The Best Fireplace Hearth for Your Log Burner – 8 Reasons to Choose Vlaze!

What is a fireplace hearth (log burner hearth)?

A fireplace hearth is essentially a barrier between your combustible flooring and your fireplace. In the case of a wood-burning stove, they usually extend out in all directions beyond its footprint to protect a sufficient area from the emanating heat generated and any falling ash or embers. They can vary in size and material; however, a good hearth must be able to withstand the heat of your fireplace and protect your space, be durable and fit your room’s aesthetic.

In this blog we’ll first discuss the two main types of hearth. Secondly, the incredible properties of Vlaze vitreous enamel and why it makes the perfect non-constructional hearth for your free-standing wood-burning stove (log burner).

Constructional vs non-constructional fireplace hearths

A constructional hearth is usually made of thick concrete (250mm or 125mm plus a 50mm air gap) and is required within a fireplace recess or for any freestanding stove that heats the hearth above 100ºC. Its installation is a significant job that requires a professional builder.

A non-constructional hearth, however, can be used for any free-standing wood-burning stove that is certified not to heat the hearth above 100ºC (check your stove manufacturer’s guidance). This benefits hugely from only requiring a minimum thickness of 12mm and being able to be placed directly onto a combustible floor, such as floorboards. Under UK Building Regulation a hearth needs to project a minimum of 150mm from the sides and rear of the stove. In some circumstances and in other countries the requirement can be less but usually depends on the presence of a suitably heat resistant wall or heat shield – please discuss with your supplier. The hearth must extend at least 225mm from the front of the stove but we would recommend you increase this distance where possible. The distance required from the rear of the stove and the wall can be significantly reduced by a high quality Heat Shield.

Fire hearth warning boundary

Again, under UK Building Regulations both types of hearth must provide a visually apparent warning boundary around the stove. The following is an extract from 3.41 on page 54 of the ADJ (Approved Document J), which details government building regulations on combustion appliances and fuel storage systems.

‘The edges of hearths should be marked to provide a warning to the building occupants and to discourage combustible floor finishes such as carpet from being laid too close to the appliance. A way of achieving this would be to provide a change in level.’

Handily the thickness of a suitable hearth (12mm minimum) provides a sufficient level change at the edge if placed on even flooring. Likewise, an obvious colour difference between the hearth and flooring would also serve to create a satisfactory boundary in most cases. Again, it is important that it meets the minimum required dimensions (150mm from the sides and rear of the stove and 225mm from the front). These are minimum dimensions, and we recommend that you always follow your stove manufacturers guidance which may ask for more distance.

Vlaze Non-Constructional Hearths and Chamber Plates

Exceptional heat-resistance

Vlaze is made of vitreous enamel (sometimes refered to as porcelain enamel), which is the same material that is used for signage and cladding on the London Underground, specifically for its outstanding fire and heat resistant qualities. Allowing you to safely benefit from the minimum hearth dimension requirements of 12mm in thickness. When it comes to styling as well as protecting your home, Vlaze’s vitreous enamel surfaces are second to none.

Durability

Vlaze is also a highly durable material that resists burn marks and warping. Significantly, it’s not vulnerable to heat expansion and cracking unlike other options. Vlaze products are guaranteed for 25 years and will likely live far beyond that.

Easy to clean

When you inevitably spill some ash or some other soiling occurs, Vlaze’s non-porous smooth surface is so simple to clean. A quick wipe with a soft cloth and a cleaning product such as Astonish cleaner is all it takes.

Aesthetic

Vlaze’s smooth gloss surface finish is available in over 30 colours & designer finishes. This means you have plenty of options to ensure you find the perfect colour for your room – also enhancing the warning boundary for your stove. A Vlaze hearth complements a Vlaze Heat Shield perfectly. Both offer the highest possible performance, allowing you to utlise the very minimum building regulation dimensions, safely, to achieve a sleeker look overall.

Ease of installation

Unlike some materials or indeed constructional hearths which require a costly installation from an experienced builder, a Vlaze Hearth is designed to be quick and easy to fit into the perfect place in your home.

Flexibility

A non-constructional hearth provides greater flexibility for when designing the layout of your room. When teamed with a compatible stove you have many more options for placing you stove and because it is not permanently fixed, you can even take it with you when you move house!

Glamping and tiny homes

Vlaze and Charnwood have created the complete fireplace solution designed for small space living and glamping accommodation. The Stove Pod is designed for cabins, yurts, tents, boats, home offices and other tiny home accommodation. Compatible with the highly efficient Charnwood Aire 3, this neat steel enclosure creates a safe, protected focal point for the room. The Stove Pod can be placed on any hard, flat surface without the need for an additional hearth. It is available in a matt black powder coat with the option to add a Vlaze vitreous enamel liner for a stylish, easy to clean finish.

Vlaze is eco-friendly

Vlaze is recognised as an eco-friendly and sustainable material that is fully recyclable. From the design of products, to packaging, transportation and choice of raw materials, Vlaze aims to always make the most environmentally sound choices. Furthermore, Vlaze products are made to last a lifetime.

Vlaze Hearth and Chamber plates create a clean, modern platform on which to stand your stove. An excellent alternative to glass or polished stone they can be used on their own or alongside our heat shields and insert surrounds for a seamless floor to wall solution.

For more information on a Vlaze fireplace hearth click here!