I've just laid a new concrete hearth as the old one was shattered. I've got a good depth and although I mixed it by hand, I'm pretty sure the mix was strong. The only thing is that I used sharp sand as aggregate and didn't include any gravel. Have I just made a school boy error or will my mix still be strong without gravel?
Concrete hearth advice
- Thread starter diyfirsttimer
- Start date
your mix will be absolutely fine. in fact ideal.
Thanks for the reassurance! I didn't fancy starting again!
what are you doing with the hearth? Open fire or gas? If you are having an open fire and intend the grate to sit on this concrete it will probably crack it. Though if you are no using it that much, ie a few times a month it should be no sweat. If you plan to use it a bit more regular then you should really put some lime or vermiculite in with the mix.
If your actually having a gas fire or none at all, ignore my useless advice.
If your actually having a gas fire or none at all, ignore my useless advice.
Bit late now for you firsttimer, but it might be a useful tip for others attempting this job. Add cement dye to the mix (black is great if the hearth is going in front of a cast iron fire piece), lots of colours to choose from.
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