The red oak while more expensive wasn't too bad and cost around $30.00 total at Lowes. I applied 3 coats of semi-gloss poly and stain to the red oak prior to grouting it to the hearth. The oak can withstand much more abuse as I have dropped some fire wood on it with no ill effects..Thanks Ray
The hearth is for the Enviro Meridian stove in my shed so that is why I am a little slow to finish it. That is a good idea about using Red Oak!
The shed was 65.8 deg F for it's lowest temperature this morning, even though the outside got down to 59.5 Deg F. I guess that Insulation and foil I threw in helped a bit.
See pics > Shed Roof Thermal Relief for Winter/Summer
https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/shed-roof-thermal-relief-for-winter-summer.84824/
Ray