Some reasons to go with a flush hearth:
>The Direct Vent is going to be so hot you're not going want to sit next to it like you would on a wood burning unit.

> If you vent your DV out the rear, the higher you raise it off the floor, the more you can see the venting and if it's too high, you could see daylight (depending on the brand) where the pipe penetrates the side wall.

> By not having a hearth, you don't take up valuable floor space.

Some reasons for a raised Hearth:
> Tradtional Look

> If you go this route, request that they "Top Vent" the unit if possible". This will reduce the daylight issue.

There are some very nice new generation DV products available. These newer units offer the look and feel of a masonry fireplace verses the radiator look most DV's have.

Check out - The Chateau by Majestic, Escape ny Heat N Glo,
Montebello by Lennox.

One reason our builder didn't want to give us a raised hearth is because he said it makes the mantle higher and then when people see it finished they complain. We went with one brick high and we like it. OUrs is a wood burning fireplace that we use with gas.

With kids running around I really like the flush. It gives you a bit more floor space and no knicks their legs on the corners of the hearth.

Otherwise, I think it's just personal preference.

Gloria

I think it depends upon the size of the room and the ceiling height of the room that it's located in. Once you get to a larger room, especially if higher ceilings and more furnishings I feel there should be a raised hearth for sure, otherwise the fireplace gets lost being so close to the floor. If it's a smaller room with lower ceiling and your planning something on the wall above the fireplace like a TV or mantel shelf it may make sense to go with a flush hearth.