireplace hearths. With its diverse range of colours and styles, it's a durable choice that adds an air of sophistication to any room.

Limestone Hearth

An affordable option, limestone works well for gas and electric fireplaces but may not withstand the high temperatures of wood-burning fires. While colour options are limited, its modern design appeals to many homeowners seeking a sleek look.

Porcelain Hearth

With its ability to withstand extreme temperatures, ceramic is a popular choice for fireplace hearths. Offering endless customisation possibilities many home owners clad the whole wall or chimney breast to make a real statement.

Brick

Ideal for the DIY enthusiast, brick hearths offer a classic charm that complements a variety of fireplace types. While lacking in customization options, brick is a versatile choice suitable for wood-burning, gas, and electric fireplaces alike. Unlike other options brick is not easy to maintain due to the pointing and rough surface of the brick face.

Concrete

Durable and affordable, concrete hearths are a favourite among DIYers and home improvement enthusiasts. Whether poured directly or layered atop a brick base, concrete can add an industrial look to your installating but is likely to crack over time.

Finding the right material for your fireplace hearth may seem daunting, but considering factors such as safety, aesthetics, and compatibility with your mantel and surround can help narrow down your options. We are here to help you find the perfect fit for your hearth install, adding warmth and style to your home for years to come.

Ordering your Hearth

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