How much does a custom hearth cost?

If you’re looking to renovate your fireplace so that it matches the aesthetic of your room, you’ll need a new hearth. The hearth is the ‘floor’ of the fireplace that sticks out into the room, and traditionally is made out of bricks or stone.

Read on to find out how much a custom hearth costs.

How much does a custom hearth cost?

There are several factors affecting the cost of your hearth, including size, material and design.

For an 840mm x 840mm grey sandstone hearth, you’re looking at an average cost of £250 just for the hearth. A slate hearth of the same size, on the other hand, will cost an average of £365. Prices will vary depending on the shape and finish you desire.

In addition, you will also need to factor in the installation cost, which can be anywhere between £600 – £1,000.

Factors affecting fireplace hearth prices

The price of a custom hearth will depend on factors such as:

• Material: The cost of your hearth will depend on the material you choose. Grey sandstone tends to be lower in cost compared to granite, limestone and slate.
• Size: The larger your hearth, the higher the price. Be mindful that you may need to pay for an entire piece of stone, even if you’re not using all of it.
• Shape: The shape of your hearth can be a simple rectangle, T-shaped or a corner hearth. The more complicated the shape, the more you will pay.
• Edges and finishing: You can order your custom hearth with a variety of edge finishes, the cheapest of which is straight or saw edge. However, your options also include bevelled, half bullnosed and full bullnosed.
  
• Sealing: You will need to remember to get your hearth sealed to protect it from stains and discolouration.

How much does a custom hearth installation cost?

Your custom hearth installation cost is more often than not included in the fireplace installation costs, but if you’re getting it done separately, you can expect to spend around £600 – £1,000. For a more detailed breakdown, check out our log burner installation cost guide.

FAQs

What is the best stone for a custom fireplace hearth?

The best material for your hearth depends on the type of fireplace you have. An electric one doesn’t need a hearth at all, while wood-burning stoves would need something that can tolerate a lot of heat. In general, granite or slate are good choices.

How far does a hearth have to stick out?

The hearth should extend out by at least 150mm on all sides of the fireplace as per regulations. However, it should come out at least 300mm in the front, unless it’s for a stove that isn’t designed to operate with its door open. In that case, the extension can be less than 300mm. For a free-standing stove, you need a hearth that is at least 840mm x 840mm.

Can you put a hearth on a wooden floor?

Yes, as long as you have a combined constructional hearth and visual warning area height of at least 125mm. A fireplace hearth is made up of two parts – the constructional hearth and the visual warning area (VWA). The constructional hearth is the ‘base’, usually concrete, while the VWA is the hearthstone you’d lay on top. As long as you have a constructional hearth of the right height, you can have a fireplace and hearth on a wooden floor.