Stovepipe Install through floor with radiant in floor heat - anyone done it? Also, any Alaskans who

Greetings,

We recently purchased a two story home with radiant in floor heating in both floors. We'd like to install a wood stove on the first floor for extra heat and ambiance (we have lived with woodstoves before and miss them). We purchased a heat sensor tool to help detect the tubing but would like to chat with someone who has actually done this kind of retrofit. Our tubing is set in Gypecrete and the floor covering is hickory hard wood. The fellows we have talked to at the local plumbing and wood stove shops have not dealt with this before nor have I been able to find any on-line postings on the topic. Our other option is to encase the stove on the outside of the house but we'd like to avoid the cost and appearance of such a modification. Any experience or suggest on the topic would be greatly appreciated. We may consider a gas stove (and vent directly out of the wall) but really want a wood-burner.

Additionally, are there any Alaskans out there who have purchased a stove from Woodstock Soapstone Company who would be willing to share their experience?

Thank you!
TSK

Wow, so many replies so fast! Thank you all for your ideas and information. There are zero closets on the second floor besides a walk-in that is on the opposite side of where we'd like to install (another change we'll make someday - add another closet). Additionally, we talked to the woman who had the house built and she boasts putting the tube spacing 6" apart - everywhere (which is fantastic except when you want to cut a hole in your floor!).

I like the idea the tubing may move apart if wet enough, interesting tid-bit, but then would there be enough flex/length in the tubing to push it aside? Another -love -the- hardwood- except- when- we're- making- changes. This goes into the next suggestion of getting an energy audit which we are already on the list (Alaska has a great energy rebate program...we've been on the waiting list since May but are narrowing in on getting one). Yes, we love the heating in this house. I've never lived in a house with radiant in floor heating and cannot believe how nice it is....even when we are keeping it fairly low, I get some chills but not the same way I do with a forced air system. It's terrific!

I'm glad to hear the Hearthstone stove is nice...though, from the descriptions on this forum and other sites it's hard not to want to touch a Woodstock! I would love to open a few doors and convince myself the Hearthstone is just as hardy. I have been in contact with Woodstock since the summer to let us know if there's a local up here in Alaska who will let us see their stove in exchange for a bottle of wine but they haven't located any takers (understandably)! My husband cannot be convinced to make such a big purchase without seeing the stove in person (even though Woodstock claims we have 6 months to return it for a full refund).

So many decisions...

Thank you all for your time - what a great forum!

Thanks all, we will mull over all your ideas and opinions - it has been helpful. We're really not sure about taking on such a project - but definitely have stove envy, especially after reading about everyone's stories and "feeling" the love for your stoves! Fisherstove (Soldotna), many thanks for your offer for a stove viewing. We live in Anchorage and may take you up on that if it'll convince my husband our purchase would be a wise one...perhaps I'll check back here later. At this point, we're simply re-thinking our wood stove purchase and tricky install. Happy holidays! TSK