Stoves suitable for a 12mm hearth installation

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The requirement for a 12mm hearth installation typically occurs when the room that you wish to install in has no available chimney or fireplace. If you are planning to install your freestanding stove into this particular type of room, it is essential to have a hearth placed below the stove to allow a safe distance to combustible materials to be maintained*. The decision on the type of hearth that you may need is dependent on the type of stove that you plan to install.

Many stoves have now been tested by stove manufacturers to ensure that they do not increase the temperature of the hearth surface by more than 65°C above the ambient room temperature during use. This means these stove appliances can simply be installed straight to a minimum 12mm thick non-combustible superimposed hearth, without the need of a constructional hearth.

For stoves that do increase the temperature of the hearth surface by more than 65° over the ambient room temperature (or have not been tested), it is important for the stove to stand on a constructional hearth which has a minimum thickness of 125mm.

For further guidance on this matter, please consult with your local retailer. Many Stovax stoves are suitable for 12mm hearth installation. You will also find the hearth requirements of your stove appliance in the installation manual.

*Please ensure that any floor that the stove is placed on is suitable for supporting the weight of the product.

Please see below for further definitions on the types of hearth that you may need for your stove:

What is a constructional hearth?

A diagram illustrating both constructional and superimposed (decorative) hearths.

A constructional hearth is usually built in when the house is constructed. Made of concrete slab of approx. 125mm thick, and is used in conjunction with a superimposed hearth. A constructional hearth will extend beneath the heating appliance and out into the room, and will be larger than required by the superimposed hearth.

If you do not have a constructional hearth, you can have this built retrospectively to suit your installation.

What is a superimposed hearth?

An illustration to show a 12mm hearth installation. Shown with a superimposed (decorative) hearth.

Often referred to as a “decorative” hearth, the superimposed hearth is the decorative part for the hearth that is slightly above the normal floor level. Made from materials such as slate, tiles or granite, it has a minimum thickness of 12mm.

If the stove to be fitted will increase the temperature of the hearth surface more than 65°C (or hasn’t been tested), the hearth will need to have a minimum thickness of 125mm. In this case, a superimposed hearth can make up part of the full 125mm thickness, or it can be in addition to it.

However, if the temperature of the hearth surface stays under the 65°C, the minimum 12mm thick non-combustible superimposed hearth can be used solely.

In either case, the key is having a visual, and preferably physical hearth area that is always kept clear of any combustibles. If the constructional hearth is higher or lower than the rest of the floor area, there is no requirement for a superimposed hearth.

If you plan to install a stove into a room, you must seek advice from your local retailer to find out which is the most suitable hearth to use below your stove.

Who can install my stove on a 12mm hearth?

We highly recommend that you seek advice from your local retailer before the installation of your stove as they will be able to guide you on the important aspects to consider before you install your stove onto a 12mm hearth. With our extensive range of retailers, you will be able to find your local showroom by using the Find A Retailer section.