Lyla Lindsey
Building a hearth in Australia can be a DIY project, with the right tools and materials. The first step is to decide on the stove and refer to the installation guide for the required hearth size. The next step is to choose the materials for the hearth. Popular options include limestone, slate, concrete, and tiles. For a limestone or slate hearth, you will need to cut the tiles to size and shape, apply PVA to the bottom surface, and bed it onto a sand cement mix. For a concrete hearth, you will need to prepare the area, cover surrounding surfaces with plastic sheets, measure and mark the dimensions, and prepare the concrete mix according to the manufacturer's instructions. For a tiled hearth, you can choose from a variety of materials, including charcoal tiles, black tiles, glass, sandstone, or patterned tiles. It is important to ensure that all materials used are non-combustible and suitable for high-temperature applications.
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What You'll Learn
- Preparing the area: Cover surrounding walls, floors and furniture with plastic sheets
- Materials: Use compressed fibro as the base and tile over it
- Tile choice: Charcoal or black tiles, or clear and tinted glass
- Grouting: Grout tiles, or leave gaps underneath for a hovering look
- Finishing touches: Wipe with slate oil or WD40 to remove imperfections
Preparing the area: Cover surrounding walls, floors and furniture with plastic sheets
Preparing the area is an important step in the process of making a hearth. It ensures that your surrounding walls, floors, and furniture are protected from any potential damage during the creation of your hearth. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process:
First, remove any existing flooring that may be in the way of your new hearth. This will expose the subfloor and provide a clean slate for your work. Be careful not to damage the subfloor during this process, as it will serve as the base for your hearth.
Next, cover the surrounding walls, floors, and any nearby furniture with plastic sheets. This step is crucial as it will protect these surfaces from concrete splatter when you start creating your hearth. Make sure the plastic sheets are securely in place and cover all areas that could be at risk of splatter.
Additionally, you may want to consider using painter's tape to create straight lines and define the dimensions of your hearth on the floor. This will help you visualise the space that your hearth will occupy and ensure that you have a clear plan before you begin.
It is important to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) during this process, including a respirator, gloves, and eye protection. Concrete work can generate dust and debris, so taking precautions to protect your health and safety is essential.
Once the area is prepared and protected, you can begin the process of mixing and pouring concrete for your hearth, following the manufacturer's instructions for the best results. Remember to allow the concrete to cure undisturbed for several days before removing the formwork and proceeding with the next steps of polishing and finishing your hearth.
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Materials: Use compressed fibro as the base and tile over it
To make a hearth in Australia, you can use compressed fibro as the base and tile over it. All materials should be non-combustible. If you're using standard off-the-shelf tiles, there's a risk that the heat from the fireplace could damage them. Hearth manufacturers typically use tiles designed for high-temperature applications.
First, you'll need to prepare the area where you plan to create the hearth. Remove any existing flooring if necessary to expose the subfloor. Cover the surrounding walls, floors, and any nearby furniture with plastic sheets to protect them from splatter. Measure and mark the dimensions of the hearth on the floor using painter's tape to create straight lines.
Next, cut your tiles into shape. Wear protective gear such as gloves, goggles, and a mask when cutting tiles with an angle grinder. Apply PVA to the bottom surface of the tile and bed it onto a sand cement mix. Leave it to set, then grout the tiles. You can choose not to grout the gaps underneath your hearth, leaving it looking like it is "hovering" just off the floor.
After the grout has dried, wipe your hearth with a damp cloth to see what it will look like when dry. You can also wipe your hearth with slate oil or WD40 to make it look more polished and to hide any imperfections and scratches. Note that slate oil and WD40 will darken the colour of your hearth.
Alternatively, you can use polished concrete to create your hearth. Place a steel mesh or rebar inside the formwork to provide structural support and ensure the reinforcement is elevated from the bottom using bar chairs. Prepare the concrete mix according to the manufacturer's instructions, then slowly pour it into the formwork, ensuring it fills all corners and edges. Use a trowel to level the surface and remove any air bubbles by tapping the sides of the formwork with a rubber mallet. Cover the concrete with plastic sheets to retain moisture and allow it to dry for a few days. Once the concrete is fully cured and dry, carefully remove the formwork.
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Tile choice: Charcoal or black tiles, or clear and tinted glass
When it comes to choosing the right tiles for your hearth, you have several options. Charcoal or black tiles are popular choices, as they offer a sleek and modern look. Charcoal tiles are often paired with charcoal-coloured grout, while black tiles are typically matched with black grout for a seamless appearance. These darker tiles can also help hide any soot or dirt that may accumulate over time.
On the other hand, clear and tinted glass tiles can give your hearth a unique and contemporary feel. Glass tiles reflect light and can make the space appear brighter and more open. They are also available in various colours and tints, allowing you to customise the look to match your style.
Sandstone tiles are another option for a more natural and rustic aesthetic. These tiles often have variations in colour and texture, creating a warm and inviting ambiance in your space.
If you're looking for something more ornate or traditional, patterned tiles can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your hearth. These tiles often feature intricate designs and details that can become a focal point in your room.
It's important to remember that all materials used for your hearth need to be non-combustible to ensure safety. While standard tiles can be used, there is always a risk of damage from the high temperatures of your fireplace. Manufacturers typically use tiles designed for high-temperature applications to minimise this risk.
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Grouting: Grout tiles, or leave gaps underneath for a hovering look
Grouting is essential for a beautiful and long-lasting tiled surface. Grout is the most common and effective material for filling gaps between tiles. It enhances the aesthetic appeal of your tiled surfaces and offers several practical benefits.
Benefits of Grouting
- Grout prevents moisture damage by acting as a barrier and stopping water from seeping between tiles and damaging the subfloor or underlying structure.
- It prevents mildew and mould growth by inhibiting moisture build-up between tiles.
- Grout fills and stabilizes the space between tiles, preventing them from shifting or cracking under pressure and ensuring a stronger and more durable tiled surface.
- It creates a clean and finished look, adding elegance to your tiled area.
Types of Grout
- Cementitious Grout: The traditional choice, made from a mixture of cement, water, and additives like sand, fly ash, or latex.
- Sanded Grout: Ideal for wider gaps (over 1/8 inch) in floor tiles or large wall tiles. Sand particles provide strength and durability.
- Unsanded Grout: Best for narrow gaps (up to 1/8 inch) in wall tiles or delicate surfaces like glass or polished stone.
- Epoxy Grout: Made from epoxy resins and a hardener, this type of grout is highly durable, stain-resistant, and waterproof. It is suitable for high-moisture areas and heavy-use spaces.
Grouting Process
- Clean the tiles by removing any dirt, dust, or debris from the surface using a damp cloth and a mild cleaning solution. Allow the tiles to dry completely before grouting.
- Protect adjacent surfaces by applying masking tape to any areas you don't want to get grout on, such as countertops or baseboards.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing ratios and water content. Aim for a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Use a grout float held at a 30–45-degree angle to press the grout diagonally across the gaps between the tiles, ensuring all gaps are filled.
- Once the grout has started to harden (20 to 30 minutes), begin sponging with a damp "hydrophilic" sponge, sweeping diagonally across the tile to wipe off excess grout.
- After cleaning the surface, 'tool' the grout lines with the sponge to smooth and level them, ensuring consistent, even-depth grout joints.
Tips
- Store unused grout in an airtight container for future touch-ups.
- Avoid grouting inside corners as these will crack over time; instead, use colour-matching caulk.
- Tape off painted walls and trim to protect them from grout.
- Mix grout with a margin trowel and roll the bucket frequently to ensure a consistent mixture.
- Use a grout float to scrape up grout and apply it diagonally across the tile joints, pushing upward on vertical surfaces to avoid drips.
- Remove excess grout by wiping in a serpentine motion, then vacuum the grout lines and scrape any protruding grout with a putty knife.
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Finishing touches: Wipe with slate oil or WD40 to remove imperfections
When creating a hearth, it is important to consider the finishing touches. One crucial step is to wipe down the hearth with slate oil or WD40 to remove any imperfections and enhance its appearance. This process can help to create a smooth and polished surface, as well as protect the hearth from any marks or stains.
While some people opt for specialised slate sealing oils, others suggest using WD40 as a more affordable alternative. WD40 can help to prevent ring marks and protect against spillages, and it can also make the slate appear darker and more uniform in colour. However, it is important to note that WD40 is combustible, so it should be used with caution around stoves and log burners that reach high temperatures. Additionally, some people have reported that the oily feel of WD40 can be off-putting, and it may not provide the same level of protection as dedicated slate sealing oils.
To apply slate oil or WD40, start by preparing the hearth surface. Use coarse-grit pads to remove any initial imperfections and create a smooth base. Gradually progress to finer-grit pads for a finer finish. This process can be time-consuming and is typically done by professionals using specialised equipment, such as diamond-impregnated discs. Once the surface is prepared, apply the slate oil or WD40 with a cloth or spray, following the manufacturer's instructions.
It is recommended to test any sealing product on a small area of the slate first to ensure it does not leave stains or undesirable effects. Additionally, regular maintenance and reapplication of the slate oil or WD40 may be necessary to maintain the desired appearance and protection. This can range from reapplying every few years to a few times a year, depending on the product and individual circumstances.
Overall, taking the time to finish a hearth with slate oil or WD40 can help to enhance its appearance, protect it from stains and marks, and ensure it maintains its quality over time. With the right tools and techniques, individuals can achieve a polished and refined look for their hearths.
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Frequently asked questions
You can make a hearth using a variety of materials, including riven slate, limestone, concrete, sandstone, charcoal tiles, black tiles, clear and tinted glass, and patterned tiles. All materials should be non-combustible.
You will need a respirator, gloves, and eye protection, painter's tape, a steel mesh or rebar, bar chairs, a trowel, a rubber mallet, plastic sheets, a sander, coarse-grit pads, fine-grit pads, a wet-look concrete sealer, an angle grinder, a diamond-tipped cutting disc, a damp cloth, slate oil, WD40, and a sand cement mix.
First, prepare the area by removing any existing flooring and covering the surrounding walls, floors, and furniture with plastic sheets. Measure and mark the dimensions of the hearth on the floor using painter's tape to create straight lines. Place a steel mesh or rebar inside the formwork and ensure it is elevated from the bottom using bar chairs. Prepare a concrete mix according to the manufacturer's instructions and slowly pour it into the formwork, ensuring it fills all corners and edges. Use a trowel to level the surface and remove any air bubbles by tapping the sides with a rubber mallet. Cover the concrete with plastic sheets and leave it undisturbed for several days to dry and gain strength. Once the concrete is cured and dry, remove the formwork. Begin with coarse-grit pads to remove any imperfections and create a smooth surface, then gradually progress to finer-grit pads for a finer finish. Apply a wet-look concrete sealer to enhance the appearance and achieve a more polished look. Cut your tiles into shape using an angle grinder and carefully grout the tiles, leaving them to dry before wiping the hearth with a damp cloth or treating it with slate oil or WD40.
