building a raised hearth

[charles b]

Good Evening, I have a wood burning insert that is completely supported inside a masonry chimney. My old brick hearth was crumbling due to insufficient support underneath all the weight. Tore it out. Now what I'm left with is a brick wall with an insert installed in it's opening approximately 10" above the plywood floor. I've built a 2x8 frame 80" wide and 24'' deep for a new hearth. I plan to cover the frame with 1/2" durock on front and sides and 2 layers of 1/2" on top and finished with tile. Obviously, the stove will not be sitting on the frame that I'm building. After searching the site, I find that there are many differing opinions on what is acceptable in the situation I have. Is my setup safe?

 

[VCBurner]

A lot has to do with the requirements of your stove/insert.

 

[charles b]

Stove is at least 25 years old. Owner's manual is non existant. It's an aurora insert. Just want to be safe.

 

[begreen]

We are going to need pictures here to see this. There's a lot of radiant heat from the front of a stove, so it's good to err on the side of caution here.

 

[charles b]

Will try to get some pics on tomorrow. Thanks

 

[CaptSteve]

Try using metal studs and dutarock for your hearth--finish it with hearthstones or some other stone product---good luck---Steve

 

[VCBurner]

Try using metal studs and dutarock for your hearth--finish it with hearthstones or some other stone product---good luck---Steve

I second the metal stud remark. It'll give you a non combustible frame I would also add some mineral wool to the platform, but make sure to leave some space between the insulation and the cemment board. Air space is a great fire retardant.