Dear Punamystike, Thanks for the feedback. Yes, the stains that Home Depot offers are will not be uniform, or at least not the semi-transparent ones. I actually did a little more online research last night, and saw some references to using 'acid stain' to color concrete. This is more likely what I will want, because it involves an actual chemical reaction with the concrete, and hence is more 'permanent' in certain regards (although it will fade under UV light). The siliconized acrylic-based stains that Home Depot offers look as if they will actually peel off, and this is definitely not something I want on a rough-surfaced concrete block (instead of a smooth-finished garage floor). The only issue with these acid-stains is that they are highly caustic. Some of the pictures of what people do with these are amazing . . . the building and floorwork look like marble or other exotic mined-limestone. Here is a link that might be useful: Some Concrete Stain Color Samples

You should check your local building code for the required thickness of non-combustible materials on the hearth. On a fireplace hearth the requirement is typically 1 inch. It sounds like 2 1/2" may be more than is required. Assuming that is what you want, I'm curious as to why you would do it with two thicknesses of the stone. Probably the best way is to do a bed of mortar (to whatever thickness you want) directly on top of the plywood and stick your stones into that (or let the mortar harden and use thinset to attach the stone). When you mix the mortar, use fire clay which makes the mortar more heat resistant and less likely to develop cracks from the heat. Also, why are you using pressure treated lumber? That's for when the wood is in contact with the ground. I'd be concerned about using it indoors, especially when it mught be exposed to some heat - it's got some pretty noxious chemicals in it.

Is your FP wood burning? I have a gas FP in my living room, and I can't sit that close to it, and be comfortable long. I do have a leather chair next to it which is much more comfy for sitting. Here are some images of contemporary fireplace hearths, and you may get inspiration from them. Personally, and this is just for me, I'd prefer something like the bench in front of the FP, so you can more it closer or away depending on the heat emanating. HERE are the pics. My late sweet dog kids liked it for a few minutes on a cold winter day in Maine, but they had to move away soon, too. (Old picture!)

I have a raised wood stove hearth pad that is some sort of uneven natural stone with large grouth lines with brick edging. There is 1 stone missing on top and all you can see is concrete. I want to tile over this existing raised pad? How would I go about doing this?