Slate is the perfect choice for a fire hearth, it has been used for centuries here in the UK as the base for a fire, due to its natural properties and that it could be sourced locally. Modern slate hearths like those supplied by Ardosia are increasingly popular particularly as wood burner design has improved the efficiency and safety of natural fires in the home. Slate hearth designs have evolved as have the wood burners, with many contemporary home designs now incorporating new patterns, whilst demand for slate hearths for traditional open fires remains strong. Here we answer questions about slate fire hearths and why they are so popular.

Can I use slate tiles for a hearth?

Yes, you can use slate tiles for a hearth but a single piece of slate cut to the shape and dimensions you require is a much better solution. Whatever slate you use, the floor surface needs to delineate the area around the fire from the remainder of the floor, to satisfy safety requirements. 

• Slate fire hearths are normally thicker than slate tiles.
• Fire hearths in slate can be cut in a single piece in a range of designs.
• A fire hearth made in a single piece of slate avoids the need to colour match tiles together.
• If tiles are used to make a hearth they should be laid on a full bed of flexible tile adhesive and grouted accordingly. 

What size does my slate fire hearth need to be?

• With a wood burner or an enclosed fire, the hearth needs to extend at least 300mm from the front of the wood burner.
• The remaining three sides around the wood burner should have a minimum space around them of 150mm. The exact amount of space needed will depend on the surrounding materials. For the correct information please refer to a HETAS registered stove fitter. 
• Brazilian slate hearths can be produced in 25mm or 40mm thick slate. 
• We can produce hearths in a single piece to a maximum size of 2300 x 1300mm.

How do you cut a slate hearth?

Thick slate usually requires specialist machinery to cut. If you are cutting a slate hearth to an intricate design or to an accurate shape it is best to engage the services of a professional, specialist slate supplier, like Ardosia, that will supply a finished product.  Thin slate can be cut at home with an angle grinder with a diamond tipped cutting wheel. This is feasible for cutting slate up to 25mm but cutting anything other than straight lines requires considerable experience. Always use the appropriate PPE when cutting slate.

Are slate fire hearths easy to clean?

• Slate is very easy to clean when sealed with LTP stone oil.
• Use soapy water to wash down the hearth, they can get dirty. You can also use LTP Waxwash which will help maintain the applied stone oil.
• Finish by wiping over with clean water to remove any soap residue.
• Periodically improve the slate hearth appearance with a wipe over using LTP stone oil.

Ardosia do not recommend ‘honed’ slate for hearths as it shows very light scratches more easily, hand polished or riven slate provides a more robust finish.

For more information about hearths or to ask any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.