Victorian hearth repair prior to laying carpet

[Anonymous]

We have taken up carpets in a room on the first floor of our late victorian semi to reveal an old hearth (fireplace has long been removed). This appears to be a bit cracked and crumbling in places and I think I should do something about repairing it before laying new carpet.

Should I fill the worst gaps (if so, what is best filler for this) and then apply a self-levelling compound or do something else?

Thanks!

 

[Anonymous]

If you are simply going to carpet over it you may not need to do anything. If you want to use the fireplace and have a fitted carpet in the room you will probably need some kind of fender round the hearth. An alternative is to place a new piece of stone or slate on top of the existing hearth to bring it up to, or just above, the finished level of the carpet.