In a 2016 Angi survey, 77% of buyers would prefer a home with a fireplace, and 70% of real estate agents thought that fireplaces added value to properties. Fireplaces and stoves have become somewhat of a lost art in home construction. They require specific design elements and hearth pads to do their best.
Fueled by wood, a fireplace, and a pellet stove, it is responsible for circulating heated air throughout a structure. They help reduce heating costs and make homes more comfortable.
If you are looking to install a fireplace in your home, there are several key components you will need. One aspect involves using the fireplace hearth pad to provide a protective barrier between your fireplace’s bricks and mortar and your flooring.
A hearth pad is the secret to an effective fireplace or stove system. Here is how to create the perfect one for your home.
Measure the Perfect Pad Size
Start by measuring the width, length, and depth of the hearth that will be covered. Make sure you take measurements from the outside of the hearth. Measure from the floor to the top of the hearth and the sides.
Take into account any surface protrusions such as steps, curves, or bumps. You need to determine the size of the hearth pad that will be necessary to provide adequate protection.
Once the measurements are taken, use these measurements to find a hearth pad that is appropriate for any firebox, whether a wooden firebox or a comfortbilt pellet stove. Make sure that the pad will completely protect the hearth from the firebox and any other scorching sources in the room.
Select the Right Hearth Style
To create the perfect fireplace hearth padding for your home, start by selecting the right style. Consider the amount of space you need the hearth pad to cover, as well as the shape of the area.
Raised Pads
Raised pads have a higher profile compared to other hearth pad styles, adding a subtle tactile feel to the look and feel of the space. Raised pads are available in various materials and colors, giving you the ability to customize your appearance to best suit your decor style. They offer an extra level of protection due to their size and shape, safeguarding the area around the fireplace and any surrounding furniture.
Flush Pads
This style features a design that appears to have the enclosure and the pad flush and level on the floor, with no gap between the two. Flush pads offer many advantages in terms of safety, as they are not easily moved, making them a great option for pets and children.
They are often designed with a no-fly bottom. It helps to ensure that the burning embers of a firebox do not ignite the padding itself.
Choose the Right MaterialsÂ
When choosing the right materials for your hearth pad, safety should be your primary concern. Choosing the right materials for your hearth pad is an important decision. It will affect both the fire safety of your home and the atmosphere of the room.
Depending on the size and shape of your hearth, you may need to use many layers of material to ensure total protection. The choice of materials should not only focus on safety but also complement the design of your home.
Marble
Marble is a classic material that adds a sophisticated, timeless look to your pad. It is also durable and can be used in a variety of colors to match your decor. It does not require any type of sealant or grout, making it easier to clean and also adding to its durability.
Its high heat resistance means it will provide years of protection for your hearth and floor. Marbles are also resistant to the most acidic substances, protecting them from wear and discoloration over time.
Ceramic
Ceramics is an excellent heat conductor, meaning it won’t warp, crack, or discolor like other materials might with the heat of a fireplace. It is durable and can last for many years. It is a low-maintenance material that requires minimal upkeep and can look beautiful in a home.
Ceramics is cost-effective – providing excellent value considering its long-term durability and versatility. With its incredible thermal and aesthetic properties, ceramic is an ideal material for a hearth pad.
Concrete
Concrete is hard, durable, and easy to install. It is fireproof and can be used with both gas and electric fireplaces. With concrete, you do not need to worry about the materials breaking down due to fire, heat, or moisture.
To ensure the concrete does not crack or chip over time, proper installation is paramount. If done correctly, concrete will last and provide an efficient and safe barrier between the fireplace and the surrounding floor or wall. To further enhance its look and longevity, consider adding a stone or tile finish to your concrete hearth pad.
Slate
Slate is a beautiful and versatile rock that comes in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. It is a non-porous, durable material that is resistant to fire, making it an ideal choice for a fireplace hearth. Slate is visually appealing and can blend with other outdoor materials, such as stone and brick.
It is also easy to clean, adding a layer of convenience to your hearth pad. Despite its higher initial cost, slate is a great long-term investment due to its superior durability and longevity.
It can stand up to the hot embers that come out of the fireplace. With the right care, your slate hearth pad can look beautiful and stay safe for years to come.
Limestone
Limestone is both heat resistant and moisture resistant, making it capable of withstanding high temperatures as well as chemical and acidic wear and tear. Limestone also has an excellent aesthetic and textured quality, providing a modern, sophisticated look to the room. It is easy to clean, requiring only a damp rag to remove dust and debris.
Limestone features a unique, natural look. It is available in a variety of colors, allowing you to match it with the existing colors in your home. It is an affordable option compared to other materials.
Granite
Granite is a premium material choice for hearth pads as it is beautiful and durable. It is composed of natural minerals, thus making it strong, heat resistant, and difficult to scratch or chip.
Granite is also aesthetically pleasing and can complement the look of your home. It also won’t keep heat as much as other materials, like brick, which is a benefit when it comes to safety. Granite can be quite expensive, but the extra cost will be worth it in the long run, as you will have an exceptionally beautiful and durable hearth pad that will last.
Gear Up with Accessories
Placing hearth pad accessories can take your fire heating experience to the next level. With the resulting enhanced safety and style, hearth pad accessories can provide a welcome addition to any outdoor fire heating experience.
Stackable Racks for Wood
Adding stackable racks for wood ensures you have the fuel you need during the cold winter months. They are a great way to organize and maximize space in any area of your home. Not only do they look great, but they are also durable.
The different heights make it easy to store different sizes of wood, while the stackable design ensures they are easy to move and distribute the weight evenly. They are made from a variety of materials, such as stainless steel and wrought iron, allowing you to customize your living space for the desired look.
Hearth Rugs
Hearth rugs act as a protective layer that is placed in front of the fireplace to protect your flooring from sparks, ashes, and soot. It is important to choose the right size and material when selecting the rug to fit the style of your home and the frequency of use. Hearth pad accessories offer a selection of high-quality made-to-order rugs in various materials, shapes, and sizes.
From ornamental to classic, these rugs come in various sizes to fit the likes of an old-style inglenook or a large hearth. Each rug is designed to protect the flooring and prevent staining and fading while made of flame-retardant fibers for extra safety.
Removable Hearth Buddies
Removable hearth buddies are a great accessory to add extra safety while providing an attractive addition to the decor. These heat-resistant pads provide extra protection against fire, sparks, and embers. They are designed to stay cool to the touch with built-in air ventilation.
They can be removed and replaced with a new one after a few years of use. Removable hearth buddies are available in a variety of sizes and styles that fit any style of the hearth. Installation is easy and can be done with a few basic tools.
Make Your Hearth Pad Appealing
Creating the perfect hearth pad for your home is easy. Start by picking the durable material and the right shape, depending on your fireplace.
Shop around for decorative touches that match your decor and make it personalized for you. Get started and enjoy the coziness of your hearth pad!
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