Advice on Replacing a Factory Fireplace with Wood Stove

[Wilder]

Hi all,

I am looking for some advice and a general gut check on this project. Long story short, we have a factory fireplace, a Majestic Thulman L-36, which is original to the house which was built in 1968. We still use the fireplace from time to time, but want to replace it with something more useful for heating the house. The idea is to remove the current fireplace and use the space as an alcove for a standalone wood stove (Hearthstone Craftsbury). We have thought about a zero clearance insert but like the aesthetics of a wood stove more.

I am curious to hear your thoughts on this, how possible it is, and what potential surprises I might find. I have tackled framing and drywall projects before so I feel good about that. The rest will be new to me. I hope to DIY everything, then have my work inspected before lighting up for the first time. The biggest unknown to me is the final dimensions of the alcove. Based on the exterior dimensions of the alcove, and assuming it is framed with 2x6s, I will have enough space to meet separation requirements without needing heat shields, but this is an known without punching a whole in the wall..

The photos show the current fire place, alcove/fireplace from the exterior, and a sketch of the current fireplace and what I have in mind.

I see the general work flow as, remove the brick facade, remove the drywall in front of the chimney, remove the fireplace and chimney, drywall and re-tile the alove where needed, install the new stove and chimney.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Murray01]

I’ll be no help in answering your questions.

You didn’t mention what you have for an existing chimney. Built in 1968 you may have more money to spend on the chimney as a “potential surprise”.

 

[John Lehet]

I guess since you are rebuilding those walls anyway, you can make them non-combustible, so clearance won’t be a problem around the sides and back. The requirement of hearth size/insulation etc will vary a lot with stove, and should be in the published specs of any new stove you shop for. One more thing to keep in mind.

My soon to be installed (I hope) stove, for example, requires a pretty big hearth under it.

 

[Gearhead660]

Thoughts on getting a rear flue exit stove and placing on current hearth? Think that would heat better than a stove in an alcove. Less demo work as well.

 

[begreen]

Clerances will be the first thing to verify. Unless the entire chase is rebuilt, the wood in the chase will be the nearest combustibles. The chase may be framed with 2x4s. It's not structural. Consider cutting an inspection hole above the fireplace to peek in there and determine dimensions. I suspect the space is 46-48" wide.

@bholler, I find nothing in the Majestic L-36 manual prohibiting insert installation. Would an insert approved for installation in a Majestic ZC be allowed here with proper liner?

 

[Wilder]

I guess since you are rebuilding those walls anyway, you can make them non-combustible, so clearance won’t be a problem around the sides and back. The requirement of hearth size/insulation etc will vary a lot with stove, and should be in the published specs of any new stove you shop for. One more thing to keep in mind.

My soon to be installed (I hope) stove, for example, requires a pretty big hearth under it.

Thanks John! I had not thought about the hearth footprint, just separations. Looks like I will be good side to side, but may need to bring the stove out a touch.

 

[begreen]

The Craftsbury needs a 51" wide alcove to meet it's clearance requirements. It has 14" side clearance requirements. This can be reduced by 4" (12"per side) with proper NFPA 211 wall shielding.

 

[Wilder]

Clerances will be the first thing to verify. Unless the entire chase is rebuilt, the wood in the chase will be the nearest combustibles. The chase may be framed with 2x4s. It's not structural. Consider cutting an inspection hole above the fireplace to peek in there and determine dimensions. I suspect the space is 46-48" wide.

@bholler, I find nothing in the Majestic L-36 manual prohibiting insert installation. Would an insert approved for installation in a Majestic ZC be allowed here with proper liner?

Good thought! I can probably cut a discrete whole big enough for my phone camera and/or a tape measure. Hopefully it is the first hole in taking down the wall!

Initially I wanted to do an insert but code in my area forbids them in any factory fireplace.