1930 Fireplace Hearth Construction Method

[carrienella]

Currently working on restoration of the fireplace surround in our 1930 Tudor Revival. Found a large, wooden box under the original hearth - the area is filled with a pumice-type rock with some type of slab poured on top and then tiled. The box is about 3” lower than the subfloor at the front edge and then slopes back towards the brick chimney; the depth is almost 12” where it meets the chimney.

My goal is to prepare the hearth for tile - curious the best way to ready the area. Does it make sense to replicate the original construction and attempt to pour some type of cement on top of the loose fill? Or is there a better alternative?

I’m struggling to locate info on this construction method but would love to know more about the design. Was this common in early 20th century homes?

 

[Whitenuckler]

Currently working on restoration of the fireplace surround in our 1930 Tudor Revival. Found a large, wooden box under the original hearth - the area is filled with a pumice-type rock with some type of slab poured on top and then tiled. The box is about 3” lower than the subfloor at the front edge and then slopes back towards the brick chimney; the depth is almost 12” where it meets the chimney.

My goal is to prepare the hearth for tile - curious the best way to ready the area. Does it make sense to replicate the original construction and attempt to pour some type of cement on top of the loose fill? Or is there a better alternative?

I’m struggling to locate info on this construction method but would love to know more about the design. Was this common in early 20th century homes?

Probably just the cheapest fastest way of doing it back then. I don't think you want to duplicate it...start fresh with cement board ect.