Do you need a hearth extension?

Do you need a hearth extension?

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.). Now if this was a wood burning fireplace that had a gas insert, the hearth extension would still be required.

What is a hearth extension?

The hearth extension is the noncombustible material in front of and at the sides of a fireplace opening. Hearths and hearth extensions are designed to prevent sparks from leaving the fireplace and igniting nearby combustibles.

Can you add a hearth to a fireplace?

Be sure to check local building codes before starting a project around a gas or wood burning fireplace. A raised fireplace hearth adds a lot to a room: aesthetic appeal, a space where you can add more decor, or a bench seat for when you need more seating options.

Can fireplace 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.

How far out should a hearth be?

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.

Is there a minimum hearth size?

The hearth must extend at least 300mm to the front and 150mm to either side. It must be at least 12mm thick. It must be made from non-combustible materials. It must also cover a minimum area of 840 x 840mm.

Should a fireplace sit on the floor?

A fireplace hearth is a necessity for all solid fuel burning fireplaces, including wood burning fireplaces and stoves. A hearth is not required for electric fireplaces but can be used to enhance the aesthetics of owning an electric fireplace that looks like other types of fireplaces, such as wood burning stoves.