Hearth Stove clearances; Is it possible?

You're going to have a tough time with anything but an insert, with that low of a fireplace opening and trim surround height. You'll have the stove way out in front, from the sound of things.

I'd recommend posting photos/sketches to better show your setup - you'll get some help here for sure.

I'd have to agree with Edthedawg.... you may to have to look at an insert, or end up reworking your surround/mantle to accomodate the required clearances...

I had a similar issue with clearances and ended up putting in a Lopi Declaration which, by the way, I really like. My wife vetoed the hearth stove but would agree to a flush mounted insert... go figure. Good luck with whatever you choose.

I would be interested in hearing responses to this question also. I have seen some free standing stoves mounted 1/2 in and 1/2 out of masonry fireplaces where it certainly seemed that clearances were not adhered to - but maybe this is because they were full masonry installs. Right now I would say the mantel and any other wood trim is the most concern. But, then again, I don't know this stuff like so many of you do. Hope there is a knowledgeable response!

Shari

What about the Hearthstone Homestead or a similarly sized stove? These will fit tucked completely inside the fireplace. I'm not sure if an install like that constitutes an "alcove" and is therefore subject to the equivalent codes. I presume there is some heat loss up the chimney and absorbed into the fireplace mass, and I don't know if there are code issues here, but I've seen it done w/a Jotul Castine and it puts off plenty of heat.

The Homestead has a nice large window for viewing and a tapered rear section that tucks in well, even in a tapered fireplace like a rumford. Plus its flue exit adjusts to rear or vertical exit and it is a low profile in either position which gives you some flexibility in the install.

If you can't tuck the stove inside the fireplace, you could also install a heat shield as needed in front of the surround and below the mantel. Done tastefully it could look nice. It doesn't need to be a slab of sheet metal.

Good luck.

bonedoc said:

Doesn't it seriously harm the efficacy of a radiant heat source(like a soapstone woodstove) when it is tucked way back in the fireplace; I would think that(especially with an exterior masonry chimney) that a small soapstone stove tucked into the back of the fireplace would not be much better than the fireplace alone.

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You are correct imho. A soapstone is meant to radiate a nice gentle heat. Kinda hard to do tucked inside the fireplace. An insert with a blower is your best option. As for brand? Whatever best suits your budget. As long as it is a newer epa approved insert.

As you are probably already aware-get the largest firebox that will fit. Easy to build a smaller fire when that is all you need. But for that nice long burntime you should try for 2.5 or 3.0 cu.ft. firebox.. Good luck.

While it's understandable there's going to be some radiant loss into the fireplace brick, I still tend to think a deep hearth install is possible and has some advantages over the fireplace. For example, a stove can be set up with an outside air kit and/or even shut down at night. Also, a fan can also be used. The Castine I've seen installed completely inside the fireplace is at the far end of a living room and w/a heat activated fan it moves heat across the room to the kitchen. I originally suggested the Homestead because it's specifically designed to play nice with hearth installs. But if a soapstone isn't the route, perhaps cast iron is the ticket.

At any rate, wondering if this type of install was copasetic I went to the Hearthstone web site, poked around and found in the manual for the Tribute on page 7 (pg 8 of the pdf) there is a diagram of the Tribute installed deep into a hearth. In this configuration, as long as the stove is protruding no more than 2" in front of the opening of the hearth, the clearance to the combustables above is reduced to 18". The Tribute is 24" tall. So 46" to your molding surround seems well within the permissible range.

Curious, I looked to see if there was a similar diagram in the Homestead manual. There is not. But, per chance that stove can be similarly installed, I think it's only 27" tall. Which still gives you a pinch more than 18" to your 46" surround.

As for inserts, I have little experience with inserts, so I can't judge how one would compare to a wood stove tucked into the hearth. But I am married and when my wife vetoes something I move on (not always quietly, easily or effectively) to something that works for both of us.

I'd go to some local stove shops (if there are any) and ask them about the codes, pros & cons of installing a stove deep in the hearth. I'd also consider giving a call to the stove company directly for their advice. And no matter what, I wouldn't give up on the stove or the missus. Good luck.

What about a mantle shield?

My Castine is 1/2 in and out of the fireplace and it does one hell of a job of throwing heat as well as banking heat into the brick. When burning all day, that brick gets hot to the tough for sure and ends up being an additional radiant heat source overnight and then again during the day.

I cannot speak to the mantel clearance as I have removed one mantel and going to do both of mine in some stone to eliminate the issue. Maybe soap stone...

From what I gathered in the Hearthstone manual for the Tribute, as long as only 2" or less of the stove extends beyond the opening of the hearth, then the clearance to a combustible (like a mantel or surround) is only 18". If more than 2" of the stove extends in front of the hearth, then standard clearances apply. I've seen codes that require 36" vertical clearance. So in the case of Bonedoc some sort of heat shield would be necessary for the molding surround as it's within the minimum vertical clearance and likely the mantel too.