By definition a fireplace hearth is that part of the fireplace that contains the firebox. It is usually made of brick or stone and used for cooking. The hearth is the visible part of the fireplace that includes the firebox and the area that extends outward into the room. When we think of the fireplace hearth we usually just think of the area in front of the fireplace but that isn't all there is to a hearth.

Its original design was for cooking. By modern definition the hearth is that part of the fireplace that extends outward from the firebox into the room by a few inches. As fireplaces are rarely used for cooking anymore the extended portion of the fireplace (hearth) is used for decorations, or a convenient place to locate fireplace tools and other items to dress up the fireplace. If the hearth is built above floor level it can be used as a seat for any number of reasons.

Whenever it comes time to design your fireplace you should consider the fireplace hearth design along with everything else. Most people tend to concentrate more on the visible part of the fireplace surround area of the outside of the fireplace such as the mantel or the floor tiles in front of it. If you are ignoring the fireplace hearth you are really ignoring one of the most important elements that can make your fireplace unique in many different ways. The hearth as defined here and used in modern households is not necessarily regulated by building codes in the same way that the rest of the fireplace is regulated. You can extend the hearth to both sides of the firebox to any size as long as it is adequately structurally supported.

The hearth is usually made from the same material as the rest of the fireplace; brick, stone, or other masonry material. The floor of the firebox and hearth should be at the same level. Sometime they are flat on the floor but more often they are raised above the floor by approximately 12 to 16 inches. This makes the best seat arrangement and a place to display other fireplace decorations. The top of the extended hearth should be constructed of the same material as the surround, although there are other alternatives that work well, such as granite or blue stone.

As an option for dressing up the hearth area is to install a fireplace insert in the fireplace. The insert fits directly into the fireplace opening, usually against the back wall of the firebox itself and extends approximately 12 inches out of the firebox on the extending hearth. This makes a good arrangement as the extended portion of the insert radiates heat into the room. Inserts are usually made out of cast iron and some are fairly ornate, providing you with a lot of design possibilities of the finished fireplace look.

When designing your fireplace hearth design you should also consider the mantel and the surrounding structures of the fireplace in order to create the right design for the room and your home. The mantel should be in balance with the overall design. It should not be too large or set too low on the surround, however the mantel shelf should be deep enough to set decorations such as candle holder and picture frames. The mantel can be constructed of brick, wood or stone.

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