porcelain tiles for the pad

[4dimad]

Hello,
Can I use porcelain tiles for the hearth pad? Is it noncombustible?
Thanks!

 

[begreen]

Yes, no problem. What stove will you be putting on the hearth pad?

 

[4dimad]

I am going to put Harman P38. thanks for the quick reply, btw. I am trying to search for the post I saw a while ago - somebody put instruction with images on how to build a hearth pad. Could you suggest an easy 1-2-3 way and point to MUSTs? Should I leave space between tiles? Any special requirement to the mortar? Harman book doesn't have much of info. Only: Place the stove on a noncombustible floor protector that extends 6 inches to the front, 6 inches to the sides and 1 inch to the rear of the stove. The minimum floor protector material is 24 gauge sheet metal." Do I have to use 24 gauge sheet metal if I am going to build a pad?

 

[Elfin]

No, you don't need metal in a non-combustible pad... the most common way to build is using plywood (or building a 2x4 frame if you wish for it to be elevated), cover this with concrete board, and use modified thinset to attach your tiles. You should look for solid-bodied porcelain tiles... they are able to hold up strength-wise. Other porcelain tile is glazed and can chip.

 

[4dimad]

It's like a real-time chat. COOL! Please advise on "modified thinset"

 

[begreen]

Moving to the pellet forum for more support there.

Have you visited the tile forum at www.johnbridge.com? Lots of good ideas and info there.

 

[cogger]

I used em' I also placed metal flashing underneth the tiles because I did not mortar them to the floor. The flashing is just a safety precaution for ash in seams of tile. But I keep them tight together with molding at the base.