What is the tile on the floor in front of a fireplace called?

Author: Jermaine Waters  |  Last update: Friday, January 30, 2026

The tile installed on the floor before a fireplace is known as the "hearth." It serves decorative and functional purposes, offering a non-combustible surface that safeguards the surrounding floor from heat and stray embers.

What is the tile in front of a fireplace called?

The hearth is the area directly in front of or around the fireplace where the fire is typically built. Hearth tiles serve as a protective barrier, preventing the transfer of excessive heat to the underlying floor or wall materials. They're also a durable surface to place firewood.

What is the floor in front of a fireplace called?

The hearth refers to the horizontal floor area directly in front of the firebox opening. A fireplace hearth is usually as wide as the firebox and the legs combined. Its depth is strictly circumscribed anywhere from 18 inches to 24 inches.

What to put on the floor in front of a fireplace?

Concrete hearth flooring is safe and protective for any potential sparks coming from the fireplace, as well as offering a decorative flooring option. For the discerning homeowner who wants a natural look, there is perhaps no better choice than manufactured stone or stone veneer for the hearth.

Can I remove the hearth from my fireplace?

You can remove the hearth as long as you tile the floor in front in order to have a non-combustible material for whatever distance meets code in your part of the world.

What is the tile in front of a fireplace called?

How much does it cost to remove a fireplace hearth?

Professional labor for fireplace removal ranges from $500 to $2,000, depending on your home's location and the scope of the project. For a complete fireplace and chimney removal, labor costs can increase to $2,500 to $4,000.

How do you remove hearth tiles?

To remove a tile from the front of a fireplace, use a hammer and bolster chisel and gently chip away at the edge of the tile where you can see the mortar. The mortar should be quite weak, so the tile should start to come away from the front of the fireplace with relative ease after a few taps.

Do you need tile in front of a fireplace?

The surround is the front facing portion of the fireplace. It is the part that is most visible. It needs to be durable enough to handle the heat and look good while doing it. Tile is perfect for the fireplace surround.

What is the ledge in front of a fireplace called?

Mantel. The mantel is the decorative ledge placed over the firebox opening. It can be free-floating or supported by legs or pilasters.

What kind of flooring in front of wood burning fireplace?

Fireplace-Friendly: Laminate flooring can handle heat from a fireplace, though, like hardwood, you'll want to place a fire-resistant rug near the fireplace to protect against errant sparks. Affordable and Stylish: Laminate is one of the most budget-friendly options for flooring for homes with fireplaces.

What is the thing in front of the fireplace?

Hearth Extension

A fireplace hearth extension is the brick pad, directly in front of the firebox opening. The outer hearth is entirely supported by the chimney, at least 4-inches thick.

What is another name for the floor of a fireplace?

Hearth refers specifically to the paved floor of a fireplace, which may extend out into a room. Hearths are associated with home and family because the hearth was historically the main source of heat in the home, as well as where the cooking was done.

Can you replace a fireplace damper?

Replacing a fireplace damper by yourself is possible, and you can save yourself some serious money by foregoing professional consultation.

What is a flue tile?

The vertical passageway up the inside of the chimney is the flue. The damper is often called the flue, but the flue is the passageway. Clay flue tiles are the most common material used to line masonry chimneys when built.

What is a burner tile?

Burner tiles, sometimes called quarls, are an important component in burners (Baukal, 2003). Tiles are typically made out of some type of ceramic and may serve many different purposes. One common purpose is to protect the metal components inside the burner from the heat in the combustion chamber.

What are andirons used for?

Andirons, a pair of horizontal iron bars on short legs and placed parallel to the sides of the fireplace to support burning logs, were used from the Iron Age. A vertical guard bar at the front, placed to prevent logs from rolling into the rooms, is often decorated ornately.

What do you call the tile in front of a fireplace?

The tile installed on the floor before a fireplace is known as the "hearth." It serves decorative and functional purposes, offering a non-combustible surface that safeguards the surrounding floor from heat and stray embers.

What is a fireplace shroud?

A chimney shroud is a great way to disguise an unsightly gas fireplace termination and make it more aesthetically pleasing. But more than a purely decorative addition to any roof, a shroud also aids in keeping out weather and wildlife.

What is a fireplace hearth?

What is the fire's hearth? Clearing up the basics first, the hearth is, quite simply, the floor of a fireplace. In a traditional fireplace, the fire basket would be placed on top of the hearth below the chimney opening. They usually extend out into the room slightly and are made out of some sort of stone or brick.

What goes on the floor in front of a fireplace?

An apron of marble or granite tile directly in front of your fireplace is common, but not necessary. Gas fireplaces will not damage flooring or other materials that are in close proximity, like a wood-burning fireplace would.

Do you have to have a hearth in front of a fireplace?

Most building codes require that wood and gas fireplaces have a hearth made from a non-combustible material to protect the interior flooring from heat and embers. Since electric fireplaces don't have real flames, they don't require a hearth.

What is the code for a fireplace hearth?

Hearth extensions shall extend not less than 16 inches (406 mm) in front of and not less than 8 inches (203 mm) beyond each side of the fireplace opening.

How do you replace tiles on a hearth?

To install hearth tiles around a fireplace, follow these steps: Prepare the surface by cleaning and ensuring it's level. Measure and cut tiles to fit, leaving space for grout. Apply adhesive to the back of the tiles and press them into place. Allow the adhesive to dry, then grout between the tiles.

How do you clean fireplace hearth tiles?

Use a soft brush to avoid scratching the tiles. Apply a Suitable Cleaner: For stone tiles, professionals recommend pH-neutral cleaners, such as those available at the Stone Tile Company. Avoid acidic or abrasive products, as they can damage the surface. Scrub Gently: Use a soft sponge or cloth to scrub the tiles.

How do you remove removable floor tiles?

Slowly peel back the tile at a shallow angle, taking care not to damage the underlying surface. If the tile is difficult to remove, use a heat gun or hair dryer to soften the adhesive backing, making it easier to manipulate. Continue peeling back the tile gradually, working your way across the surface.

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