What kind of hearth do you like?
These are the main types of hearths suitable for a log burner:
Granite Hearths
Granite offers a polished, premium finish and is extremely durable. It is available in honed or polished surfaces.
Advantages:
Very hard-wearing, Luxury appearance
Resistant to scratching and staining
Available in multiple colours
Slate Hearths
Slate is one of the most popular choices for wood-burning stoves because of its natural appearance and heat resistance. It suits both traditional and contemporary interiors.
Advantages
Excellent heat resistance, Natural textured finish
Available in black, grey, and riven finishes
Disadvantages
Can scratch and chip over time
Needs oiling every 3-4 years
Needs oiling every 3-4 years
Glass Hearths
Toughened glass hearths create a sleek and minimalist appearance.
They are commonly used with contemporary freestanding stoves.
They are commonly used with contemporary freestanding stoves.
Advantages
Modern, clean look
Allows flooring beneath to remain visible
Easy to wipe clean
Ideal for smaller rooms
Sandstone Hearth
Grey tiled hearth
Black honed granite hearth
Stone Hearths
Natural stone hearths include limestone and sandstone.
Each offers unique textures and colours.
Each offers unique textures and colours.
Advantages
Traditional appearance,
Wide range of finishes, Strong and durable
Adds character to period properties
Concrete Hearths
Concrete hearths are increasingly popular in industrial and modern interiors.
They can be cast in place or supplied as precast slabs.
They can be cast in place or supplied as precast slabs.
Advantages
Minimalist industrial look, Extremely durable
Can be custom-made
Disadvantages
Can scratch and chip over time
Concrete gives off CO2 when drying and so adds to Climate Change
Tiled Hearths
Tile hearths can be created using ceramic, porcelain, quarry, or encaustic tiles.
They offer flexibility in colour and design.
They offer flexibility in colour and design.
Advantages
Wide design choice, Easy to personalise
Traditional or modern styles available
Glass Hearth
Slate tiled hearth
Concrete hearth
Hearth Regulations
In the UK, hearths must comply with building regulations.
Key considerations include:
Key considerations include:
The hearth must be made from non-combustible material
It must extend a minimum distance around the stove
The thickness depends on stove temperature and construction
Constructional hearths may be required beneath decorative finishes
For most freestanding log burners you must have at least 225mm in front of the stove door,
sometime more depending on the stove manufacturer
sometime more depending on the stove manufacturer
