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How To Stick Down A Fireplace Hearth?

December 22, 2011

Answer: Usually sand and cement As a fireplace specialist we are often asked if it is ok to stick a fireplace hearth on carpets, laminate flooring and also the type of adhesive to use. The below article will go into enough detail to give you an insight into what you must know:

Sticking a fireplace hearth

1. The simplest installation scenario is with an electric fireplace. In this case, you do not need to worry about properly bedding the hearth on non combustible material etc. This means you can literally place you hearth on the floor and run a small amount of clear silicon on the hearth to ensure it stays in position

2. If you are fitting a gas fireplace, then the hearth should be properly bedded down on a secure sand and cement base. Ideally the hearth should have enough mixture at the back of the hearth to support the weight if anyone was to accidentally stand on the hearth (remember fireplace hearths are hollow & if this was not done then the hearth would crack on impact if anyone was to accidentally kneel on it). As this is the most conventional way to fit a fireplace hearth, all Gas Safe Registered engineers should have ample experience in the process

3. For Solid fuel applications, it is important to bed the fireplace hearth on a secure sand and cement base (just like you would do for gas fires).

4. There are several additional building regulation restrictions you must consider when ordering a hearth. Typically if used with a gas or solid fuel fire, then the thickness should be 60mm. The overhang from the front of the hearth to the edge of the panel should be 300mm for gas fires and 400mm for solid fuel fires (however solid fuel rules vary on the type of appliance). Most showrooms would specify a 15inch deep hearth for gas fireplaces and an 18 inch deep hearth for solid fuel applications

5. It is also very common to specify a T-shaped hearth for solid fuel fires. This means there is a recessed section of the hearth that fits into the inglenook chamber in the chimney