What should I use to build a fireplace hearth as a sub-structure. I’m concerned about using wood because of the potential fire hazard. I plan to use concrete board as a foundation for my ceramic tiles….what should I use to build the frame for that?
Thanks
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Replies
If you are concerned with the fire hazard of wood, use steel framing. They sell it at all the big box places around here.
Jim
Is this a wood burning fireplace or a gas insert?
It's a wood burning fireplace...
A hearth is an integral part of the fireplace. The mason who builds the fireplace knows how to do the hearth. It is all code defined without an option to step outside the code requiremnets.
So there is something about your post and the way the question is worded that suggests this is something other than a fireplce.
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I'm revamping an old house....the fireplace, chimney, etc. has been checked out and is safe. The hearth was a wooden box with a slab of marble on top...Not a safe choice made by the previous owner. So I've removed that and need to replace it. The firebox istarts about 2 1/2 feet from the floor, which is concrete covered w/ceramic tile. So that seems safe. The entire wall into which the firebox/place is built is made out of concrete block...safe again, I believe...so I want a safe hearth.
someone in a previous post suggested steel...that sounds very safe. Do you have any other suggestions. Would a frame of wood covered w/concrete board be safe? I'm concerned about the wood.
Kate
Since you have a concrete floor slab, I would use concrete block - solids - to lay up for a hearth base, then cap it in whatever appropriate finish slab you think fits the home style and your taste.I am attaching a photo of one I did which was a rebuild form an old place. The brick on the original hearth was crumbling and inappropriate. and laid over a poured conrete base. WE chipped it back, buiolt it up again, and used Granite squares to finish and dressed the surrond in wood and plaster. When y9ou say 2-1/2 feet I assume you mean elevation.The project is of less consequence to you with a masonry floor, but for others reading - it is necessary to be surte the masonry portion is sized to satisfy local codes - which do vary form place to place, but any where from 16" to 24" in front anmd 8" to 18" to the sides.
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That's a fine looking hearth.
Edited 1/29/2006 9:31 pm ET by Rickie
You didn't see how far off level the mantle is? Typical shoddy work by Piffen <G>Todd
Thanks for the info...your fireplace revamp is fabulous! seeing a photo reasures me about the wood issue as far as trim goes...