wood stove

[FATGUY]

Every house I've lived in has always had a fireplace or at least a wood stove, except this one.
I live in a 1500 sf tri-level (some call this a side-split). This years tax return will go to renovating the lower level and one of the key things is to buy a small wood stove. The room it will be in is approx. 18 X 12 and I would like to cut a vent into the ceiling to help move a little heat to the top level. This wood stove will not be there to heat the house, just to help the furnace along a little (and maybe save a little on the gas bill) and provide security in case of a power failure.
So this is what I want. A small (hopefully inexpensive) wood stove that will not make the room it's in unbearably hot while doing nothing for the rest of the house. While we're on the subject, since I'm redoing the floors in that room as well, what type of flooring do I need directly under the stove? What type works best to "contain" the heat? My wife wants ceramic, but I'm leaning more toward wood style laminate. Whatever works best with the stove will be what I install. Is installing a wood stove something you can do yourself with a little common sense, or does it require a pro? (I hate paying for labor when I can do it myself). Any input would be great.

 

[142TN]

I have a lopi republic 1250 not very cheap but works great. The laminate floor is good near the stove but under and behind I used durock cement board and tile. The installing of the stove is not a big job with a little know how and the right tools but if you have done one before you might want to get some help. clint

 

[Moss Man]

I was going to suggest the cement board and tile, good choice. Keep in mind that heat rises and the floor really won't be that warm. The floor above the stove will be toasty warm though. The stove you buy second hand might even have a heat shield on the bottom and even less heat will transfer to the floor.

Sounds like a worthwhile project, keep us updated as to how it goes.

 

[bore_pig]

Buy a stove a bit larger than you think you'll want. That way you won't be running it wide open all the time. After it's installed, you may use it more than you are expecting!

 

[Moss Man]

:agree2: Also, have the local fire department send a guy over to answer installation questions before you put too much time into it, they would rather come now than later.

 

[BearKnot]

Check with your home insurance company first, they might not insure wood stove installations or any pre E.P.A. wood stoves.

That is good to know up front before putting out hard earned cash.

Good luck with it.

 

[reaperman]

Englander, makes a line of stoves for Home Depot that are very good stoves for the $$$. If you wanted to wait a bit longer I know HD puts these stoves on sale after the "season", which could be pretty soon, knowing retailers. I'm sure they are about ready to pull out the summer stuff. As for flooring, well your on your own. Laminate has the most variety of style options, to me, tile always has a cold feeling to it, but its very durable. We have laminate in our home, and it does loose its shine after a year or so, and is harder to keep clean than tile would be. Tile can simply be mopped, laminate and water dont mix too well, water can seep into the joints between laminate boards and swell up. We have a spot or two where this has happened and water isnt even nearby, not sure how it happens, but "Murphy" is always on the prowl.

 

[havenodog]

Any type of ceramic tile under and a little around your stove would be fine. I'd keep the laminate for past where any hot ashes might drop while cleaning or loading the stove. I agree with reaperman about the HD stoves. Englander is a great brand for the money and at season end they are and even greater value.
Insurance wise. I called my provider and asked them about wood heat. I have a wood furnace and they said adjustment on the policy would not be necessary. Radiant heat wood stoves are different and you do need to check with your insurance co. All companies are different. I have State Farm.

 

[deer slayer]

fat guy , I'll send some pics of mine . just did similar job to my house the lower part was half garage and half living space. I took out a bearing wall, hung L.v.L. beams in its place, wide open now. the garage door I framed up w/ t-111 on the exterior and stone wall on the inside bringing the stone out as a hearth pad for the stove. wasn't a bad d.i.y job. went with a free standing jotule stove and stainless steel double walled chimney pipe thru my framed wall and up the side of house. my hearth pad I went 5'x5' just for the added security if something were to role out. worked out great and I think it looks good.(working today I'll get'em on tomorrow)it heats my whole house nicely, these colder days it has stayed around 74.(highs in the 20's) the warmer days(mid30 +) I can open the windows.

 

[FATGUY]

wow guys, those are some excellent responses. I never considered calling the fire dept or my insurance company. I will definately do that. I'm in no rush to start this as the wife and I haven't even gotten our W-2's yet. I appreciate all the advice, keep it coming. Thanks guys.

 

[Moss Man]

If you can utilize your tax return to set this up and become less dependant on foreign oil, you will feel real good about the project when you see some return from it.

 

[Richard_]

Pacific Energy makes an awesome product that is priced lower than Lopi and is every bit as good , check out the Super 27
http://www.pacificenergy.net/product_super27.php

 

[FATGUY]

now that's what I call comfort! I'm getting warm and sleepy just looking at the pic!! Dang it! snap out of it Nik!

 

[bore_pig]

For the price of the Englander stoves, check out Drolet as well. $400-$500 cheaper and I really like mine.

 

[olyman]

fat--do it right when ya do it--and as they said--dont go undersize--as you MAY find yourself heating the whole house with it---esp when your gas or electric bill drops to near nothing---

 

[FATGUY]

perhaps once the wife see's the savings, an ms660 might find it's way home....

 

[wkpoor]

The stove is the easiest part and can be or may be changed in the years to come. I would devote most of your thoughts to the chimney as it will be permanent and is most of your safety factory. However it may be the cheapest part. A typical chimney can be installed by yourself for 500-1000 dollars from ceiling thimble up depending on height. Strategically locate your chimney with adequate distance from the walls. They should still have protection form the heat.I won't repeat what others have already noted but the chimney will be the heart of your solid fuel system.

 

[lobsta1]

I think you should go over to hearth.com & do some research. All stoves will call for certain clearances around them. They are not the same for each. Also, they will also call for a certain K factor or R factor for the floor. Some stoves can be rather high. Just putting tile or a laminate type floor down over a combustible surface will NOT satisfy the requirements & could also very dangerous.
Al

 

[FATGUY]

I think you should go over to hearth.com & do some research. All stoves will call for certain clearances around them. They are not the same for each. Also, they will also call for a certain K factor or R factor for the floor. Some stoves can be rather high. Just putting tile or a laminate type floor down over a combustible surface will NOT satisfy the requirements & could also very dangerous.
Al

I've ruled out laminate altogether. How can ceramic tile not be safe enough? I'm not being argumentative, I just don't understand. I appreciate any input.

 

[wkpoor]

Over at hearth they alot of pictures of nice hearths built up off the floor. I know my stove in the basement gets the floor to 130 degrees and more. The stove is 18" from back and 24" from side. You can't touch the walls but they are block. So heat transfer can is an issue.