Hearths and Copings

The thickness of wall copings, also known as "coping depth" or "coping thickness," depends on several factors, including the height of the wall, the material used for the coping, and the structural requirements. Copings serve as protective caps for walls, providing a finished edge and helping to redirect water away from the wall's surface.

The recommended thickness for wall copings typically ranges from 2 inches (5 centimetres) to 4 inches (10 centimetres). However, thicker copings may be used for specific applications or for walls with greater height or load-bearing requirements.

The overhang needed for wall coping, also known as the "coping projection" or "coping reveal," is the distance that the coping extends beyond the face of the wall. This overhang serves several important functions:

1. Water Protection: The overhang helps direct water away from the face of the wall, preventing water from seeping down into the wall structure and causing potential damage.

2. Aesthetics: The coping overhang provides a finished and visually appealing edge to the wall, adding a touch of elegance to the overall appearance.

3. Protection: The overhang offers some protection to the wall's masonry or other materials from direct exposure to the elements, reducing the risk of deterioration and wear.

The recommended overhang for wall coping varies depending on the specific design, material, and intended use of the wall. In general, the overhang for wall coping is typically in the range of 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 centimetres). However, it can be adjusted based on factors such as:

Wall Height: Taller walls may benefit from a larger overhang to provide more water protection.

Climate and Rainfall: In areas with heavy rainfall or where the wall is exposed to significant water runoff, a larger overhang may be necessary for enhanced water protection.

Coping Material: Some coping materials may have specific recommendations for overhang based on their characteristics and performance.

Yes, you can use sandstone pavers for wall coping. Sandstone pavers are a versatile and durable natural stone option that can be employed for various outdoor and landscaping applications, including wall coping. Coping refers to the cap or top layer of a wall that provides a finished and protective edge. It is an essential element for retaining walls, garden walls, and other types of wall structures.

Indian sandstone and limestone are both popular natural stone choices for paving and landscaping, but they have distinct differences in terms of origin, appearance, characteristics, and applications. Here are some key differences between Indian sandstone and limestone:

1. Origin and Geology:

- Indian Sandstone: As the name suggests, Indian sandstone is quarried in India. It is a sedimentary rock primarily composed of sand-sized grains of minerals, such as quartz and feldspar, held together by natural cementing materials. Indian sandstone is formed over millions of years through the accumulation of sand and other minerals.

- Limestone:Limestone is a sedimentary rock as well, composed mainly of calcium carbonate derived from marine organisms like coral and shells. Limestone forms in shallow marine environments and can contain various fossils, giving it a distinct appearance.

2. Appearance:

- Indian Sandstone: Indian sandstone is available in a wide range of colours, including buff, beige, grey, brown, green, and red. It may also have attractive variations and veining, making each piece unique. The surface of Indian sandstone can be riven (naturally split), sawn, or polished.

- Limestone: Limestone comes in various colours as well, including white, beige, grey, blue, and brown. It may also feature fossils and shells, which add character and interest to the stone's appearance. Limestone surfaces can be honed, polished, or have a natural cleft finish.

3. Porosity:

- Indian Sandstone: Indian sandstone is generally porous, which means it can absorb liquids and stains. Some varieties of Indian sandstone may be more porous than others.

- Limestone: Limestone is also porous, but the level of porosity can vary depending on the specific type of limestone. Some limestone varieties are more porous than others.

4. Durability:

- Indian Sandstone: Indian sandstone is generally durable and suitable for outdoor use, including paving, patios, and garden paths. However, its porosity may require occasional sealing to enhance its stain resistance.

- Limestone: Limestone is durable as well, but its susceptibility to staining and wear may vary depending on the specific type and finish. Sealing can also be beneficial for improving its performance in outdoor applications.

5. Use and Applications:

- Indian Sandstone: Indian sandstone is commonly used for outdoor paving, garden paths, patios, and landscaping. Its diverse colour options and natural appeal make it a popular choice for both traditional and modern designs.

- Limestone: Limestone is used for a variety of applications, including exterior cladding, paving, flooring, and architectural elements. It is also favoured for its versatility and ability to complement various architectural styles.

Ultimately, the choice between Indian sandstone and limestone comes down to personal preference, project requirements, and the specific characteristics of the stone that best suit your design vision and intended use. When selecting either of these natural stones, it's essential to consider factors such as colour, porosity, durability, maintenance, and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve in your outdoor or indoor space.

When it comes to the thickness of the stone for a fireplace hearth there are two main factors. Firstly, it needs to be strong enough to hold a heavy cast iron log burning stove. Secondly, it needs to be dense enough to repel the heat of a log burning stove. At Melton Stone, we manufacture our Fireplace Hearths to a regulated thickness of between 25mm and 40mm depending on material.

We suggest using a natural stone such as sandstone for a fireplace as they not only look beautiful, but they have all the benefits required for a stone hearth. Sandstone fireplace hearths are 25mm thick with a lovely natural texture to the touch. They are also easy to wipe clean when spilling wood, coal, and ash dust. Porcelain tiles can be used for fireplace hearth slabs also, however as tiles are a man-made product there can be an issue with the facing edge. A natural hand dressed edge of sandstone looks significantly better than a sharp straight face tile for a fireplace hearth stone in our opinion.

Fireplace hearth slabs themselves should not get hot as the stove is created in a way that the base sends the heat vertical, and the cast legs are designed to push heat away rather than conduct. A natural stone fireplace never fails to create a warm, cosy and often, quite magical, atmosphere in any room. Stone is ultra-practical too! As it warms up, it acts like its own heating source, radiating heat. Maybe this is another one of the reasons that persuade so many people to choose to build a fireplace in stone.

Sealing your fireplace hearth stone depends on personal preference on the aesthetic that you like to see. When you seal any natural stone slabs, it will darken the colour this is due to the porosity of the sandstone as it absorbs the sealer. There are benefits to sealing your fireplace hearth as it will be easy to wipe clean if sealed, also as stated above it can enhance the colours within the natural stone.

Yes. Fireplace hearths are a heavy dense slab. They are always a two man lift and require care and attention when positioning the stone into place.

Since the boom of the new 20mm porcelain paving slabs into the outdoor garden market, we have seen an influx of customers requesting if they can use this product for a tile fireplace hearth. The answer in short is yes. We have many customers purchasing the 20mm thick porcelain paving slabs and using them for indoor fireplace hearths.