DIY Concrete hearth pad for Hearthstone III

[Hokypuk]

Hi,
Have a Hearthstone III wood stove I need a hearth pad for. I bought a used 48x48 used hearth pad that all the tiles fell off. I want to put concrete instead of tiles.

Could someone please tell me if:
A) will the concrete be thick enough? It’s about 3/8”
B) if so, should I chip out the mortar of will it help hold the concrete?
C) do I need to seal it? What about if I stain or dye it, and is it safe for under a stove?

Thanks,
Sue

 

[snobuilder]

Hi,
Have a Hearthstone III wood stove I need a hearth pad for. I bought a used 48x48 used hearth pad that all the tiles fell off. I want to put concrete instead of tiles.

Could someone please tell me if:
A) will the concrete be thick enough? It’s about 3/8”
B) if so, should I chip out the mortar of will it help hold the concrete?
C) do I need to seal it? What about if I stain or dye it, and is it safe for under a stove?

Thanks,
Sue

View attachment 294713 View attachment 294714

If you pour concrete the same thickness as a typical tile , <1/2" it will most likely crack when moved and if you pour it thick enough not to crack...2"?.... it will be very heavy to handle. If you use an early high strength mix like Rapidset brand Cement All you can possible pour it at an inch to 1-1/2" without it cracking

(broken link removed)

 

[Hokypuk]

If you pour concrete the same thickness as a typical tile , <1/2" it will most likely crack when moved and if you pour it thick enough not to crack...2"?.... it will be very heavy to handle. If you use an early high strength mix like Rapidset brand Cement All you can possible pour it at an inch to 1-1/2" without it cracking

(broken link removed)

I’m pouring the concrete on the hearth pad shown in the photo. Do you think it will crack even with cement board under? It’s a movable pad.

 

[Hokypuk]

I’m pouring the concrete on the hearth pad shown in the photo. Do you think it will crack even with cement board under? It’s a movable pad.

I’m pouring the concrete on the hearth pad shown in the photo. Do you think it will crack even with cement board under? It’s a movable pad.

This is my stove.

 

[bholler]

I’m pouring the concrete on the hearth pad shown in the photo. Do you think it will crack even with cement board under? It’s a movable pad.

Yes it will crack unless you pour it atleast 2" thick with fiber reinforcement

 

[Hokypuk]

Yes it will crack unless you pour it atleast 2" thick with fiber reinforcement

Is tile my only other option?

 

[snobuilder]

I believe you could pour it thinner similar to a concrete countertop using the Rapidset Cementall
I would contact them to see how thin you can go with your application.
(broken link removed to http://www.rapidset.com/contact.asp)

 

[bholler]

I believe you could pour it thinner similar to a concrete countertop using the Rapidset Cementall
I would contact them to see how thin you can go with your application.
(broken link removed to http://www.rapidset.com/contact.asp)

I agree you can definitely do thinner. But the stove is a hearthstone. Extremely heavy and it's on legs. I don't see a thin coat holding up. Especially on a moveable pad

 

[snobuilder]

I agree you can definitely do thinner. But the stove is a hearthstone. Extremely heavy and it's on legs. I don't see a thin coat holding up. Especially on a moveable pad

Agree. My suggestion is based on either pouring it in the final location or relatively close so little moving is required.
Best to contact the manufacturer beyond my suggestion.

 

[begreen]

There are many better options for the hearthpad than a thin layer of poured concrete including some that may mimic stained concrete. It will be easier to just retile the pad with one that simulates the desired look.

How did the tiles come off in the first place? Was this due to flooding? If so, the hearthpad may have lost insulating value. Does the H3 have the bottom heat shield attached? If not, then Hearthstone specifies only a minimum of 4" masonry hearth with sheet metal under the brick is acceptable.

 

[Hokypuk]

I called the Rapid Set company and they said that Cement- All will work even with as thin as it will be. I’m planning on pouring it right next to where I’m placing it. We shall see!
Thank you for all your input ! 😊

Sue

 

[Hokypuk]

There are many better options for the hearthpad than a thin layer of poured concrete including some that may mimic stained concrete. It will be easier to just retile the pad with one that simulates the desired look.

How did the tiles come off in the first place? Was this due to flooding? If so, the hearthpad may have lost insulating value. Does the H3 have the bottom heat shield attached? If not, then Hearthstone specifies only a minimum of 4" masonry hearth with sheet metal under the brick is acceptable.

Thank you, I’ll inquire about the tiles.

 

[Hokypuk]

There are many better options for the hearthpad than a thin layer of poured concrete including some that may mimic stained concrete. It will be easier to just retile the pad with one that simulates the desired look.

How did the tiles come off in the first place? Was this due to flooding? If so, the hearthpad may have lost insulating value. Does the H3 have the bottom heat shield attached? If not, then Hearthstone specifies only a minimum of 4" masonry hearth with sheet metal under the brick is acceptable.

I still don’t know how the tiles came off, but the technician said it can be used as is, as ugly as that would be. The stove photo is misleading, it’s just an example of my stove. I’ve decided to tile it myself, as much as I wanted an easier way out. I’m guessing I need to get the old mortar. How should I do this?