If you’re looking to warm your home with a fireplace, but don’t have the space or the budget for one, don’t worry. There are plenty of ways to add some fire and warmth to your living room without wasting all that money on building materials and professional installation.
In fact, some just require a little elbow grease and creativity!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Building a hearth for your fireplace can be a complex process, but with the right guidance and materials, you can create a beautiful and functional hearth that enhances the look and safety of your home. |
| Understanding the materials, thickness, and installation process is critical for creating a safe and long-lasting hearth for your fireplace. |
| Popular materials for hearths include brick, stone, concrete, tile, slate, and marble. |
| Choosing the right design for your hearth involves considering the overall look and feel of your home, as well as safety concerns and local building codes. |
| While it’s possible for skilled DIYers to install a hearth themselves, it’s recommended that the job be left to professionals to ensure compliance with safety standards. |
What Can You Use As A Hearth?
A fireplace hearth is a raised stone or brick structure that surrounds a fireplace. A hearth can be used to keep the firewood dry, or it can help control the airflow in the firebox. A hearth can also serve as a decorative element for your home.
Hearth is pronounced “heart,” like love, not “herd.”
Comparing Different Hearth Materials
| Material | Description |
|---|---|
| Brick | Durable and heat-resistant material that is both easy to clean and aesthetically pleasing. Can be used in a range of colors and patterns to match your home’s decor. |
| Stone | A popular choice for traditional and rustic-style hearths. Available in a variety of natural colors and textures, including marble, limestone, and granite. |
| Tile | Provides a smooth and easy-to-clean surface for hearths, available in a range of colors, shapes, and sizes. Popular brands include Daltile and Merola. |
| Cast Iron | A sturdy, durable option that can withstand high temperatures. Provides a traditional and elegant look that works well with vintage or retro home decor. Popular brands include Napoleon and Pleasant Hearth. |
| Stainless Steel | Provides a modern and sleek look that works well in contemporary-style homes. Durable and easy to clean, though it can show scratches and wear over time. Popular brands include Duluth Forge and Empire. |
Note: The above table is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Always consult with a licensed contractor or fireplace installer for guidance on selecting the best hearth material for your home and needs.
1. Fireplace Surround
A fireplace surround is a great way to add some personality to your hearth. They can be made of brick, stone or concrete and are available in many shapes and sizes.
You can paint or stain them for a different look each season or holiday. If you don’t have an existing fireplace, but want one on your wall, a surround will help it blend into the room seamlessly.
When it comes to building a hearth for your home, it’s important to understand the process and the materials involved. Our article on How Do You Make A Hearth Explained provides a comprehensive guide to creating a safe and attractive hearth for your fireplace.
2. Brick Hearth
Bricks are a great material to use as a hearth because they’re easy to find, inexpensive and can be painted if you want. They can also be laid in different patterns, which will create an interesting look for your fireplace.
If you want, you can purchase bricks already made into a tile-like shape that fit together like puzzle pieces. You’ll have less trouble making sure the edges line up this way!
3. Concrete Hearth
Concrete is a great option for a hearth. It’s easy to work with and sand, which means you can mold it into any shape or size.
It can be used on the floor of any room in your house, including kitchens, bathrooms and hallways. You can paint concrete or leave it natural so that it blends in with the rest of your home decor.
4. Wood Hearth
An untreated wood hearth is a great option if you’re looking for something that is as close to nature as possible.
It can be made from reclaimed or new wood and can also be stained or painted in any color of your choosing. This type of hearth is also a good choice if you want your fireplace to look rustic, but not so rustic that it feels like it belongs in an old cabin or barn.
If you are looking for something more modern, there are several types of finishes available for wood; including varnishes, stains and paints which will help give the fireplace more depth and texture than just bare wood would provide on its own.
A hearth pad is an essential component of any fireplace, providing a protective barrier between the fire and your flooring. If you’re in the process of building a hearth, our guide on How Do You Make A Hearth Pad will help you choose the right materials and create a pad that’s both functional and stylish.
5. Tile Hearth
A tile hearth is a type of fireplace surround that’s made from ceramic, slate, marble or granite tiles. The tile hearth can be used to replace an existing brick surround and is often used in outdoor fireplaces because it’s more durable than other types of stonework.
Comparing Different Hearth Materials
| Material | Description |
|---|---|
| Brick | Durable and heat-resistant material that is both easy to clean and aesthetically pleasing. Can be used in a range of colors and patterns to match your home’s decor. |
| Stone | A popular choice for traditional and rustic-style hearths. Available in a variety of natural colors and textures, including marble, limestone, and granite. |
| Tile | Provides a smooth and easy-to-clean surface for hearths, available in a range of colors, shapes, and sizes. Popular brands include Daltile and Merola. |
| Cast Iron | A sturdy, durable option that can withstand high temperatures. Provides a traditional and elegant look that works well with vintage or retro home decor. Popular brands include Napoleon and Pleasant Hearth. |
| Stainless Steel | Provides a modern and sleek look that works well in contemporary-style homes. Durable and easy to clean, though it can show scratches and wear over time. Popular brands include Duluth Forge and Empire. |
Note: The above table is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Always consult with a licensed contractor or fireplace installer for guidance on selecting the best hearth material for your home and needs.
6. Stone Hearth
Stone is a great material for a hearth. It’s durable and easy to clean, plus it can be installed in any space. But stone fireplaces can be expensive, heavy, and difficult to move around if you’re not planning on staying in the same home forever.
Installing hearth stones can be a tricky process, but with the right guidance, you can achieve a beautiful and functional hearth. Our guide on How Do I Install Hearth Stones Explained covers everything you need to know about selecting, measuring, and installing hearth stones, so you can create a safe and visually appealing fireplace for your home.
7. Granite Hearth
Granite is a durable, attractive material that makes for an excellent hearth. It’s easy to clean and won’t stain like wood, which means you don’t have to worry about constant maintenance.
Granite is also less expensive than other materials. However, it’s not quite as heavy as stone or marble so if you’re looking for something with more heft, granite might not be the best choice.
8. Slate Hearth
Slate is a natural stone. It’s very durable and will last for years to come. Slate is easy to clean, so you don’t have to worry about any messes on your hearth.
You can even easily remove the top layer of slate if it becomes damaged over time or when you want to give your fireplace a different look.
Slate isn’t very expensive either, which makes it an ideal choice if you’re looking for something inexpensive but high quality like this one here…
The hearth base is the foundation of your fireplace, and it’s crucial that it’s built correctly to ensure safety and stability. Our How Do You Build A Hearth Base – Easy Guide provides step-by-step instructions for building a basic, durable hearth base that will last for years.
9. Metal Hearth (Rust)
Rustic metal hearths are the perfect choice for those looking to add some rustic, industrial charm to their space.
These hearths can be found in many colors and patterns, but it’s the patina that really makes them stand out.
A great example of this type of hearth is the one from Blueridge Hearth & Home that you see above. This rustic steel hearth features an aged finish with antique blackened scrolling details that bring a sense of history to any home.
The main advantage of using these types of hearths is that they tend to be very easy-to-install and require no additional equipment or tools; simply screw them into place where you want them!
Comparing Metal Hearth (Rust)
| Brand | Material | Dimensions | Weight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plow & Hearth | Solid Steel | 27″ x 13″ x 14″H | 26 lbs. | 90-day warranty |
| Sunnydaze Decor | Laser-cut Steel | 31″ x 15″ x 14″H | 19 lbs. | 1-year warranty |
| Esschert Design | Industrial Steel | 26″ x 15″ x 15″H | 20 lbs. | Not specified |
| Enclume | Hammered Steel | 19″ x 24″ x 10″H | 29 lbs. | 5-year limited warranty |
| Minuteman International | Wrought Iron | 44″ x 22″ x 17″H | 50 lbs. | 90-day warranty |
Note: The above table provides general information on popular metal hearth brands. Always refer to the manufacturer’s specifications and product details for accurate information on materials, dimensions, weight, and warranty.
10. Metal Hearth (Copper)
Copper is a popular choice for hearths. It conducts heat well, which means it will heat your room faster. However, it also does a good job of insulating the fire—so you can enjoy the warmth without feeling overwhelmed by it.
Copper is also often used as an ornamental addition to fireplaces and can be shaped into cool patterns that add interest to any room (or home office).
Whether you’re building a new fireplace or renovating an existing one, deciding whether or not to raise the hearth can be a tough decision. Our article on Should A Hearth Be Raised? Answered explores the pros and cons of raising the hearth and provides guidance for making the right choice for your home.
11. Metal Hearth (Steel)
Steel is a good choice for a hearth because it is easy to clean and maintain. Steel is also durable and cost effective, which makes it a great option if you want something that will last a long time without breaking the bank. It’s also easier to create custom designs with steel than with other materials.
Conclusion
We hope we’ve inspired you to think creatively about how to use the hearth in your home. It’s not just for fireplaces anymore!
We love to see how our clients take advantage of the beautiful architecture in their homes, and it’s always great when they come up with a solution that works for them.
Whether you choose one of our ideas or go with something completely different, we know that your new fireplace will be an amazing addition to your space (and also keep it cozy during those cold winter months).
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!
