Choosing a Hearth

The Process of Choosing a Bespoke Hearth.

If you're planning on renovating your fireplace or installing a new one, a tailor-made hearth may be the perfect addition. The hearth, which serves as the fireplace floor, is a key element of fireplace design that ensures safety while also enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your living room.

When deciding on a custom hearth, a range of factors, such as size, material, and design come into consideration, and the cost of your bespoke hearth will depend on these factors. So if you're looking to transform your fireplace, a custom hearth is a great place to start!

Material

Hearth materials such as Marble, Granite, and Slate can carry a higher cost than fireplace hearths constructed of brick or concrete. Your choice of material will depend on the intended use and desired decor of your hearth's surroundings. Additionally, it is important to consider the fuel source as fire baskets and log burners can only endure real stone, whereas we can use quartz on bioethinal and electric fires as they use lower heat.

The thickness of the material is another crucial component to take into account, most of our materials are available in 20mm and 30mm. However, if thicker is required we offer boxing and lipping options. These additional services are expeciaully useful should an existing plinth need to be covered, or a hearth needs to be raised above a floor covering such as carpet.

Size

Size is a crucial factor that impacts the cost of installing a hearth. A large fireplace will naturally incur higher expenses than a smaller one. It is advisable to carefully assess your needs and budget before embarking on the shopping process.

In addition, when purchasing slabs for your hearth, it is advisable to ensure that you select adequate quantities to cover the entire hearth area and the extension. This will help to ensure seamless integration into the overall design and protect against potential hazards.

Shape

A complex shape can increase the difficulty and expense of a customised hearth installation. For instance, a rectangular hearth is more affordable to cut than a T-shaped hearth. Should you choose a T shape hearth, we recommend you have a back and front hearth and the front part is split into two or three separate pieces. Additionally, intricately-shaped hearths will inevitably come with a higher cost.

For fire baskets, we advise you choose a two piece hearth and the front hearth is two or three pieces.

The Finish

To add a special touch to your design, consider opting for a bespoke hearth with a unique custom finish. With a variety of edge options available - including bevelled, quarter and half bullnose. Depending on the chosen material, you can select honed, polished or a leathered finish.

Sealing

Sealing is an essential aspect to consider when it comes to maintaining the appearance of your natural stone fireplace hearth. To avoid unsightly stains and discoloration, applying hearth sealant may be necessary. Fortunately, protecting your natural stone hearth has never been easier or more affordable. By using a high-quality sealant, you can significantly enhance its lifespan and preserve its original look. All our natural stone hearths are supplied pre-sealed, however they may need resealing periodically.