Fireplace Hearths are heat resistant however not heatproof, and you need to be careful to pick the right fireplace hearth depending on the application you will be using. Fireplace hearths can be manufactured in three major materials including: Marble fireplace hearths, Granite fireplace hearths and Stone fireplace hearths. Out of all the materials mentioned, stone is the most heat resistant material. Stone fireplace hearths are frequently manufactured from 50 mm to 80 mm thick slabs. Black Granite is another common material to use for Fireplaces hearths. Black Granite is a shiny surface with a dark background colour.) Granite is very resistant to heed however it's not heatproof yet again. Marble fireplace hearths are the least heat resistant surface, yet surprisingly marble fireplace hearths are the most common finish to use. "Hearths are suitable for Gas Fireplaces and Electric Fireplaces", however need to be slabbed if they will be used for solid fuel" Marble fireplace hearths are frequently used as they are the most cost effective solution and are suitable for Gas Fireplaces and electric fireplaces without any modifications. Marble fireplace Hearths can be adapted to be suitable for solid fuel fires (burning coal or logs) if they undergo a process called slabbing. Slabbing involves cutting a Hearth into several sections to allow a contraction and expansion that will prevent their hearth from cranking due to the intense heat created by solid fuel fires. The back of the hearth is then filled with cement to make the hearth denser and again and give it more heat resistance (hearths are usually hollow as standard).

Three piece hearth for stoves

Fireplace hearths can be manufactured with what's called ("T" piece). This involves cutting the hearth into three sections and making a section at the back of the hearth for the stove to fit into.