Choosing Tile for Hearth Pad

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revtim
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Post by revtim » Wed. Oct. 29, 2014 9:02 am

I am installing a keystoker 90 and want to build my own tile pad but am concerned about choosing an appropriate tile. My concern has to do with how thick a piece of tile I need to use to prevent the stove from cracking or breaking the tile... or if properly laid, if this is even something to worry about. The stove weighs in at about 325 lbs and it will be holding up to around 100 lbs of coal. With 4 legs, that makes around 100 lbs per leg.

My building inspector told me that all I needed was ember protection so thermal protection is not an issue for me.

The tile I would like to use is a ceramic porcelain tile that is 11mm thick and has a breaking strength of 500-750 lbs and is PEI rated at 4.

Any feeback on this subject would be greatly appreciated.

 
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michaelanthony
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Post by michaelanthony » Wed. Oct. 29, 2014 10:06 am

There are a few issues in regards to tile. If you use sheets of small tiles they won't crack. The bigger the tile the chances are greater they can crack, A crack is very dark so if you use a non-glazed dark tile a crack will not be as noticeable . It you use a large tile use the proper trowel with 3/16's notches to spread the mastic, you can butt the tile together so no grout is needed. If you do grout the seems use one for a high traffic area so it can with stand the weigh of the stove because the grout may crack and loosen. The underlaiment is most important and a perfectly flat and level surface is needed. If it is a raised hearth and there is framing under the tiles, try so run your framing so the legs of the stove are directly above the framing, this will help the larger tiles from cracking. If the stove's feet have a large foot print that will help. Good luck, Mike.

 
revtim
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Post by revtim » Wed. Oct. 29, 2014 11:02 am

So, the gist of what I'm learning is that if the tile is laid properly into the mastic so there is no opportunity for "give" then tile is unlikely to crack or crush just from the weight of the stove legs pressing against it?

 
Olllotj
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Post by Olllotj » Wed. Oct. 29, 2014 11:06 am

Here is a link to my Keystoker 90 install, with hearth pad build.

Keystoker 90 Install

The hearth is plywood, then two layers of dura rock, then the tiles I used are about 1/2 thick. I was a little concerned about cracking when moving the stove in too but it was less of a big deal than I thought.

The ash and fire doors come right off, and I moved it in without the hopper on, so with 2 guys and a hand truck it was no big deal.


 
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michaelanthony
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Post by michaelanthony » Wed. Oct. 29, 2014 11:13 am

revtim wrote:So, the gist of what I'm learning is that if the tile is laid properly into the mastic so there is no opportunity for "give" then tile is unlikely to crack or crush just from the weight of the stove legs pressing against it?
Yes and as OIIIotj used 1/2" tiles are very strong.

 
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freetown fred
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Post by freetown fred » Wed. Oct. 29, 2014 11:37 am

Yep--6X6X1/2 works real well--what the hell is 11mm rt??? We're still in the good old USA, YES??? :clap: toothy-----that nick on the edge is NOT from the stove:)

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lsayre
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Post by lsayre » Wed. Oct. 29, 2014 5:29 pm

freetown fred wrote:Yep--6X6X1/2 works real well--what the hell is 11mm rt??? We're still in the good old USA, YES??? :clap: toothy-----that nick on the edge is NOT from the stove:)
Musta been the dog chewing on it. Looks as if he wore himself out in the process. :)

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