Hearth build help... Concrete/cemcent guys..

[jorswift]

Hey all. Installing a pedestal woodstove that does not require a hearth protection for fire, just ember. So here is what I am wanting to do..

My wood stove is a corner install where I ripped out an old factory fireplace. I have since put 1/2" plywood down and 1/2" cement board on top of that. I am wanting to make a "concrete pad" look without adding the weight of concrete. So after some research and reading I found a product called Henry's Feather Finish which is troweled on. I see a lot of folks making countertops out of this product. I want to add several layers to the cement board to give it that look. Will it be strong enough, no cracking or breaking? Or should I go with a concrete resurfacer self-leveling type product?

The area is about 32sqft and will not be walked on much as it is a corner and just where the stove will be sitting. Thanks.

 

[mcdougy]

What's your end hope in thickness? Sounds like you have 1/2" of plywood and 1/2" of cement board....are you wanting a 3" hearth in the end?

 

[xman23]

If it's concrete I think it needs to be 3-4 inches, on a non flexing, solid base. You can add fiberglass to reinforce it. Don't know if that allows you to reduce the thickness. I would look to the concrete countertop guys for advice. One person here had a concrete hearth poured off site, by a countertop guy. Then installed it. If you search here you might find the pictures. There are many alternatives when you just need ember protection. Mine is 2" pavers with a lime stone boarder.