Pat's Fireplace

[crabber08]

So I came across this thread looking for advise how how to put down a new hearth bedding. I took up the tile that covered it and found it cracked and just crumbling apart so I took it out.
Is it common to just have fire brick laying underneath and mortar packed in on top?
Any advise is appreciated!

[cx]

Welcome, Pat.

I separated your post from the other visitor's thread to prevent confusion on both projects.

I wouldn't say it's common, but I've seen similar methods of building up under mortar beds. Have you dug out the debris to see what you have for a foundation under that?

[crabber08]

Thank you for the reply and making a new thread. Yea I removed all the brick and its just what seems 3/4 plywood. Looks to be in good shape. Guess the hearth did its job. Seems like the bricks and tiles they stacked in there started cracking and making the mortar bed come apart.

[ss3964spd]

I think it's more likely the bricks and tile under the mortar were already cracked, they simply used them as filler so they'd A) not not have to dispose of them and B) not have to mix as much mortar.

I think I'd first want to know what's holding up the plywood you found. Do you have access to look at the under side of it, Pat?

What is your plan for the hearth; slightly raised above the finished floor or completely level with the finished floor? What will the finished floor be?

[crabber08]

Yes that is defintly possible!
Should I do what they did or just make a 4inch thick slab of high heat mortar?

I can gain access to it from under the house. From top just seems its built into the house framing/joist. Seems structurally sound. No burns or anything like heat was getting through either.

I plan to out some kind of tile on top. So will probably bring the bedding up about 1/4 or so below the inside hearth depending on thickness of tile.