The fireplace in our new home is not currently functional, and we decided to install a woodstove insert. The Hearth is damaged and needs to be repairs or more likely replaced, and I'm looking for some ideas.
As you see in the photos, the current hearth is a large number of flat pieces of stone, all set together with wide mortar joints and they are almost all cracked. Some pieces are completely loose (maybe 7 pieces), example shown. Under the layer of stone appears to be a layer of concrete/mortar that was put ontop of the subfloor to level the area for the stone. This also appears to be cracked, broken.
I initially thought I would just get a clear epoxy and cover it all over as is to seal it all back up, but am now thinking replacing the entire hearth would be a better idea. I have done basic floor tile work before and could lay the tile. I don't know what I'm walking into though with attempting to demo the current stone and concrete base on the subfloor, and am worried I am biting off too much of an unknown project.
Looking for ideas, tips, or pointers. Thanks in advance!
![[Hearth.com] Need to repair or replace my fireplace hearth before installing new woodstove insert. Ideas?](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/345/345750-3c1a10cbc1a39e408d117b5c6a806890.jpg?hash=09tpj3W1XP "[Hearth.com] Need to repair or replace my fireplace hearth before installing new woodstove insert. Ideas?")
![[Hearth.com] Need to repair or replace my fireplace hearth before installing new woodstove insert. Ideas?](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/345/345751-bed41ea7bf64b1933f3c259efa16567b.jpg?hash=7U24tcK_Fr "[Hearth.com] Need to repair or replace my fireplace hearth before installing new woodstove insert. Ideas?")
![[Hearth.com] Need to repair or replace my fireplace hearth before installing new woodstove insert. Ideas?](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/345/345752-2e3f61604c321817b36a5d82ab2794cc.jpg?hash=h_FW4EzU-U "[Hearth.com] Need to repair or replace my fireplace hearth before installing new woodstove insert. Ideas?")
As you see in the photos, the current hearth is a large number of flat pieces of stone, all set together with wide mortar joints and they are almost all cracked. Some pieces are completely loose (maybe 7 pieces), example shown. Under the layer of stone appears to be a layer of concrete/mortar that was put ontop of the subfloor to level the area for the stone. This also appears to be cracked, broken.
I initially thought I would just get a clear epoxy and cover it all over as is to seal it all back up, but am now thinking replacing the entire hearth would be a better idea. I have done basic floor tile work before and could lay the tile. I don't know what I'm walking into though with attempting to demo the current stone and concrete base on the subfloor, and am worried I am biting off too much of an unknown project.
Looking for ideas, tips, or pointers. Thanks in advance!
