*
Here is my situation. I have a non-circulating, “radiant,” steel firebrick-lined fireplace insert on which the firebox opening begins 7 inches above the bottom of the unit. I want a 20 inch raised hearth installation. We will build the stud wall fireplace housing with a 13-inch high frame platform inside, that elevates the firebox opening to the 20-inch height. My question concerns the construction of the elevated hearth. Should it be framed up, with the top then covered in sheet metal, then sheeted with cement board? Should the face of the hearth frame box that faces the fireplace unit be faced also with cement board? (The hearth frame box, finished, is about 20 inches high, but bears against the 7 inches of fireplace insert below the firebox opening.) Hearth finish material is porcelain tile.
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
Skim-coating with joint compound covers texture, renews old drywall and plaster, and leaves smooth surfaces ready to paint.
Featured Video
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Fine Homebuilding Magazine
Fine Home Building
Follow
-
Fine Homebuilding
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial Now -
GBA Prime
Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
Replies
*
Check the installation instructions (NOT the operating instructions; sometimes they come in separate books so the installer can throw one away). My Majestic fireplace came with VERY explicit instructions for all clearances, including the Hearth area.
Don't have them? Try the store where it came from or the manufacturer.
*
Here is my situation. I have a non-circulating, "radiant," steel firebrick-lined fireplace insert on which the firebox opening begins 7 inches above the bottom of the unit. I want a 20 inch raised hearth installation. We will build the stud wall fireplace housing with a 13-inch high frame platform inside, that elevates the firebox opening to the 20-inch height. My question concerns the construction of the elevated hearth. Should it be framed up, with the top then covered in sheet metal, then sheeted with cement board? Should the face of the hearth frame box that faces the fireplace unit be faced also with cement board? (The hearth frame box, finished, is about 20 inches high, but bears against the 7 inches of fireplace insert below the firebox opening.) Hearth finish material is porcelain tile.