Stove base, need advice on tile options

[Waxhaw Brad]

My Englander 17-VL calls for a 0.5 r-value for the noncombustible flooring under the stove. I'm installing the stove in a new sunroom that still has Trex-brand composite decking (gaps have been sealed and the decking stained with a stain made for composite, turned out pretty nice). I was going to cut out the decking from the area of the stove base, because my wife wants the "hearth" to be as low as possible. To get a 0.5 r-value, I plan to use 4 layers of 1/4" Hardibacker, covered with some kind of tile. This will only be around 1.5" tall so I think I'll just put it over the decking, to have it thick enough to put some kind of decorative trim around it.

To the question... Tonight my wife and I went to Lowes to look at tile options. Of everything there, my wife chose a product that is called "natural stone" tile that requires a sealant after installation. Because of the sealant, will this work as a stove base, or will the sealant tend to yellow from the heat, or get burn marks every time an ember lands on it. Am I right that a normal tile; porcelain or ceramic, etc. would be maintenance-free and would not be marked by hot embers? Is it normal to consider tile as an insulating stove base? The required R-value will come from the cement board, so whatever I put on top is just decorative and needs to be durable.

 

[toddnic]

We used natural slate for our floor covering under the stove. It has a sealer on it and we have not had any problem with yellowing, flaking, or any other issues. What I also like about the slate is that it is naturally rough so any marks from wood or other abuse look natural.

 

[eclecticcottage]

Our hearthpad IS natural stones w/a sealer. No issues.

 

[firefighterjake]

Like others . . . natural slate tiles with stone sealant . . . no issues.

 

[Sprinter]

Porcelain tiles here with sealant on the grout. No problem with embers or anything. Cleans up well.

Just curious. Why four layers of 1/4" instead of two 1/2"?

Oh, and tile (ceramic anyway) can be considered negligible in terms of insulation value. Something like .02 for 1/4"

 

[Waxhaw Brad]

1/4 instead or 1/2, good question, I don't remember what I saw that pointed me in that direction.

It's all down and I grouted last night. Here's a picture. the large tube is just a grout form to keep the 5" combustion air duct clean.

The chimney connector should arrive today and I hope to set the stove in place and perform my 1st burn tonight. I told my wife that this light tile will get dirty, but it's her choice, we'll see.

 

[Holiday]

Looks good, you'll probably see less dirt on that light pattern you have than something dark.

 

[Sprinter]

Nice job. It looks great.

 

[Waxhaw Brad]

I set the stove and lit my first small fire last night. It was awesome. Thanks for all the advice on the stone.

 

[mass_burner]

I used 2" solid bluestone. Installation took 5 minutes.