How to Frame a Fireplace Hearth
A simple and attractive way to frame a fireplace hearth involves using wood trim around the hearth. You may select trim in a contrasting color to the color of trim in the room or a color that contrasts with that trim. You can purchase pre-painted trim or you may choose to paint or stain it yourself. Paint or stain the trim after you cut it to size and before applying it to the hearth.
What you will need:
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Wood molding trim
- Adjustable circular saw
- Finishing nails
- Hammer
- Use a measuring tape to measure the dimensions of the hearth, and write these dimensions down.
- Decide on the molding or the trim you desire for framing of the fireplace hearth.
- Turn the trim or molding selected to frame fireplace hearth over so that the back side faces upwards. Place a mark on the back to indicate the length of trim needed for each piece.
- Using an adjustable circular saw cut each piece needed for the two hearth sides. Cut each piece at a 45-degree angle that begins at the mark already made and extends upwards to the right, for the right side piece, and upwards to the left for the left side piece.
- Cut a piece of molding for the top of the hearth using the adjustable circular saw. Again start at the bottom edge of the molding at the measured mark and extend outwards at a 45-degree angle to the outside in opposite directions at the two ends.
- Apply the trim pieces to the hearth. Place one side length of trim against the hearth and nail to the wall using a finishing nail. Place it perpendicular to the floor with the use of a level. Once leveled, use several more nails as needed to secure the trim to the wall. Next, follow the same procedure to attach the top trim piece. Place the other side trim piece in place.
- Sand down a trim piece that extends a little too long. For any gaps in the placement of the pieces, use wood putty to fill.