How do I choose the correct hearth material for my fuel type?

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  • Choosing the correct hearth for your fireplace is not only required for the appearance but to ensure it is compatible with your fire choice. There is a variety of hearths available including – Granite, Tiled, Limestone and Slate.

    Which hearth is suitable for Which Fuel?
    For solid fuel we would recommend that you use either Granite or Tiled hearths. Slate and Limestone is not recommended due to these materials being softer and scratching easily and can crack with the greater heat of a solid fuel fire.
    All Granite, Tiled, Slate and Limestone hearths are suited for Electric or Gas Fireplaces.
    Hearth Options:
    Granite

    Granite for Gas & Electric use:
    Made from a single slab of highly polished granite approximately 20mm think which is sat on 30mm risers. As standard they are 15” in depth.

     

    Granite for Solid Fuel (real fire) use:
    Usually referred to as split and slabbed or cut and slabbed. These hearths are made from highly polished granite sections to allow for expansion and contraction from the heat. They are filled underneath with a lightweight cement mix which helps dissipate the heat throughout the hearth. Without this heat dissipation the hearth would be put under a great amount of pressure which ultimately causes the hearth to crack. As standard they are 15” in depth.

     
    Tiled Hearths for all fuel types

    Tiled

    Tiled hearths are a very traditional form of hearth. They are made from 6” x 6” tiles. As with the granite hearths for solid fuel these hearths are filled underneath with a lightweight cement mix. As standard they are 15” in depth.

     
    Slate & Limestone

    Slate

    These hearths are the same as the “Granite for Gas & Electric” use hearths with the standard 15” depth and only suitable for gas or electric.

     

    Limestone

    These hearths are the same as the “Granite for Gas & Electric” use hearths with the standard 15” depth and only suitable for gas or electric.