Tile hearth on timber floor

[Housen]

Hi All, in need of advice- we want to make a hearth out of tiles. Can we lay these on top of a timber floor? Or does it need to be concrete underneath the hearth ?
We are planning on putting a bioethanol fireplace in..

You should ask your installer, they will have the regulations to hand.

Thank you. It’s a bit more of a DIY job, hence turning to mumsnet for some advice..

I daresay that the timber will move when walked on near to the fireplace, and will expand / contract due to temperatures throughout the seasons. So if you placed tiles directly onto them they may move and/or crack, but the grouting between definitely would.

Please get the installer to confirm what work is needed under the hearth. A property I owned many years ago went on fire as the previous owner did a DIY job on the hearth, placing it directly onto the wooden floor and joists. It was a flat and the fire damaged the property underneath as well. Luckily it was vacant at the time. My property was damaged and insurance paid for the repairs but it was a really scary experience.