raising gas insert off firebox floor

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kal72

New Member
Jun 25, 2018
9
toronto
I am installing a gas insert (converting from wood burning) and want to raise it off the floor of the fireplace by 4-5". I was either going to build a removable concrete board platform (i.e. metal studs with a concerete board platform, but thinking to achieve 5" it would be easier just to prop it up with four 4 1/2 thick cinder blocks under the legs.

Do I need to use refractory/firebrick for this use or can I use regular or lightweight cinder block under the legs of the stove (maybe even leftover patio paving stones)
 
You can use ANY of those non-combustible items, but you will need
something under the front of the unit & the surround to either side.
We use a rectangular "box", welded up from scrap steel plate from the local steel vendor.
We paint it whatever color the unit & surround are.
You could always brake-bend some aluminum AROUND some blocks & paint it.
The surround is usually about 2" out from the fireplace facing & our "box" is usually
about 4 -5" out & it looks really nice when done well...
 
You can use ANY of those non-combustible items, but you will need
something under the front of the unit & the surround to either side.
We use a rectangular "box", welded up from scrap steel plate from the local steel vendor.
We paint it whatever color the unit & surround are.
You could always brake-bend some aluminum AROUND some blocks & paint it.
The surround is usually about 2" out from the fireplace facing & our "box" is usually
about 4 -5" out & it looks really nice when done well...


thanks DAKSY, so non combustible but don't need fire rated underneath, cool? As for your suggestion for addressing the front of the unit, the insert I am using has a generous faceplate that extends about 7" on all edges of the fireplace which will cover up that bottom section that I raise. Unless I am missing something.
 
The surround usually only comes down a point that is even with the bottom of the fire box.
The surround & the fire box sit on the hearth. If you raise the box, you will raise the surround.
Maybe you could post a pic of which unit you intend to install...
 
OK, I get it.You can use a picture frame surround.
You're probably gonna hafta stack a COUPLE of
different sized bricks/blocks/concrete board to make
sure the height off the firebox floor matches the height
off the hearth, but it's doable.
Post a finished pic when it's done.