How Do You Build A Rock Fireplace Hearth?
Fireplaces actually have two hearths: the inner hearth and the outer hearth. The inner hearth—also called the fireplace floor—is an integral part of the structure, while the outer one (the one we usually mean when we refer to the hearth) is often built or put into place after the rest of the fireplace is finished. This outer hearth functions as the all-important interface between the fire and the open floor in front of the fireplace. Decide on the hearth’s length from side to side and its vertical depth. It should extend well beyond the fireplace opening on either side. Depth will be determined by the thickness of the stones you are using. Width from front to back—in other words from the floor to where the hearth meets the fireplace’s inner hearth—is commonly required by code to be at least 16 inches. Make a simple three-sided wooden form out of the 2-x-4s (or 2-x-6s if your stones are too thick for the 2-x-4s). Do this by measuring, cutting and attaching with butt joints where
