Can a granite counter top be used as a fireplace hearth?

Question

Trying to remodel our fireplace built by Canada's ABSOLUTE Worst Handyman, and we want to fix our fireplace so it is safer for kids. Sharp edges, kids falling, not a good combination. We were planning to cheat and use a granite counter top for simplicity and safety, but the Home Depot lady said bad idea, granite warps. But a flooring lady says granite is okay.

Additional information on the fireplace, even when the glass is opened, the heat from it is warm, borderline hot, but not painful hot. Say no more than 40 degrees Celsius, and the heat has a tendency to rise.

Answer 1

40 degrees Celcius is no hotter than a sauna, so if the granite is not placed directly under the fireplace it should not crack and splinter. Granite is safe for cooking pots on countertops - so the instructions say. Cut it into at least two pieces to allow for contraction and expansion, depending on its length.

Either wood or laminate edging can cover the sharp edges of the existing hearth - it's called bull-nosed edging. Ask at the store which glue is appropriate for the bonding, since obviously only glue will fix the edger to the existing hearth.

(Too bad there aren't more Mike Holmes around?)

Answer 2

Home Depot is correct. The Granite cannot take the expansion and contraction and will crack. Use fire brick for a hearth.

Answer 3

i admire granite countertops plenty. they are frustrating so which you will cut back on them. antagonistic to tile, there is not any grout to consistently sparkling. Granite could look a sprint hazy in case you only use cleansing soap and textile to scrub, yet I only use glass air purifier after washing, or windex disinfectant. I fairly have dark granite, so i'm undecided if the lighter colours stain....

Answer 4

You can. Just cut it into 4 pieces and use one for each side. This will help with the expansion and contraction