My hearth mortar job was a failure,,,,Uggg!

I agree with BG as this hearth is not exposed to the elements just like my inside chimney. I have never sealed that and there is no reason to do that and no problems in 25 years..

Ray

No, just kept sponging the bricks off with water. Is it too late to do the acid wash? What's up with doing that? After reading about it, I don't know if I want to use it indoors. Also I already have my wood trim on. I read you have to keep washing it down. Wondering if it will turn into a major mess trying to get all the acid diluted back out.

+1 on not sealing. I beat myself up over this decision (to seal or not to seal) and ultimately left it alone. I have a dark porcelain field tile ("sandstone" finish) with small slate inlay and chocolate colored grout, and IMHO it looks even better after a few years of smoke and ashes. I think you mentioned your better half likes the "old school" look anyway? A very nice looking hearth, btw....

Looks great - I used water based poly to seal mine. Not for necessity - just asthetics. I used satin finish and just brushed it on with an old paint brush. Again, not necessary for function but I liked how it brought out a little shine. My bricks were road pavers and driven on for about 80+ years so they needed a little TLC.

Bob that looks great!

Ray

Nice job Bob your giving me ideas.

Pete

Thanks for the positive feedback. I like the rustic look myself.

Nice job also. No one knows all the work involved until you have some hands on. Just doing the joints, then striking them all and then washing all the bricks , a lot of work.

I'm wondering if your seeing the whitish bricks, that you mentioned the acid wash. These are old reclaimed bricks so they have been like that for who knows how many years. They were cleaned off with water and sponge before things got too dry. They just have that weathered look.

That looks great charly! Feels good knowing you built it with your bare hands too, now get that beautiful Fireview on there and upload some more pics!

Our former used brick hearth pad had the same look, that was a manufactured pad.

Aesthetics for sure. That's a very nice looking hearth. The road pavers are awesome. I like the step wall and the extra room to stack the inside wood on the same space. I kinda wish I had done similar.

Just picturing what the Fireview will look like. Wish the stove was under the box!