What is the Difference Between a Hearth and a Fireplace?

Fireplace

• Commonly referred to as a hearth, a fireplace is an opening at the base of a chimney in which you burn a controlled fire. You may add fireplaces to the interior or exterior of your home.

Hearth

• The floor on which you build fires is known as a hearth. The hearth often extends 1 to 4 feet outside of the fireplace opening. Hearths may set above, below or level with the floor in your home. Some hearths may even provide a bench-like seat in front of the fireplace or create a small ledge on which to display trophies and trinkets.

Materials

• Hearths and other fireplace parts are commonly made from stone, brick or block because these materials resist cracking under heat and are not flammable. Poured-concrete hearths and concrete-block fireplaces can be covered with fire-resistant slate, tile or stone veneers. Outdoor fireplaces may have gravel or dirt hearths instead of brick, block or stone.