Tile Hearth

Does that $650 include his labor for building the raised hearth, backerboard, and wall heat shield construction? If so, thats not too bad of a deal. I framed my raised hearth and wall shields, bought the tile and paid my guy $40O for just the tile work. If I was still living back in my home area, I could have gotten it done by my friends for dinner and some cold beer. Is he involved in any of the stovepipe or chimney installation either?

that's really about the right price in my opinion. That said, it's a job you can easily do yourself and save a nice chunk of change and you'll feel pretty good afterwards

floridaboy said:

He has done some work for me in the last week around the house and will be installing the stove and chimney also. I think $650,plus another $150 or so bucks ,is motivation for my fiance and I to do the hearth pad ourselves. Have friends with tile experience,just have to wait til they are available.

Click to expand...

OK, gotta level with you here. I am a complete mechanical moron . . . really . . . my wife who grew up helping her Dad rehab their house (he was old school . . . everyone in the family worked and helped out regardless of their gender) knows way more about construction.

That said, I built my hearth entirely by myself. I always figured tiling took a lot of skill, but the truth is, a simple hearth really can be done by a novice. There are a couple detailed threads here which will take you through the entire process . . . I cannot find the one thread . . . but the one that really helped me offered a numbered step by step process.

Basically, take your time . . . follow the instructions . . . make sure you have a level and flat base . . . and follow the stove's R value requirements. Building a hearth is easy . . . so easy even a Caveman . . . I mean a dumb Firefighter can do it. Best part by the way . . . seeing the end result each and every time you look over at your stove and realize it was you that built that hearth.

Tile work is very easy. It appears intimidating - but really very simple.

I think his price is decent. He is right. It will require coming back a few times, as you can not grout until the glue has set.

There is a certain satisfaction in doing work yourself, but if it turns out looking bad, you'll wish you had someone do it for you.

If you want to do something basic and simple, it's not much of a job. If you want to do a lot of fancy cuts with a lot of design, then you might think it's worth it to pay someone. Personally I'd do it myself if I had the time. If you are having an installation that can't be held up, that might be another reason to have someone else do it so you don't get bogged down and be taking longer than you thought.

Poult

Harbor Frieght wet saw - $60
Harbor Freight Drill/driver - $50
Tin snips - $25 (get a decent set)
Toothed trowel - $7
Grout trowel - $7
mixing bucket - $5
Caulking gun - $7

So for about $160 you can get most of the special tools to do the job, granted the HF tools are junk but they will last at least one job and you'll still be $490 ahead of the game. You'll take more than three days but you get exactly what you want.

just remember the golden rule of tile - grout hides a lot!

Aaron

Do it yourself- nothing will feel so sweet.

Pictures posted in separate thread

The last picture came out very soft - Not sure why but I'll post a new picture once I touch up the paint and grout the moulding. Maybe one taken during the day will be more true to life.

It's a shame all that work is framing a cheapo builders box - hopefully it'll be framing a Hampton insert with the glazed finish next year!

Aaron