I like it better without the raised hearth. Like the person before said, it is much cleaner. The only time I would go for a raised hearth would be when you have enough space to go beyond the fireplace and have it as as seating area. In your case, you have the doors on each side, so the extension would not work.

agreed with no raised hearth.

Glad to see consensus re NO raised hearth. As such, consider a 'Club Fender" fireplace bench. I make these in iron based on 19th century and earlier English originals. Advantages come with a fireplace bench: added seating without crowding. Incorporates the fireplace into your lifestyle even without a fire burning, so adds function and design that is appreciated year-round. Find me and other sources re. 'club fenders' or 'old english fireplace benches' on Houzz, ebay, google.

I agree with no hearth.

If it is a real fire I would put a hearth at floor level in a granite or other stone. I have burn marks on my wooden floor where sparks jumped from a free standing stove and scorched the floor. I have since taken out that stove and now have a cassette stove which is much better.

2013 post. Maybe poster could update us with what they did.

Here is a photo of the cassette stove and black granite hearth it measures 48" x23" X1". I hope this helps.