How to Build a Hearth for a Wood Burning Stove

In your planning before the installation of the stove, you will need to find out the requirements and safety precautions necessary for a safe burning stove. Heat is a wonderful addition to a cold home, but heat out of control is a nightmare. Take the time to install your stove right the first time, and you will rest easy knowing the heat is under control.

1. Measure the area where the stove will sit. Because it has to sit out at least 36 inches from the wall, (according to the National Fire Protection Association) measure from this point out. A nice working size is 4 feet out and 5 feet wide. This will give you enough room for wood and fire tools that will always be around the stove.

2. Cut the plywood and the backerboard to the same size. Backerboard has to be installed because the tile can conduct heat to the plywood so the concrete in the backerboard will absorb it.

3. Screw the plywood in place. Spread some liquid nails over the plywood and then lay the backerboard over it. Screw it in place with the backerboard screws.

4. Spread a thin layer of thinset over a section of the backerboard with the notched trowel. Butter a little on the back of the tile and set it in place. Set the spacers on all the sides of the tile and install the next tile in the same way. Work in small sections at a time to prevent the thinset from skinning over.

5. Cut any tiles along the edges and install until the whole area has been tiled. Allow it to dry for 24 hours. Remove the spacers and apply the grout, pressing it into place with the float. Wipe up any excess grout with a large sponge. Let it dry again for 24 hours. Clean the tiles with a cloth rag.

6. Trim the hearth edges with wood trim to give it a finished look. Nail it in place with finish nails and Liquid Nails adhesive. The hearth is wood stove ready and heatproof.