How to Build a Raised Fireplace Hearth

Fireplace makeover-Phase two: An easy to follow, DIY tutorial on how to build a raised fireplace hearth.

A raised fireplace hearth adds a lot to a room: aesthetic appeal, a space where you can add more decor, a bench seat for when you need more seating options or of course, a place to sit and warm your body by the fire.

Phase one of my fireplace makeover is finished (check out the faux-beam mantel here). We’re ready to move onto phase two…the raised fireplace hearth. Remember how dated my fireplace was….

Yes, definitely in need of an update. And an update she received….

Isn’t that amazing!? All with 3 simple phases! So let’s move into phase two….

How to Build a Raised Fireplace Hearth:

Materials Needed:

Hammer

Flathead screw driver

Crowbar

Box cutter

Kreg Jig (Affiliate link)

Drill

Caulk

Nail Filler

2×4’s (quantity is dependent upon project)

3/4″ plywood (quantity is dependent upon project)

1.5″ nails

2.5″ pocket hole screws

2.5″ screws (these are my favorite for most all projects) (Affiliate link)

Step One: Clear your space

The first step is to get rid of any trim work along the floor in the space where you will be building your fireplace hearth. As you can see in the picture below, I had quarter-round trim outlining my fireplace…

This is a very simple step. Using a box cutter knife, cut the top of the quarter-round (the part where it meets the fireplace). Then, take a flathead screwdriver and hammer it behind the quarter-round (between the wall and the quarter-round). Gently pull the quarter-round away from the wall, until you have removed all of it….

Step Two: Build support base outline

Once the quarter round has been removed, you’re ready to start building the support for your fireplace hearth. Measure the space where you want your hearth to be and begin cutting 2×4’s to outline that space. Drill 2 pocket holes on both ends of your 2×4’s and attach your outline together with 2.5″ pocket hole screws….

Step Three: Finish support base

Now that you have the space outlined, cut 2×4’s to fit perpendicular to your outlined boards…spacing them apart about every 8-10 inches….

Drill two pocket holes into each end of your perpendicular 2×4’s and attach them to the outline boards, with 2.5″ pocket hole screws….

Step Four: Add support risers

Now you’re ready to build up your fireplace hearth. Determine the height you want your hearth to be and cut 2×4’s to that height. Note: Be sure to take into account the 2×4’s on the base and the 2×4’s you will be adding for the top. For example, my hearth is 10 inches tall. Therefore I cut all of my 2×4 risers to 7 inches. Math: 1.5″ (2×4 base) + 7 inch (2×4 riser) + 1.5″ (2×4 top)=10 inches.

Place a 2×4 riser at the end of each 2×4 base. On your long base boards place a riser every 10-12 inches. Basically, you want to outline your base 2×4’s (as shown below)….

Drill 2 pocket holes on one end of each riser and then attach to base with 2.5″ pocket hole screws.

Step Five: Add support top

Time to put on the top layer of your support. To do this, think of it as a mirror to the base of your support. Wherever you have a 2×4 for the base, place one for the top. Attach using 2.5″ screws….

Step Six: Wrap with plywood

Can you see it coming together? Isn’t it exciting?! Let’s wrap it up with the plywood. Literally! Cut your plywood sheets to fit onto each section of the support, using a nail gun (or hammer) and 1.5″ screws. Starting with the sides first…