Understanding Hearth and Bench Options for Wood Burning Stoves

Well done! You’ve selected your new stove but now you need to decide how you’re going to mount it. 

With many options from pedestals and steel log store stands to benches and even stylish clear glass stands there is so much available. Some stoves even have the option to be wall mounted or ceiling hung, for a statement stove installation. Each mounting option transforms the final look, letting you choose the perfect match for your stove and your home.

Below we take a closer look at traditional hearth options and the alternative steal benches.

HEARTHS

Okay, strap in, this is going to get technical. Got a coffee? Biscuits?

A hearth is designed to protect a building and occupants from a solid fuel appliance. Basically, hearths are to prevent the floor surface around your stove going on fire, either by heat from the stove or from fuel falling out when you open a door. Wood burning multi-fuel stoves need a hearth made from non-combustible material, this usually means a slab of stone or concrete that is higher than the floor around it and corresponds to the appliance’s hearth requirements. 

There are set rules about hearths and stove installation. The rules are different if the stove is being inserted into a fireplace recess rather than if the stove is to be “freestanding” outside of the usual stove recess (e.g. a modern stove connected to a twin wall flue that exits the building via the ceiling or wall of the room). 

Rules for hearths consist of two elements:

Constructional hearth: An area, around and underneath the stove, of non-combustible material. This can be the floor of the room if the floor is non-combustible (so a concrete floor or slate tiled floor can essentially mean the whole floor of the room is a massive constructional hearth).

Superimposed Hearth (sometimes called a Visual Warning Area): A superimposed hearth acts as a visual warning of a “restricted area” around the stove – a warning to suggest: “do not place any combustible items in this area or carpet over it”. Superimposed hearths are often made of slate or tiles. 

Added together the constructional hearth and superimposed hearth must have a combined depth of 125mm (5″). However, some modern stoves can have this reduced to 12mm. 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. Many stoves in our range have been designed to only require a 12mm hearth, allowing for a sleek installation. These minimal hearths are often created from special toughened glass to help them blend in with your interior.

We also have a wide selection of beautiful, traditional stone hearths including small or large sizes. The larger sizes are commonly styled with a slight overhang and the small features flush edges.

The decision on the type of hearth that you may need is dependent on the type of stove that you plan to install. We are on hand to advise you on which type of hearth is needed.

BENCHES

If you are looking for an accessory that will create a focal point that will leave everyone talking, consider mounting your wood burning stove on a steel bench.

To assist homeowners in creating an adaptable alternative to the ‘on hearth’ mounting of contemporary stoves, we offer several sizes of bench to which the stoves may be secured.

A great accessory and alternative to hearth mounting, steel benches can create a dramatic look for your new stove. Offered in a variety of sizes, you can be sure to find something no matter the dimensions of your wood burner! Standing at 250mm or 350mm high with 60mm wide legs, you can not only match the bench to the space available within your home but you can match it to your unique style by positioning your wood burning stove either centrally or offset to one side. 

Depending on the colour of your stove the matt finish of your steel bench can either complement it perfectly or create a striking contrast, both are equally sure to make a fantastic statement.