Do you think a soapstone hearth would retain alot of heat?

[michiganwinters]

Just thinking outloud here. I would have purchased a soapstone woodstove but I could not find one that fit my style. So naturally I went with a summit (which I luv) but was thinking,.......could you build your hearth pad of soapstone and retain a bit of heat? Im thinking it probably wouldnt be worth it as it wouldnt get hot enough to make much of a difference...but was just wondering.

PS - (no pun intended but my furnace hasnt kicked on in 1 month 1 week...yeah baby!)

 

[hookspacken]

My initial thought is that it wouldnt get that hot as well. Although, I am sure it would retain whatever heat is does get. All in all, probably not worth it IMO.

 

[Burn-1]

They do make them, like (broken link removed to http://www.greenmountainsoapstone.com/imgwin/woodstove.html) but I would think to get any real efficiency from it you would need a more radiant heat type of stove so I'm not sure the Summit would be a big help there. They certainly look pretty sharp.

 

[Corey]

Soapstone has a specific heat of .22 but most stone hovers in the .20 - .25 range. Granite, marble, brick, concrete, etc - minimal difference -

http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/specific-heat-solids-d_154.html


If you like the look of soapstone, (it is somewhat attractive) by all means go for it - wrap your hearth in it, stove in it, mantle, etc. But as far as any difference in 'real world' heat storage - might as well use what ever stone you find attractive

 

[Harley]

There MAY be a small benefit, but nothing really noticable.

I raised and extended the hearth last year and used 1/2" soapstone tiles. I agree with the consenus... I don't think it makes a whole lot of difference. The hearth itself does not really see alot of heat, so there's not much to store. It certainly doen't hurt.

 

[webbie]

No doubt that a large masonry interior mass - like an alcove or interior fireplace with a stove in it - can really add to the storage and release of heat. But just a hearth - especially since it is below the stove, would not really do the job. Soapstone is very soft, anyway, and prob not the best hearth material.

 

[Harley]

Soapstone is very soft, anyway, and prob not the best hearth material.

Well - it is soft as far as stone goes. But it (so far) seems to be fine. As long as you are careful setting the stove and not dragging 500# across it, I don't think you would have any problems. You can scratch it, and even "dent" it, but its not like you would do any damage by dropping a log or stepping on it. I honestly don't think it would be any more of a concern than using stone or ceramic tile. If you like the look of it - I would not hesitate to use it, but I wouldn't do it hoping to get some additional heat storage.