Stainless Steel Sheet Metal Hearth Extension?

[aaron1]

Hi,

I want to upgrade my hearth protection. If I only need ember protection, could I just use a sheet of stainless steel sheet metal and then put a fiberglass hearth rug on top of that? I wanted to use a material that wouldn't rust if I just leave it there all year long and ruin the finish on my hardwood floor.

I also need to seal the gap between the hearth and the wood floor. Can I just stuff some grout down into there?

 

[begreen]

Yup. Have the metal hemmed for a neater look and safer edge. Run it right up to the hearth to cover the gap. No need to put the hearth rug on top except for visuals. Be careful, stainless is slick. You don't want that carpet slipping around as you rush to turn down the stove.

 

[aaron1]

I wanted the rug for more visual appeal, but I thought the rug by itself would not be adequate for ember protection. I didn't think about slippage. That could be a serious problem. I can't adhere the rug to the metal, as no adhesives are non-combustible as far as I know. Maybe I need to just use a thin hearth pad extension that looks good.

 

[begreen]

How about a sheet of copper?

 

[aaron1]

That might look nice. I was going to use copper for the mantle heat shield as well, as ColdNH has done.

 

[begreen]

You can get it textured for a bit more grip.
http://www.quickshipmetals.com/deco...pper-sheet/decorative-hammered-copper-ct.html
http://www.quickshipmetals.com/decorative-sheet-metal/decorative-copper-sheet/decorative-hammered-copper-ny.html

 

[aaron1]

After more reflection, I think I'd like to go with a sheet of metal with a fiberglass hearth rug on top. I can secure them at the four corners coming through the top of the rug, through the metal and into the hardwood. I was thinking of using very small finishing nails so they leave small holes and aren't really seen too well on the carpet. That way I don't have to worry about slippage and I get the ember protection with a nice rug surface. If they don't hold well, I can use some nice stainless or brass screws. I don't like the idea of a raised hearth pad in front due to my small living room size and the trip hazard.