Building a raised tiled hearth for a pellet stove again! Nice day for raised hearth building!

[Don2222]

Nice project!

After finding out back in 2004 how much pre-made tile hearths from the dealer cost -- $275 way back then -- I decided that even though I had no tile experience, it couldn't be that hard to do one. And it sure as heck wouldn't cost me $275 in materials!

Turns out I was right. I made mine with 3/4" industrial grade particle board so it wouldn't warp, then used 1/4" cement board over that. I used 12x12 ceramic tiles from Lowes that cost about $1 each. The only mistake I made was buying one of those cheapie tile cutters, I couldn't get nice, clean cuts with it. I ended up taking the cheap tile cutter back and just paying Lowes the .25 cents per cut to go ahead and cut the tiles for me! I only had about 8 pieces to cut, so the $2.00 it cost me was much cheaper than buying a tile saw for $99.

It really turned out great. I used solid oak edging for the trim, and it actually looks much nicer than any of the ready-made tile boards that my dealer was selling. I think I had about $60 in it by the time it was finished, plus it was kinda fun to build. Not so fun to lug up the basement steps though, that sucker is HEAVY!

I am using 1/2" cement board over 1/2 " plywood. Still makes it 1 " thick + strong procalin tiles! see pics below

Also made a nice little storage cubbie

 

[Wi Thundercat]

Looking Good Don! Will this one also be lit with rope lights?

 

[Don2222]

Hello

Well, I finally got a chance to stain the hearth with Old masters interior Wiping Stain that is Early American color.

The gray grout goes well with the Midnight Slate Porcelain tile and will also match the new charcoal color pellet stove!

Then 3 coats of polyurethane and some rope light and it will be done!