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Fireplace Hearth Design
Overview: By definition a fireplace hearth is that part of the fireplace that contains the firebox. It is usually made of brick or stone and used for cooking. The hearth is the visible part of the fireplace that includes the firebox and the area that extends outward into the room. When we think of the fireplace hearth we usually just think of the area in front of the fireplace but that isn't all there is to a hearth.
Its original design was for cooking. By modern
definition the hearth is that part of the fireplace
that extends outward from the firebox into the room
by a few inches. As fireplaces are rarely used for
cooking anymore the extended portion of the
fireplace (hearth) is used for decorations, or a
convenient place to locate fireplace tools and
other items to dress up the fireplace. If the
hearth is built above floor level it can be used as
a seat for any number of reasons.
Whenever it comes time to design your fireplace you
should consider the fireplace hearth design along
with everything else. Most people tend to
concentrate more on the visible part of the
fireplace surround
area
of the outside of the fireplace such as the mantel
or the floor tiles in front of it. If you are
ignoring the fireplace hearth you are really
ignoring one of the most important elements that
can make your fireplace unique in many different
ways. The hearth as defined here and used in modern
households is not necessarily regulated by building
codes in the same way that the rest of the
fireplace is regulated. You can extend the hearth
to both sides of the firebox to any size as long as
it is adequately structurally supported.
The hearth is usually made from the same material
as the rest of the fireplace; brick, stone, or
other masonry material. The floor of the firebox
and hearth should be at the same level. Sometime
they are flat on the floor but more often they are
raised above the floor by approximately 12 to 16
inches. This makes the best seat arrangement and a
place to display other fireplace decorations. The
top of the extended hearth should be constructed of
the same material as the surround, although there
are other alternatives that work well, such as
granite or blue stone.
As an
option for dressing up the hearth area is to
install a fireplace insert in the fireplace. The
insert fits directly into the fireplace opening,
usually against the back wall of the firebox itself
and extends approximately 12 inches out of the
firebox on the extending hearth. This makes a good
arrangement as the extended portion of the insert
radiates heat into the room. Inserts are usually
made out of cast iron and some are fairly ornate,
providing you with a lot of design possibilities of
the finished fireplace look. When designing your fireplace hearth design you should also consider the mantel and the surrounding structures of the fireplace in order to create the right design for the room and your home. The mantel should be in balance with the overall design. It should not be too large or set too low on the surround, however the mantel shelf should be deep enough to set decorations such as candle holder and picture frames. The mantel can be constructed of brick, wood or stone.
Related articles:
Fireplace and Woodstove Safety
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