Hearth first, backing later?

[Rockfish]

We decided to take the plunge and purchase a gas stove, Jotul GF 500 DV Portland, for our finished basement.

It's wall-to-wall carpet down there and I completely neglected to consider a hearth for our future stove. We plan to have a local mason cut out the carpet and lay-down a stone hearth rather than plopping down a hearth pad.

The problem I'm running into is whether to build a backing (heat shield?) BEFORE our stove is installed or if we can WAIT until a later time to build a backing around a existing vent pipe?.

What has been the best way to go based on your experience?

 

[DAKSY]

You don't need a heatshield with this unit.
Installed flat against a wall you only need 1.5" of clearance.

 

[Rockfish]

You don't need a heatshield with this unit.
Installed flat against a wall you only need 1.5" of clearance.

Right. I see that it is not necessary, however we will build a backing because it will look nice. Have you found it is easier to build a stone backing around an existing vent pipe?

 

[DAKSY]

If you feel confident that you can disconnect the venting, pull the stove out, apply your finished wall,
re-install the stove & venting safely, go for it.
Otherwise, finish the wall first.