I have just opened up an old fireplace builders opening that had been boarded up by previous residents. We plan to fit a small multi-fuel stove in to the builders opening (it will actually sit forward of the main wall slightly - but mostly sit within the builders opening).
I have cleaned out the builders opening relatively well, and plan to skim the inside of this with a sand cement render type material.
I have also exposed the original constructional hearth which sits about 25mm or so below the suspended timber floor. Obviously we need to install a new decorative hearth (not sure what yet). Should I first lay a screed or something over the top of the constructional hearth (which is concrete) and bring this level with the floorboards and put this screed within the builders opening area too so that I have a nice clean and level base on which to lay a hearth?
Any recommendations and tips will be gratefully received!
I have cleaned out the builders opening relatively well, and plan to skim the inside of this with a sand cement render type material.
I have also exposed the original constructional hearth which sits about 25mm or so below the suspended timber floor. Obviously we need to install a new decorative hearth (not sure what yet). Should I first lay a screed or something over the top of the constructional hearth (which is concrete) and bring this level with the floorboards and put this screed within the builders opening area too so that I have a nice clean and level base on which to lay a hearth?
Any recommendations and tips will be gratefully received!
