How to Repair an Uneven Hearth

Place a level across the hearth base. If the bubble is in the middle of the dial, then the floor is level. If it is to the right or left, it is at least slightly unlevel.

Survey the look of the hearth to locate bricks and tiles that are poking out higher than others.

Lay a drop cloth across the floor around the hearth. Break apart the hearth tiles or bricks with an axe. Completely clear the tiles or bricks from the hearth.

Mix together a batch of thinset mortar and latex additive with a mixing drill, which you can purchase from a home construction supply store. Mix these materials in a bucket according to package instructions. Dip a trowel into the mixture and spread it across the bare concrete base, making the hearth even. Allow the mixture to dry overnight and then test the evenness with the level again.

Spread more thinset and latex additive on the hearth with the trowel. Scrape the layer with the notched side of the trowel so that it makes lines in the thinset-latex layer. Press the tiles into the hearth. Wipe away excess thinset with a damp sponge and allow the substance to dry overnight.

Spread grout over the tiles with a grout float, making sure to press the grout between the tile joints. Scrape away excess and allow the grout to dry about an hour, or until it is firm to the touch. Dampen a sponge and wipe away the excess grout.