Steel over cement

[JImmmy]

Hello,
I have an old Kickapoo wood stove. The refractory fire box has finally started to come apart. So I chipped out all the old cement and poured a new fire box. Lots of work but it looks great.

Here is my question; I want to lay a 1/4" plate of steel over the floor of the firebox with a cutout around the grate area. In my mind this will protect the new refractory cement. This way I wont be burning right on top of the cement. It will also give a nice smooth surface to scrape the ashes off of. The plate will be about 17" X 22" with a cutout for the grate.

What do you guys think ??

Thanks

 

[pen]

I wonder if that plate should have some angle iron welded on its edges, to help keep it flat.. or some other stiffening plan put in place. I'm wondering if a plain piece of flat plate would stay flat.

 

[JImmmy]

I wonder if that plate should have some angle iron welded on its edges, to help keep it flat.. or some other stiffening plan put in place. I'm wondering if a plain piece of flat plate would stay flat.

Thanks Pen.
You just gave me a great idea... if I weld some angle iron around the sides to stiffen it up I can also use that edge to support the bottom of the side fire bricks. I agree there is the risk of the plate warping. Nice thought. !!
Thanks !!