For a hearth that is less than 6 square feet, how far should the sides extend?

For a hearth that is less than 6 square feet, the sides should extend a minimum of 8 inches beyond the firebox opening. This requirement is rooted in safety regulations aimed at preventing the escape of embers and other hot materials that could ignite nearby flammable materials or structures.

In residential construction, the hearth serves as a protective barrier for the surrounding area, and the extended side dimensions ensure that any potential debris or ash is contained within a designated safe area. Adhering to the 8-inch extension on all sides provides an additional margin of safety, helping to prevent fire hazards.

While other dimensions such as 4, 6, or 10 inches might be used in different contexts or applications, they do not meet the specific safety standards set for hearths under the guidelines related to residential construction in North Carolina. In this case, the 8-inch extension aligns with the best practices for hearth design and fire safety.