Retiling fireplace and removing raised hearth

2 years ago

We are laying down new hardwood floors and thought it would be a good time to update the fireplace and hearth.

I would like to remove the hearth that is sticking out and make it level with the floor - is that feasable with the existing gas fireplace?

In the event I cannot remove the raised hearth, I really do not like the wood piece that is there between the floor and tile - any way I could minimise or eliminate that when retiling?

Lastly, any tile options that I should look into?

Thank you!

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Comments (7)

PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
2 years ago
Do you need to have a hearth at all?Where I live gas FPs are not required to have ahearth so check that out first . Then if nor needed do the wood everywhere. You do realize if you remove the heath you will need to rethink the surround since it will no longer be the right size .
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PRO
Hansen Wholesale
2 years ago
Whether or not a hearth is required is determined by the installation manual for the fireplace. Local codes typically follow whatever the manual says since it was tested and approved to be installed as stated in the manual.

If you do not have the manual, you need to find the brand and model of the fireplace and Google it. You can most likely find the make and model underneath the firebox behind the bottom, which usually swings out if you pull down on it.

Most direct vent gas fireplaces do not require a hearth and some can even have carpet right up to them, but not all are that way, so be sure to find the manual.

Regardless, there is no reason you cannot remove the hearth and add a new tile hearth that is flush with the new wood floor as long as what's under the tile is non-combustible.

Patricia is correct about the mantel, you would need to figure out a way to extend the legs to the floor if you lower the hearth.
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decoenthusiaste
2 years ago
There used to be a wide selection of such trim at Lowe's, if a clever DIYer or carpenter can come up with a configuration to extend the surround.
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PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
2 years ago
Just remember if you take out the raised hearth that the white FP surround will no longer touch the floor. It will be floating above it. And the gas fireplace box is also currently raised and you will either have to lower that or find some matching metal to cover the exposed raised floor under the gas FP.
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Fountainhead
Original Author
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Thank you all so much for your input!

Its a HeatNGlo gas fireplace - I will be calling them tomorrow to find out the code for the model we have.

Question: in the event that even a flat hearth is not required for this model, is it advisable to take the hardwood all the way to the gas fireplace? I am concerned about warping, burns, etc. We are doing solid hickory hardwood floors.

We are not too keen on the existing green tiles, so we are looking to retile it anyways and are open to getting a new mantle.
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PRO
Hansen Wholesale
2 years ago
If a hearth is not required, whether or not you have a hearth is purely subjective. My personal preference is to have a hearth. ALL real wood burning fireplaces will have a hearth, it's been that way for centuries. Gas fireplaces are a modern way of mimicking a real wood fireplace without the hassle that comes along with burning wood. So for a more authentic look, I prefer a hearth.

Have you ever heard the expression "Home is Where the hearth is"?

You will find plenty of pictures online with gas fireplaces shown with and without a hearth. Decide which you like best.
kandrewspa
2 years ago
I think natural stone or granite makes attractive hearths and/or surrounds. Since you don't need a big piece you can shop remnants at a stone yard. Of course marble is also frequently used. Since I don't know what style you're interested in I don't know what is going to appeal to you.
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Retiling fireplace and removing raised hearth

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Patricia Colwell Consulting

Hansen Wholesale

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Retiling fireplace and removing raised hearth

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Patricia Colwell Consulting

Hansen Wholesale

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decoenthusiaste

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Fountainhead
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