Expert: James Ball - 12/3/2008

Question
We just installed a woodburing fireplace.  My dilemma is at what height to put the hearth. I understand this is totally personal opinion, but was hoping you could tell me which is more typical.  Since the fire place is already installed, my choices are 10 inches or 14 inches.  This is the measurement from the floor and includes the cultured ledgestone and hearth stone.  

Which height would be most common?  If we go with the 10 inch hearth, we would have two 4 inch ledgestones and a 2 inch hearth stone on top.  If we choose the higher hearth of 14 inches, it is three 4 inch ledgestones plus the 2 inch hearth stone.  The higher hearth would be flush up against the fireplace and the lower hearth would have a ledgestone between the hearth stone and the bottom of the metal part of the fireplace.

Again I understand the hearth height is totally personal opinion, but with your experience, I would appreciate any advice you could give me.

Thank you.

Answer
Hello Kim, I would say to set every thing in "dry" at both heights and see what it looks like for a day each that way you will see both  and know for your self. I would also double check with the fireplace manufacturer to be sure there are no problems with either height.
and your local building department.
James