Hello:

I am putting down 3/4" pre-finished maple. I have a 6'x2'x1 1/4" granite hearth slab. I am closing in fast on the hearth. I don't know which way to go with it. Do I...

Frame it like a picture? Then butt up against the picture frame? Or can I just butt up against the hearth?

If I frame it, do I still leave a gap and if so, how much? How do I cover the gap? I think Floorguy suggests grout caulk.

If I don't frame it, can I butt up against it and leave a gap as well.

If I frame it, do I rip off the tongues? The flooring will be coming in at an angle to the hearth so if I frame it, I have to cut em' correctly.

Also, is there less shrinkage if the floor sits above a finished basement?

Thanks for the help.

¾ solid Maple.... You best leave a gap, and use a transition molding. An end cap will work to make up the ½" difference.

thanks, Floorguy. Problem is the hearth is 1 1/4" with a 1/2 " bevel. Would the grout caulk work? And is picture framing the way to go or just butt up to it with the gap? Why do we still need a gap when the flooring is nailed down everywhere? It is 3/4" solid maple pre-finished.