Need help making a hearth pad

[kbeck]

I just ordered a Quadra-fire Mt Vernon E2 that will require a 40x40 hearth pad (corner). I like the look of the plain black steel hearth pads that seem to be only available in Europe. The only similar thing I can find is a Morso steel hearth plate, which works for appearance, but doesn't provide the 1.61 R value that I need. I am trying to decide if I can make one (unless anyone knows where I can buy one...). I would like it as thin as possible.

If I were to stack 2 pieces of 1/2 inch Micore 300 (R value 1.03), and then add the Morso steel pad on the top, would that be adequate? Do I need to add a layer of cement board to support the structure? How would I adhere the 3 (or 4) layers together?

I am not particularly handy...but looking to do this as cheaply as possible.
Thank you!

 

[SteveA]

I can't speak for the Mt. Vernon, but I had a similar problem with my Classic Bay. For my stove, QF makes a floor pad that basically gives you a 1.5" air gap under the stove, and this will solve you R factor problem.

 

[bill3rail]

My neighbor built one for his wood stove so I was going to ask him the steps. Plus he offered me some free cement board to start with. If it is big enough, I will start with his free cement board.

Want cheap? Get a piece of blue stone big enough to cover the side, rear and front clearances, and that should do.

Bill

 

[SingledadMI]

I just built one for my Englander a few weeks ago. I'm not carpenter, but found the project pretty simple and fun. I used a 1/2" piece of plywood for the base, then placed a 2 1/2" pieces of durock cement board on top of that. I then installed tile on top and trimmed it out to make it look a little nicer. I'm pretty impressed, and it only cost roughly $60. A lot cheaper than buying one.

 

[kbeck]

I can't speak for the Mt. Vernon, but I had a similar problem with my Classic Bay. For my stove, QF makes a floor pad that basically gives you a 1.5" air gap under the stove, and this will solve you R factor problem.

Any idea where these are available? I didn't find anything on the QF website...is it a basic hearth pad with tile, or was it something with another type of a top?

 

[kbeck]

I just built one for my Englander a few weeks ago. I'm not carpenter, but found the project pretty simple and fun. I used a 1/2" piece of plywood for the base, then placed a 2 1/2" pieces of durock cement board on top of that. I then installed tile on top and trimmed it out to make it look a little nicer. I'm pretty impressed, and it only cost roughly $60. A lot cheaper than buying one.

Sounds simple! What did you use to secure the plywood and cement board together?

 

[SingledadMI]

Drywall screws. Had some in the garage, so that was no added cost Even got a discount on the tile adhesive cuz it was an "opened package" at HD. Used grout caulk, and it was a super simple job!

 

[3650]

I just screwed some 2x4's flat to the floor in the shape I wanted and then I lined it with some 3 mil plastic. I then mixed up concrete dyed to a nice color and poured it in. It set up for 3 days, I unscrewed the 2x4's and just cut the plastic flush with the bottom of the pad. Viola, hearth pad.

 

[kbeck]

Just found a local steel company that will cut a piece of 18 gauge steel for me, anybody know if I can just put that directly onto a few layers of micore and be done with it??

 

[DneprDave]

I stuck two 1/2" pieces of cement board together with tile adhesive, then I put tile on top of that. I didn't use any plywood as a base, the fiber reinforced cement board was strong enough, I got the tile at a surplus building supply real cheap.

Dave

 

[NVHunter]

I just ordered a Quadra-fire Mt Vernon E2 that will require a 40x40 hearth pad (corner). I like the look of the plain black steel hearth pads that seem to be only available in Europe. The only similar thing I can find is a Morso steel hearth plate, which works for appearance, but doesn't provide the 1.61 R value that I need. I am trying to decide if I can make one (unless anyone knows where I can buy one...). I would like it as thin as possible.

If I were to stack 2 pieces of 1/2 inch Micore 300 (R value 1.03), and then add the Morso steel pad on the top, would that be adequate? Do I need to add a layer of cement board to support the structure? How would I adhere the 3 (or 4) layers together?

I am not particularly handy...but looking to do this as cheaply as possible.
Thank you!

Kbeck, I might be missing something but does the Quad Mt. Vernon E2 require anything more than a non-combustible hearth pad? I'm looking at ordering a Mt. Vernon E2 insert and I read both insert and free standing stove's installation manual and it doesn;t say anything about R value requirement, just says a non-combustible floor protection is need for the stoves. I located this information on page 9 of the install manual found online.

If I'm missing something please let me know.

Thanks

 

[3650]

probably have to go with whatever your local code requires