Slate Fire Hearths Cut To Size

Ardosia Slate provide a bespoke manufacturing service for slate fire hearths that need to be cut to a specific size and or shape. Fireplace hearths are not uniform, no two hearths are the same size, even if you are in a new build, they are all different. The fire hearth shapes available are also incredibly varied, some hearths follow modern trends with shapes that reflect the aesthetics of a property, such as the rectangular hearth with a semi-circle at one end, this is called the D rectangle hearth. Traditional old cottages would often have a standard rectangular stone hearth on which the fireplace stood and that protruded to the front. Modern installations, traditional open fires or wood burners usually sit on a T shaped fire hearth where they are inset below the chimney. The important point is that slate hearths can be varied in size and shape, they are rarely uniform and Ardosia Slate are one of the leading UK based companies supplying slate hearths cut to custom sizes.

pre-cut slate fire hearth made to specific sizing

 

the custom cut slate fire hearth fitted around the open fire

The images above show a slate fire hearth cut to size to the exact specifications of the customer. As you can see, the fire hearth slots seamlessly into position even with intricate cuts. Ardosia can provide a hearth cut in this manner to any specifications, even for very small cuts.

Importantly, hearths can be provided in different thickness of slate, dependent on the heat output of the fire and the construction of the base on which it will sit. Obviously, the thickness of the slate will have a great effect on the appearance of the installation. It is possible to simulate thicker slate by adding ‘downstands’ under the surface whilst setting these back from the edge enables a shadow strip, allowing a very neat and hidden edge for carpet.

Whatever shape or size of hearth you are planning the ‘edge profile’ of exposed edges must be considered. Even a simple ‘pencil edge’ provides an attractive finish, whilst making the edges less liable to chipping or causing injury to someone falling awkwardly. Thicker hearths are more suited to either ‘bullnose’ or , in the case of older properties ‘aged’ edges.

made to measure fire hearth for a Victorian fire place

The image above is the style of made to measure fire hearth that we can produce for our clients bespoke specifications.

 

Circular Slate Hearth Shapes

Circular hearths are simply just that, a perfectly round piece of slate that forms the fire hearth.  Although our hearths are not limited to circles, they are often specified in portions of a circle. It is possible to have a fire hearth in any arc of a circle, if that is dictated by the shape of a room or fire, or at the whim of the customer. We also supply quarter circle slate hearths, cut to fit into corners (the angle of the corner must be specified) and with a curved front end these are referred to as ‘tear drops’. Similarly, a hearth can be produced to fit around an external corner, with the front edge either circular or ellipsoid in shape.

woodburner on a rounded slate fire hearth

Quarter and half circle fire hearths are popular to fit specific room shapes. Quarter circle hearths are ideal for a corner of a room, they are contemporary in design and match a modern wood burner.  They tend to be required where there are no side pillars to a fire setting such as typically found with older style fireplaces. Circle fire hearths are also popular where a wood burner is positioned in a space open to the sides and also, typically against a wall. If you are buying a quarter or semi-circle fire hearth, remember to provide plenty of space to the rear of your wood burner, to comply with safety regulations and to allow the air to circulate thus maximising efficiency.

Full circle fire hearths are often purchased where the fire is in the centre of a space, they are not very common, but they do provide a great focal point for a room.

 

Square and Rectangle Arc Shape Slate Hearths

Ardosia Slate have supplied a huge number of square backed hearths, where the front edge is formed by an arc or rectangle. These are the most popular shapes for stone fire hearth that are chosen for modern or traditional buildings and rooms.

modern woodburner on contemporary rectangular hearth

The depth or the arc is always specified by the client to suit their taste, whilst conforming to regulations and therefore Ardosia always cut slate hearths to custom sizes. Every arc shaped fire hearth is different in length, width and depth of slate. Some customers prefer a small arc where the round angle is very shallow, others prefer a really deep arc such that the rounded front can finish half way down the slate.

arc shaped traditional fire hearth

The shape really is determined by an individual’s specific requirements in terms of the functionality and appearance of the fire hearth. For Ardosia, no shape is a problem, we simply take the shape that you require and create the hearth. Square and rectangular hearths are often purchased for standard homes without a traditional fireplace where a wood burner is forming part of a new installation.

 

T Shaped Slate Hearths

A T-shaped slate fire hearth is the most popular choice where there is a pre-existing fireplace, especially where there are pillars and a mantle. You can just use two or three standard rectangular pieces of slate to form the T shape with or without the joins showing. However, most of our customers require bespoke T shaped fire hearths that are cut to specific shapes and sizes.

woodburner on a t shape fire hearth

The T shaped hearths are virtually always unique, primarily because every fire is unique, especially in old houses. It is not unusual to cut T shaped hearths where the lengths of the side of the T are different, purely because one pillar juts out further than the other. This is not a problem for us, T shaped fire hearths cut to specific sizes in any dimension are a common requirement of our customers.

 

Unusual Shaped Fire Hearths

Ardosia have been cutting fire hearths in a range of sizes and shapes, some of these are more unusual than others. We can cut fire hearths into any unusual shape that you require. Some of these shapes might be for aesthetic reasons or symbolic reasons, to differentiate a room from the norm. We have created teardrop shaped fire hearths that really stand out, for an unusual look that is pretty and functional. Other shapes that could symbolise and reflect a room such as geometrical shapes including triangles, pentagons and hexagons, all quite popular.

stunning internal slate fire hearth and pillar to ceiling height

Some rooms that have existing pillars in place, usually in stone that cannot be cut out, require intricate shapes to be cut for a flush finish. Our team have the very latest in cutting equipment and can cut slate to highly accurate measurements and patterns. If you have an unusual shape for a fire hearth and need a custom cut slate hearth that fits a specific size to exact dimensions, please do not hesitate to contact Ardosia Slate. We would always advise that a template is created where there is a requirement for very accurate measurement, or an unusual, asymmetric shape.

Ardosia Slate Company do not restrict themselves to working with only slate; we also stock limestone and granite slabs which can be cut and arranged to form hearths in many shapes.