Insert Surround Thickness?

[cdcarter82]

I am in the midst of installing a TN20 wood insert, and need to make a custom surround for the stove. The masnory fireplace it is going into has as arch top, so I am matching the arch on the surround. I know it doesn't need to really do anything other than being decorative, but what thickness should be used? Would like the steel to be rigid and not flexible, and since its going to be a flat sheet rather than have bent edges, etc, was looking for a bit of advice. 1/16"? 10 gauge?

 

[EbS-P]

I think Drolet’s trimable surround is 18 ga. That seems a bit thin to me but it would be easy to cut. I agree with wanting something flat. Making a frame or adding stiffeners would help keeping it flat.

 

[DAKSY]

I would use something more like 1/8" thickness. 1/16" might be a little too flimsy
& any harmonic vibration from a blower might be annoying when the motor
is powered...

 

[bholler]

Yes most are about 18 gauge. Some 16

 

[begreen]

Bending a 3/8" or 1/2" edge at 90º will stiffen the sheet considerably. A good metal shop could do this for you. In that case 20ga. would suffice.

 

[cdcarter82]

Thanks for the input! Fabrication shop recommended 1/8” so that’s what I ended up doing. Should be ready for install next week hopefully