Separate problem from other fireplace concerns... concerned about hot coals exploding onto the floor. Yes, I have a fireplace screen but (bad word) happens. If I were to install wood plank laminate flooring in the room where my fireplace is, do you think it would burn if a hot coal fell onto it? Have considered installing this inexpensive laminate in the room, I have it elsewhere in the house and it's about as inexpensive as it gets to provide a decent looking floor, IMO. It doesn't require glue and has a tongue-in-groove install. If the laminate is not fire-proof, I would need to put some type of hearth area in front of the fireplace on the floor. If so, what? Would need to pretty simple DIY, I'm no carpenter. Other option would be to replace the existing indoor-outdoor carpet with more of the same and that would certainly require a fire-proof hearth area.
Fireproof hearth pad? I've seen people just lay down a sheet of steel too...cut to size/shape, paint to color of choice, bam.
Hearthpad is a quickest easiest solution like brenndatomu mentioned. Also not hard to slap down is some tile, am sure you wouldn't need much, nor would it have be perfect as it wouldn't get much traffic. Couple of youtube videos and your on your way.
