Decorating cement lump in front of old fireplace

[Sarah_W]

I'm renvoatinga room that has a lump of cement about 2 foot by 4 foot in front of an old fireplace thathas been blocked up. I'm going to restore the original floors and am looking for ideas on how to deal with this concrete area.... Black paint, possibly tile over with black porcealin tiles etc.

Any ideas please?

[robsartain]

I have got exactly the same issue in a Victorian house at the moment.

Is the concrete lump flush with the floor or raised ?

The lump we have is slightly raised and I planned to use black tiles and make it look like a hearth again.

So if its flush with the floorboards it may look better to raise it up and then tile it IMO.

Will be interested to see any other responses.

[robinhood21]

That will be the hearth. Probably best to paint it black so as not to stand out too much.

[PGM]

Fireplace hearth thread is here :

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[ShadownINja]

Some people put stuff in the "alcove" like maybe a lump of dried wood or some pebbles or a candle. It's probably one step before buying an MX5 and learning to use a pair of curling tongs, mind.

[PGM]

ShadownINja said:

learning to use a pair of curling tongs, mind.

Think it's hair straightening now, not curling!

[Wacky Racer]

Why not break it up with a brick bolster or pick axe, if it's only concrete?...or hire a Kango hammer for an afternoon.......

[Penny-lope]

I used a piece of slate in my last house

[Simpo Two]

Wacky Racer said:

Why not break it up with a brick bolster or pick axe, if it's only concrete?...or hire a Kango hammer for an afternoon.......

If you'd prefer it out, buy or borrow an SDS-Plus drill set to roto-stop and use a chisel bit - use goggles though. With prices starting at just £30, it's the ideal handbag accessory...

[Sarah_W]

Simpo Two said:

Wacky Racer said:

Why not break it up with a brick bolster or pick axe, if it's only concrete?...or hire a Kango hammer for an afternoon.......

If you'd prefer it out, buy or borrow an SDS-Plus drill set to roto-stop and use a chisel bit - use goggles though. With prices starting at just £30, it's the ideal handbag accessory...

I've already got an SDS plus drill thanks. A very useful and satisfyin piece of kit!

[Sarah_W]

robsartain said:

I have got exactly the same issue in a Victorian house at the moment.

Is the concrete lump flush with the floor or raised ?

The lump we have is slightly raised and I planned to use black tiles and make it look like a hearth again.

So if its flush with the floorboards it may look better to raise it up and then tile it IMO.

Will be interested to see any other responses.

It's currently flush although half of it's missing. Tiles sound nice, but I really like this idea of chipping it out and then replacing it with a piece of cut to size slate so it's all flush. It would make a lovely touch!

On reflection, porcelain tiles wouldlook a bit out of place.

[Simpo Two]

Sarah_W said:

I've already got an SDS plus drill thanks. A very useful and satisfyin piece of kit!

[rikmayall] Bloody hell! [/rikmayall]



Deeply impressive.

[CO2000]

Is a nice fire place an option to cover the cement area ? Could be a Dummy one to keep costs down
or a wood burning stove but not fully installed etc.

or what about old floor boards cut to size & placed in ?

or a piece of furniture to hide it ?