Hearth, tile or mat?

[Bad Wolf]

I'm going to be putting in a hardwood floor in my family room. Currently I have vinyl and a tile hearth in front of the zero clearance fireplace. The hardwood floor will raise the height anywhere from 3/8 to 3/4" depending on what I use. This will make the floor higher than the hearth.
I guess I can put edging on the floor and have the hearth sunken. There is about 1/2 from the current hearth to the bottom of the vent on the front so I could add another layer of tile if I went with the 3/8" flooring.
Can I floor right up to the fireplace and use one of those fireproof mats? I have glass doors on it but usually leave them open when burning relying on the screen. This is purely a decorative fireplace. I've got a TARM in the basement for heat.

What are my options?

 

[Beer Belly]

Check your local code, a Hearth Rug may not be up to snuff (it wasn't in my area).....you may have no other choice other than Tile.

 

[begreen]

I like the idea of tile, it's permanent and will protect well. If necessary lay down a sheet of cement board under the tile to raise it to the new floor level or a bit higher. Give is a nice wooden frame border for the new floor to butt up against.

 

[Bad Wolf]

Problem is, if I raise it much past 3/8" it's going to start blocking the lower vents. I'd rather not have to jackhammer the existing tile out if I can help it. That takes a realitivly simple job and turns it into a production. But then again thats how most of my jobs go.

 

[Beer Belly]

I like the idea of tile, it's permanent and will protect well. If necessary lay down a sheet of cement board under the tile to raise it to the new floor level or a bit higher. Give is a nice wooden frame border for the new floor to butt up against.

A friend of mine made something just like what you describe that he puts out during burning season to save his flooring from sparks, or other damage, then picks it up and puts it away during warmer weather.

 

[Beer Belly]

I highly doubt you'll find "Fireproof" rug....maybe "Fire Resistant"....there is a difference....safety first my friend

 

[mfglickman]

Problem is, if I raise it much past 3/8" it's going to start blocking the lower vents. I'd rather not have to jackhammer the existing tile out if I can help it. That takes a realitivly simple job and turns it into a production. But then again thats how most of my jobs go.

I've removed tile before with a crowbar/prybar and hammer - if you don't mind breaking it, which I assume you don't...remove the old and replace with a new that will sit at the height of your new floor?