To make a hearth, you need to choose the material that works best for your fireplace.
The most popular choices are brick, concrete and tile. Brick is an excellent choice because it’s durable and attractive.
Concrete has the added benefit of being non-combustible; however, it can crack or fall apart over time if not properly sealed with grout or ceramic tiles at the edges where it meets the flooring surface (this is why we don’t recommend using drywall).
Tile is also durable and beautiful plus easy to install yourself! but can be more expensive than other options.
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| – A fireplace hearth is an essential component of a fireplace that protects the surrounding floor and adds visual interest to the space. |
| – The hearth’s material, size, and design should match the fireplace and the room it is in. |
| – Common hearth materials include brick, stone, concrete, tile, slate, and granite. |
| – A hearth pad is a protective barrier around the hearth and is usually required by building code. |
| – While it is not recommended to install a hearth by yourself, knowing the basics of hearth building can help you better communicate with professionals and ensure a safe and stylish installation. |
1. Brick Hearth
Do you want to create a traditional style hearth? A brick hearth will fit the bill. It can be made in any shape or size and is typically easy to install. You could even use it as an outdoor fireplace, if you’re up for that project.
If you’re not sure about doing this yourself, there are professionals out there who can do it for you and probably for less money than buying premade bricks from a store!
Wondering what materials can be used as a hearth? Our guide on what can you use as a hearth explains the various hearth material options like tile, stone, brick and more. Choose the one that fits your style and budget.
2. Concrete Hearth
A concrete hearth is a great option for you if you want a durable and long-lasting fireplace that can be used both indoors and outdoors.
They are very easy to install, so even if you don’t have any experience with doing projects like this before, it shouldn’t be too difficult. These types of hearths can also be made in any shape or size, giving you the opportunity to customize your space however you’d like!
Concrete hearths are great because they’re fireproof (which makes them safe for children) and they last forever.
This makes them perfect for outdoor use because they won’t need replacing every year like some other materials might require.
If these characteristics sound appealing to you but aren’t sure how exactly concrete works as an alternative material? Don’t worry—we’ve got everything covered in our next section on how concrete is made!
Concrete Hearth Options
| Material | Size | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Ardex SD-M | 36″ x 16″ | $300 – $600 |
| Buddy Rhodes Artisan | 40″ x 22″ | $400 – $700 |
| Elite Crete | 48″ x 20″ | $500 – $900 |
| Cheng Pro-Formula | 60″ x 24″ | $800 – $1500 |
| Surecrete Xtreme GFRC | 72″ x 36″ | $1000 – $2500 |
This table provides five different concrete hearth options along with their respective material, size, and price range. The concrete material comes in various brand options including Ardex SD-M, Buddy Rhodes Artisan, Elite Crete, Cheng Pro-Formula, and high-end brand Surecrete Xtreme GFRC. Depending on the desired look, size, and budget, homeowners can choose from different concrete hearth options.
3. Tile Hearth
Tile hearths are a popular choice because they are easy to install and can be made from any material. In fact, tile hearths make a great alternative if you have a gas fireplace that was previously wood-burning.
Tile hearths can also be installed on top of brick or stone fireplaces; this is a good solution if your existing hearth is cracked or damaged.
If you prefer not to use tile as your hearth surface material, you might consider using brick instead. Brick may offer more versatility in terms of color and style choices than tile does, but it might also cost more depending on how much work it will take for you to find what works best with the rest of your home’s decorating scheme
How much does a hearth cost? The cost of the hearth can vary depending on a few factors. Visit our blog on how much is a hearth to understand the cost associated with different types of hearths such as Gas, Electric, Wood burning, etc.
4. Tiled Concrete Hearth
Tiled hearths are a great choice for many people. They’re easy to keep clean, durable, and come in multiple colors and styles. In fact, you can even use tiles for the entire hearth and surround!
If you want a tiled hearth but your budget doesn’t allow it, consider using tiles only on the back of your fireplace. This way you can still enjoy the benefits of tile without breaking the bank.
5. Slate Hearth
Slates are a type of sedimentary rock, meaning they’re formed from the tiny pieces of shells or other debris that settle at the bottom of a body of water. Slate is also a metamorphic rock, which means it started out as another type of sedimentary rock (usually clay) and underwent heat and pressure until it became slate.
Slate is most commonly used as roofing material because it’s highly resistant to weathering; this makes it an ideal material for hearthstones.
Slate stones are usually flat on one side and flat or curved on the other side. You can buy them online or at your local hardware store—they run between $25-$50 per square foot depending on thickness.
A hearth pad serves as a protective barrier around the hearth and is usually required by the building code. Learn about different types of hearth pads and how to make your own with our guide on how do you make a hearth pad.
6. Granite Hearth
Granite is a hard and durable stone that can be polished to a high shine, which makes it an excellent material for the hearth.
It’s also available in many different colors, so if you’re looking to change up your fireplace’s look, granite might be the way to go.
Granite is not only beautiful, but it’s also incredibly durable—making it perfect for use in high-traffic areas like hearths where there will be lots of wear and tear from walking across them.
It’s important to note that this durability comes at a price: granite costs much more than other materials (like brick or concrete).
And because of its weightiness (one slab can weigh up to 1,000 pounds!), installation will require some serious lifting by two people or more if you don’t have help from professionals like us!
Granite Hearth Options
| Material | Size | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Absolute Black | 36″ x 16″ | $400 – $700 |
| Dakota Mahogany | 40″ x 22″ | $500 – $800 |
| Uba Tuba | 48″ x 20″ | $600 – $1000 |
| Blue Pearl | 60″ x 24″ | $800 – $1500 |
| Indian Paradiso | 72″ x 36″ | $1000 – $2500 |
This table provides five different granite hearth options and their respective material, size, and price range. From Absolute Black, Dakota Mahogany, and Uba Tuba to high-end brands such as Blue Pearl and Indian Paradiso, each option provides a unique appearance and budget range.
Choosing the right granite hearth for your fireplace comes down to size, color preferences, and the desired price point.
7. Marble Hearth
If you’re looking for a modern look, marble is a great choice. Marble is also durable and very easy to maintain. If you want a hearth that will last, marble is an excellent choice!
Marble is also very easy to cut and install. It can be polished smooth or left with natural patterns like veins and swirls.
The hearth’s base contributes to most of the hearth’s aesthetics and safety. Explore our blog on how do you build a hearth base and discover simple steps and materials to ensure your hearth base is safe and stunning.
8. Limestone Hearth
Limestone is a sedimentary rock formed from the accumulation of dead marine organisms. It is composed of calcium carbonate, which makes it an excellent choice for building hearths because it absorbs water and expands when wet.
In addition to looking nice, limestone is less expensive than granite or marble and can be cut into any shape or size.
A downside of using limestone as an outdoor hearth is that it may become slippery after being exposed to rain over time due to its high porosity.
To prevent this from happening, you can apply a sealant made specifically for porous surfaces like stucco or concrete blocks that will keep your floor dry and safe to walk on even if moisture gets in between cracks where dirt collects over time without having any negative effects on how attractive your fireplace looks overall!
Limestone Hearth Options
| Material | Size | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bedford Limestone | 48″ x 20″ | $400 – $800 |
| Indiana Limestone | 36″ x 16″ | $600 – $1000 |
| French Limestone | 60″ x 24″ | $800 – $1500 |
| Turkish Limestone | 72″ x 36″ | $1000 – $2500 |
| Jerusa Limestone | 40″ x 20″ | $500 – $1000 |
This table provides a list of five different limestone hearth options and their respective material, size, and price range. The materials range from Bedford and Indiana limestone to international brands like French, Turkish and Jerusa limestone.
Each option offers a distinctive look and price range for customers to choose from based on their preferences and budget.
9. Sandstone Hearth
Sandstone is a sedimentary rock that forms when the grains of sand in a sand dune have been cemented together. It is made up of calcium carbonate and quartz, which gives it a grainy texture and makes it porous.
This quality makes sandstone ideal for creating hearths—the pores allow heat to radiate into the room, making them more efficient than other types of hearth material.
Sandstone can be polished to create a smooth surface (like marble), but if you want your hearth to be rough and rustic, you can leave it unpolished as well!
Laying a hearth requires precision, and doing it perfectly adds to your hearth’s final appearance. Get insights on how to do a flawless hearth laying job with our guide on how do you lay a hearth and take your hearth to the next level.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are several different options for making a hearth. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s up to you to decide which one is the best fit for your home. With all these options, there’s no reason not to have a beautiful fireplace!
Further Reading
For more information on fireplace hearths, check out these resources:
Fireplace Universe: Learn about the various types of fireplace hearths and their functions.
Fireplace Doors Online: Read about the role of the hearth in fireplace design and its history.
eFireplaceStore: Explore the evolution of fireplace hearths over time and their importance in modern homes.
FAQs
What is a fireplace hearth?
A fireplace hearth is the floor area in front of the firebox, made of non-combustible materials that protect the surrounding flooring from the heat of the fire.
What are the common hearth materials?
Some of the common hearth materials are brick, stone, concrete, tile, slate or granite.
What is the function of a fireplace hearth?
The hearth protects the surroundings from the heat and potential fire hazards. It also adds visual interest to the fireplace and serves as a seating or decorative area.
How does the size of the hearth affect the fireplace design?
The size of the hearth is an essential factor in fireplace design as it must match the size or scale of the fireplace and the room it is in.
Can I install a fireplace hearth by myself?
It is not recommended to install a fireplace hearth by yourself as it requires some technical expertise and knowledge of materials, building codes, and regulations. It’s best to hire a professional for safe and reliable installation.
My name is Hellen James. I’m an expert in writing about fireplaces, hearths, and firepits because they’re a beautiful part of home decor, but also because they can be so much more than just a fireplace—they’re a way to enjoy the outdoors even when it’s cold outside!
