Knowledge base

WHAT IS A FIREPLACE HEARTH?

The hearth of a fireplace is basically the floor that your heat source sits on. As this is directly next to the heat source, you need to ensure your base is fire-resistant and can withstand the heat for all solid fuel burning. A hearth isn’t required for an electric fire.

Usually brick, stone, marble, or cement is used to create a hearth. Not all stone and marble are suitable, and often need to be specially treated for use in a hearth.

CAN I USE TILES INSIDE A FIREPLACE?

Tiles inside fireplaces can be used as long as they are a safe distance away from the source of heat.

We have a wide range of tiles suitable for use around multi-fuel stoves; these tiles are durable enough for a stove surround but are not suitable for hearths.

None of our tiles are recommended for tiling on fire surrounds and surfaces which may be exposed to direct contact with a flame i.e. inside an open fire.

We recommend using a heat resistant adhesive when fitting in environments exposed to intermittent radiant heat, such as in alcoves and tiled areas surrounding a log burner or an AGA oven. It is specifically for use to fix tiles to walls where the installation of a radiant source of heat is specified. The surface temperature surrounding the heat radiating item should be no more than 250°^C.

When it comes to grouting a fireplace, the BAL Micromax3 range would be the most suitable grout. The BAL Micromax3 is not only a flexible grout, but it is also able to withstand temperatures of up to 100 degrees centigrade.

Please note that we unfortunately do not stock a grout which can be used at higher temperatures.