After deliberating about whether to get a Hearthstone Equinox or a Woodstock Fireview I finally pulled the trigger to get a FV. However, I'd like the flexibility, if needed, to change to a stove with a bigger firebox (like the Equinox) if the FV won't adequately heat my space.
So the question is, do I build my hearth the FV specs or do I "overengineer" it to some higher R-value spec on the off-chance that I ever take out the FV and put in somethiing like the Equinox.
The FV only requires ember protection (no specific R value) whereas the Equinox requires R=1 insulation.
So, building to fit the FV I would do a simple Durock plus tile hearth (total height above floor ~ 0.75")
...for the "overengineered" hearth I would do 3/4" Micore, 1/2" Durock plus tile (total height ~ 1.5", R value ~1.8)
Obviously, it would be nice if the hearth was NOT any more of a trip hazard than it has to be. The abutting floor will be covered with carpet on a 1/2" pad and I would do some sort of tapered oak transition between the two finished heights to somewhat mitigate any difference.
So the question is, do I build my hearth the FV specs or do I "overengineer" it to some higher R-value spec on the off-chance that I ever take out the FV and put in somethiing like the Equinox.
The FV only requires ember protection (no specific R value) whereas the Equinox requires R=1 insulation.
So, building to fit the FV I would do a simple Durock plus tile hearth (total height above floor ~ 0.75")
...for the "overengineered" hearth I would do 3/4" Micore, 1/2" Durock plus tile (total height ~ 1.5", R value ~1.8)
Obviously, it would be nice if the hearth was NOT any more of a trip hazard than it has to be. The abutting floor will be covered with carpet on a 1/2" pad and I would do some sort of tapered oak transition between the two finished heights to somewhat mitigate any difference.