Timber Fireplace - How? See pic!

[conks]

Hi

I'm looking to remove a nasty brick fireplace surround discovered when we moved in.

I would like to create a fireplace which i've seen a picture of on the internet. The address is http://www.charlesandhudson.com/archives/faux-fireplace.jpg

I have also uploaded this pic to my album folder.

Does anybody know what the construction of the fireplace is? Presumably it can't be a fire insert (due to fire regs etc.) but it looks a painted finish?

The idea would be to create the fireplace complete with shelving similar to that in the pic so the whole thing needs consistancy.

One other question. If I decide to remove and dispose of the current stone flag hearth, how do I bed down a new hearth given that the flooring is timber. If I concrete dab won't this rot the sub-floor?

Thanks.

 

[Jasonb]

Looks like the chimney breast has just had mouldings and a mantle shelf fixed straight to the plaster with separate shelf units (MDF) to the sides.

Your hearth will not be sitting on the floorboards they will stop just under the hearth and there will be a concrete slab

Jason