One of the benefits of a raised hearth is that the mouth of the fireplace is slightly more distanced from the floor of the room which helps to reduce the risk of sparks and embers singing the carpet or nearby rugs. Another benefit is that, with taller raised hearths, the area can be used for extra seating.
Why do you need a hearth?
Why do you need a fireplace hearth? The main purpose of the fireplace hearth is for safety. Obviously, open flames can be a hazard when around combustible materials, so a fire must be placed upon a fire resistant surface that wont crack. The part of the hearth that extends outwards serves a purpose, too.
Can you have a gas fireplace without a hearth?
Gas fireplaces are considered gas appliances, not true fireplaces. Some gas fireplaces are built with "zero-clearance" fireboxes, meaning you can put combustible materials right up to the sides, front and bottom. Not all gas fireplaces are zero-clearance, however, and some may require a hearth.
Can you remove a raised fireplace hearth?
You can get rid of the raised hearth, but remember that code requires at least 18" of non combusitble material in front of the opening (requirements could be more depending on the jurisdiction and size of the firebox oepning) so you will have to put in a new hearth at floor level.
What is the purpose of a fireplace hearth?
The main purpose of the fireplace hearth is for safety. Obviously, open flames can be a hazard when around combustible materials, so a fire must be placed upon a fire resistant surface that wont crack. The part of the hearth that extends outwards serves a purpose, too.
What is the code for fireplace hearth?
hearth extension shall extend at least 16 inches in front of, and 8 inches beyond each side of the fireplace opening. When the fireplace opening is 6 sq. ft. or larger, the hearth extension shall extend at least 20 inches in front of, and 12 inches beyond, each side.
What is the normal height of a fireplace hearth?
Basic Hearth Dimensions To keep fire, ashes and embers a safe distance from the floor in front of a fireplace that has an opening 6 square feet or smaller, the hearth should extend at least 16 inches in front of the fireplace opening. The hearth also needs to extend 8 inches to each side of the opening.
How far does a hearth have to stick out?
So how far should a fireplace hearth come out? InterNACHI recommends that for fireplaces that have an opening of 6 square feet (0.56 square meters) or smaller, a hearth should extend at least 16 inches (406mm) out into the room from the opening, and by at least 8 inches (203mm) away from the sides.Oct 3, 2019
How high should a fireplace hearth be?
12” to 18”
What's an example of hearth?
The definition of a hearth is a fireplace or the area in front of or surrounding a fireplace. A fireplace and its surrounding area is an example of a hearth. A brick, stone or cement floor to a fireplace or oven.
Can you have a fireplace without a hearth?
Most modern gas only fireplaces with fixed glass do not require a hearth extension. The manufacturers usually require a 36" clear space in front (no furniture, etc.).
Do you have to have a hearth with a wood burning fireplace?
A hearth is typically found with traditional open fireplaces but isn't found with some other types of fireplaces, so do you need a hearth for your fireplace? A fireplace hearth is a necessity for all solid fuel burning fireplaces, including wood burning fireplaces and stoves.Oct 3, 2019
What does a hearth look like?
A hearth is normally a brick, stone, marble, or cement slab that sits in front of your fireplace. Made from a non-combustible material, the hearth protects your home's floor from radiant heat, flying embers, sparks, and burning logs that may roll out of the fireplace.
How far should a fireplace hearth extend?
Hearth dimensions: A fireplace hearth should extend at least 16" (M.I.A.) past the front edge of the fireplace and at least 8" beyond each side of the fireplace opening.
What is fireplace hearth code?
Also, the hearth extension must extend at least 16″ from the front of the fireplace and 8″ on the sides for smaller fireplaces. When the opening of the fireplace is at least 6 square feet, the hearth extension needs to extend at least 20″ from the front of the fireplace, and 12″ on the sides.
Can you have a wood burning fireplace without a hearth?
All wood stoves will require a sufficiently sized hearth. The body of a wood stove is designed to get very hot and a hearth provides a barrier between a stove and the floor of a home.
Can my hearth be flush with floor?
If you decide to put the tile flush with the floor, you'll have to make perfect cuts of the tile to keep the grout line the same width. The grout itself could crack over time where it contacts the wood floor leaving a blemish. Putting the tile lower and covering this contact point with a molding solves the problem.
What looks good on a fireplace hearth?
For an easy fireplace mantel decorating idea, hang a mirror in the middle and a sconce on either side. Anchor the mantel with a larger vase in front of the mirror and fill in with smaller accessories, such as vases, candlesticks, and decorative objects. Pick up on colors and materials found elsewhere in the room.
What is a hearth answer?
Definition of hearth 1a : a brick, stone, or concrete area in front of a fireplace. b : the floor of a fireplace also : fireplace. c : the lowest section of a furnace especially : the section of a furnace on which the ore or metal is exposed to the flame or heat. 2 : home longed for the comforts of hearth and home.
What is a hearth in geography?
Hearth: The region from which innovative ideas originate. This relates to the important concept of the spreading of ideas from one area to another (diffusion).
What does hearth mean in history?
Hearth is the part of the fireplace in homes and halls which is brick or stone-lined. It has been integral to homes, cabins, castles and palaces for heating and cooking over the centuries, especially in cold climates. The word hearth has Indo-European roots.
What is code for a gas fireplace?
NFPA 211 is the Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances and NFPA 54 is the national fuel gas code which includes sections specifically pertaining to gas fireplaces.
What does hearth mean in religion?
Religious culture hearths represent the origin of religious beliefs and a central place in how those beliefs are transmitted around the world.