If you’re planning to install a new woodburner, you’ve probably stumbled across stove hearth regs somewhere along the way. They’re the part of Building Regulations Document J that covers how to keep your floor safe from heat, sparks, and stray embers.

It sounds simple, but hearth regulations are one of the most commonly misunderstood areas of stove installation. Before you rush to order a glass floor plate or lay a slab of slate, here’s a clear, updated guide to what a hearth actually does, what the rules require, and how to make it look great while staying compliant.