I don't have an HFGH, but if it has a base plate, logic dictates that it needs to be secured to some type of base that is itself, securely fixed to the ground. I believe that most folk use treated 4 X 4's anchored to the ground and if that proves your best choice, you need to prepare the ground under the foundation properly before you lay them because the least bit of ground shift or heave to cause the structure to go out of plumb will result in warped frames, doors and vents that won't operate and panels that crack or pop out of their frames. For that, start with stakes, twine and a leveler to get your foundation dead level. Once you have established a level line, a gravel filled narrow trench under the perimiter where the base will lay would help to prevent rotting, as it will allow drainage under the timbers. Once the timbers are laid, the easiset way to secure them to the ground is by drilling through them and driving rebar stakes through them, long enough to reach a bit past your frost line. If you can, or have someone who is handy with woodworking to help, the best corner joints would be half laps, secured with long lag screws. The only other option would be a true floating foundation, in which the base of the GH is bolted to a heavy timber frame that just sits on the ground, so if the ground heaves, it would shift the entire structure with it, but not warp the framing. I've read so many posts here by people whose small, lightweight GH's have had panels pop out and doors jam and have come to think that the real reason for it has been that once dead level bases shifted just enough to warp the frames out of plumb. It doesn't take much. BTW: They are a bit pricey, but may well prove worth the extra cost over wood later. Instead of treated wood, check out composite timbers. They are perfectly straight from the gitgo and once secured into a frame to fit the base of your GH, will never warp or rot.

Hi there, I don't think the hearth will effect the mantle/TV height at all. I assume you'll be doing a mantle above the firebox? I personally would do a hearth with a two story fireplace to maintain the balance. It's also nice to sit on the hearth!!! Take a look online for photos and see what your think. Houzz and Pinterest have some great fireplace photos. Our hearth in our remodel was a stone fireplace with a 1' hearth topped with slate. It had a regular height mantle...and a TV would've looked just fine above it.

I think it looked beautiful in her re-do, and not at all bathroom-y. I have a gas FP, but I would think if the fireplace is constructed correctly, the draw would pull the smoke up the chimney and not stain the surround. I have to say that the first pic above posted my nosoccermom makes my heart beat faster! Just gorgeous in that setting. And peppapoodle's light soapstone is also beautiful.

I don't think you have a lawn problem at all. Basically crappy genetic stock bowing out to the conditions. It'll likely come back fine this fall. How you manage the fall season is largely dependent on what is the predominant grass type in your blend. If just a cool season mix, treat it as such and take an average. So between high input KBG to as low as fine fescue, fertilize somewhere in between. You have to cater your routine to what you have. Sounds like you are wanting more. That requires better genetic stock or going over the top with what you have in defiance of nature--that will require more pesticide use and cultural practices like core aeration.