This should have looked completely different now, but the mason screwed us. Pushed the date out by two months, and doubled his quote. I'm going to tackle it DIY next year. Raised hearth with maybe a sandstone base, and a veneer stone wall the width of the current base. Plaster over the remaining brick.
This is our 1st wood stove, a Pacific Energy Super 27. Brand new to wood heat. Hoping this puppy keeps us toasty this winter! Pics are from a few months ago.
Hope it does. Welcome to the club. Lots of great folks here sharing knowledge and humor. I think you will like it here.