We have a similar issue with our fireplace and, after considering various options, reluctantly decided not to disturb the overall structure. I would caution against removing the hearth. It's there for a reason: It's noncombustible and that's important protection against a fire. Lowering the firebox to floor level and then installing a hearth at floor level will probably be a very big, very messy and very costly undertaking, almost like rebuilding the whole thing. You might be able to remove the raised hearth and install a floor level hearth in its place. I think that would be okay from the safety standpoint, provided the new hearth is about the same size at the old one. You will then need to extend the fireplace surround so it goes under the firebox as well as over and on the sides. That sounds like the work of a mason, or maybe you can install metal -- either copper or powder-coated steel in black so it looks like cast iron, if you like that look and think it will blend. If you want to reduce the size of the firebox, you could consider a fireplace insert. The most popular ones are gas-fired, either natural or propane. They are expensive ($3-4.5K), and typically come with fireplace surround to cover the old firebox opening. I would guess that the kinds of changes you are contemplating would total about $6K or more. And picking a competent installer involves a leap of faith. Ask a fireplace contractor for a free estimate. Then you'll know.

Hi Pete thanks for your response. You assumed correctly in that I am doing the surround and not the firebox.. I do not plan on leveling the surface. I am a mosaic artist and find the stone surface a real treat to be able to mosaic. As to the reasons for wanting to seal the fireplace first is because it has seen many a hardcore fire and the stone is still stained after many washings. I want to prevent any seepage of grease or oils still around. especially if I am going to do a direct application which is what I plan to do, in mixed media, mostly stained glass mosaic. I have underpainted many a mosaic so I know it is and can be done in some if not most cases; just not sure about which sort of paint + clear adhesive could be used as far as the heat factor or if I should just use thinset. I want to avoid thinset as I plan on grouting and I want a better control over the grouts depth ( I can be heavy handed w/ thinset ) Thanks for your advice on the squaring of the fireplace, I had battled with the thought earlier in my idea process but decided I'd enjoy the challenge of it's rustic surface to mosaic. But; if down the road I want it to disappear now I know how!! Aren't you glad you're not married to me !! lol Kathleen

Thank you, aurorawa! That sounds like very likely! I've been looking at photos of Clusia all morning. So...not to confuse things, before I checked back onto this forum, I went to another nursery early this morning (Mickey Hargitay) and showed the photo to the manager there. His guess was that it was a ficus, which surprised me. When Googling, I came across Ficus Microcarpa Roundleaf. It's also another possibility, as it resembles this tree. It is apparently a slow growing tree, too. What do you guys think? It could be either one. Although I am leaning towards Clusia, as that guy did say the tree came from Hawaii. Although Clusias are apparently fast growing trees, so it would make no sense for one to be priced at $250 for such a small tree.

Emrit, I stole a slate tile fireplace for your room. Actually, the original photo was a bit too gray, so I warmed it up a bit. You'll have to get tile samples and bring them into your room to see how they look in your light.