is there an alternative to those block plates????

[thesuz]

I am considering installing a wood stove in my masonry fireplace. I've checked the dimensions and I'm looking at either the Englander 13NCP or the Buck Stove Model 18. My question: is there an alternative to those hugh, ugly, black block plates? I'm thinking it would be much nicer to have the nice stove sitting in the fireplace with the blocking taking place around the stove pipe. That way you wouldn't lose the heat being radiated from the sides of the stove. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to go about this or good reasons not to pursue this?

 

[begreen]

I think you are referring to a surround, yes? If so, take a look at BrotherBart's installation as an example of what you may be looking for. You can put a block off plate at the lintel level, paint it with black high-temp paint and it will look great. It's post #6 in this thread:

https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/19629/#211861

 

[fossil]

Just as BG says (yes, I'm Mr. Redundant) if you're contemplating a "Hearth Stove" installation...meaning a freestanding woodstove either just in front of, or partially pushed back into, the existing fireplace, then the block-off plate can be (should be) installed somewhere up in the existing damper area of the masonry structure. Invisible from the room, unless you fall down face up on the hearth. These installations can be very attractive and very functional. Rick

 

[BrotherBart]

Wood stoves in a fireplace work fine. You just need to be sure that the stove has a blower to move the heat out of the fireplace just like an insert does. And realize up front that since free standing stove blowers mount on the back so to clean the blower or replace it you have to pull the whole stove back out of the fireplace.

Here is the webmaster's step by step instruction for building a lintel level block off plate:

https://www.hearth.com/econtent/index.php/articles/making_a_block_off_plate/

 

[fossil]

By all means get a blower on it. You can always turn it off if you don't want to listen to it, but you can't turn it on if it's not there. Get a stove that's on legs, rather than a pedestal, and forgo the models with ash pans...you'll at least be able to access the blower for routine maintenance. It oughta last for some years before requiring anything more than that anyway. Rick

 

[thesuz]

Thanks to you all I just read the BrotherBart thread and that's exactly what I want to do. The advice on the lintel is also most appreciated. I was going to go ahead and have the fan option installed. And I'll forgo the ash pan as suggested. Thanks to you all. This is a great website!! I can't wait to get my stove!

 

[fossil]

...i spose an ugly black block plate can be painted

OK, so then it'll be an ugly block plate of some other color. :smirk: Rick

 

[begreen]

Terminology. I think he meant a front surround, not a throat block-off.

 

[fossil]

Right, got it. No surround (what OP called "block plate") for a hearth stove. Block off plate in the damper area, by all means. I was just messin' with Pook. Sorry, I'll get serious. Rick

 

[thesuz]

BrotherBart: How are you planning to attach your lower block plate to the fireplace?

 

[BrotherBart]

BrotherBart: How are you planning to attach your lower block plate to the fireplace?

Did it three years ago with Tapcons from the hardware store.

 

[JotulOslo]

There's a picture of mine here:
https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/3251/#47545

Our JotulOslo sits on (and off) the hearth. The off part sits on a piece of granite which sits on a piece of cementitious backer board. After a few days, the entire hearth/fireplace front warms up and radiates heat back into the room during the day when we are at work. Plus, it's a nice place to dry off after a shower.

JotulOslo

 

[thesuz]

thanks for the post... very helpful!

 

[JotulOslo]

No problem, I am glad to return the help that others here in the forum provided to me when I was starting out. If only someone would drop some wood for next year in my driveway, I'd be grateful!