What to use on the bottom of the firebox of wood burning fireplace

[M@tt]

Hi all,
I'm new here but have visited a few times researching stoves. I am currently beginning preparations to overhaul my existing fireplace and surround. I have replaced the mantle already. The next step is to cover over the raised brick hearth. I pulled some 3\4 inch slate out of the yard that I plan to use. Currently the redbrick on the hearth is level with the firebrick on the floor of the firebox. I'm guessing I should not put slate in the actual fireplace. So here is my question... After I cover the red brick on the hearth with the 3/4 inch slate, it will be approximately 3/4-1 inch higher than the inside of the fireplace. Can I fill in the bottom of the fireplace with cement to make it flush? In the spring I am hoping to get a wood stove that will be sitting on the hearth. The actual fireplace may never get used again but who knows.
Thanks in advance
Matt

 

[DAKSY]

Why do anything to the floor? Many fireplaces have "dropped" fireboxes. If you plan on a hearthmount stove, don't even worry about the floor behind the hearth.

 

[bsruther]

I removed all of my firebricks and built the firebox floor to meet the hearth and covered it all with cultured hearthstones. I'll obviously never use it again as an open fireplace and by the time I'm gone from here, it will probably be illegal to burn in one.
I'll be installing a free standing stove and having a smooth level surface will make it easier to keep clean.

 

[smmjam12]

I did the same thing except I used granite. I used cement to build up the bottom of the fireplace to be flush with the granite I put on the hearth, it worked out fine.