concrete hearth set into floor

[king.module]

in the kitchen we have an old fireplace - in front of the fireplace the old cement hearth has been taken out (the one in our living room is plush with the floorboards and i assume that the actual hearth was built on top of this 'cement' base?).

This base has been replaced with chip board some time in the past.

here's the hard part - how would i re-instate just concrete hearth base (aprox. 33cm x 114cm) so it's plush with the floorboards (18mm thick) but still strong enough to be walked on and not crack. (the joists are all present and correct - SIR!)

the only thing i can think of is fitting some sheet metal (1 or 2mm thick) and then applying a cement 'base' on top of it but is there an easier way?
how was it originally done?

anyone any other ideas??

ta vary muchly

 

[masona]

This base has been replaced with chip board some time in the past.

Have you removed the chipboard ? You might find the main hearth which should be a 125mm thick concrete slab still underneath then finish off with a decorative hearth in slate, ceramic tiles, brick or stone

 

[king.module]

hi masona

yeah i removed the chipboard the other day to do a little plumbing - there is nothing under there :O(

 

[masona]

This is how it should be;

 

[king.module]

cheers mate