How to Make a Hearth Guard

Measure the width of your hearth, add 1 inch and call this measurement A. Measure the depth of the hearth, add 1 inch and call it measurement B. Measure the height off the floor, add 1 inch and call it measurement C.

Cut four pieces of wood to cover the hearth. Cut one piece of plywood that measures A by B. Cut a piece of 1-by-4 inch wood that that measures A by C. Cut two 1-by-4 inch pieces that each measure B by C.

Fit together the three narrow pieces of wood like a frame. Bring the longer piece up on its side and then line up the two shorter pieces on either end, perpendicular to the long piece. Use a hammer and nails to attach them together like three sides of a rectangle.

Arrange the plywood sheet on top of the frame you have built. Use nails all around the three sides to hammer the plywood in place on top of the frame. This frame should easily fit over the top of your brick hearth.

Cut four pieces of foam, one matching the dimensions of each of the pieces of wood on your frame. Use heavy duty glue to attach the foam to the frame on the three sides and the top.

Cut a piece of fabric that is large enough to completely cover your frame with extra fabric hanging over. Position this fabric on top of the frame and center it.

Start on one side and stretch the fabric over and around the frame. Use a staple gun to hold the fabric in position on the underside of the frame. Repeat this all around the frame until the fabric has completely covered it. Slide the hearth cover in position over the hearth.