Where’s the job?

Scope of Works

• measure fireplace opening, hearth depth and required clearances

• inspect existing hearth and surrounding fabric for asbestos, rot or structural issues

• remove existing hearth and prepare subfloor including non‑combustible backing where required

• cut, dress and dry‑lay slate to check fit and returns

• bed slate on suitable adhesive or mortar, point and seal edges

• fit trim or edging, make good adjacent floor finishes and clear site of waste

• use dust control, protective coverings and PPE during works and advise if contamination found

Typical Cost

Time on Site

Most slate hearth installations take 4–8 hours on site for a standard fireplace; larger hearths, uneven floors or structural alterations can extend the work to 1–2 days

Questions to Ask Your Tradie

• Have you fitted slate hearths before and can you show photos or references from recent jobs?

• Will you inspect for asbestos or other contamination before removing the old hearth?

• Will the slate be cut on site or supplied to size and how will you control dust and noise?

• What guarantee do you provide for materials and workmanship and how long is it valid?

• Do you expect to need scaffolding, consents or building control and who arranges these?

• How will you handle unexpected issues such as rot under the hearth or uneven subfloor and agree extra costs?

How to Avoid Surprises

• clear the area around the fireplace and remove small items and breakables

• provide nearby parking or let the tradie know if parking permits are required

• check if the property was built before 1980 and arrange an asbestos survey if advised

• confirm availability of power on site for cutting tools or agree a supply in advance

• inform the tradie about pets and any site access restrictions or management company rules