Corner hearth pads become handy as a protective covering for combustible floors. These hearth pads take the heat from embers which may find their way out of the firebox when loading.
In this article, we’ll be discussing this vital component and the many benefits it offers.
Corner Hearth Pads For Wood And Pellet Stove
What more? We’ll be looking at steps to build one. This will come in handy for DIY’ers seeking to try out their hands-on something new.
So, if you have little to no idea about what a corner hearth pad does, the following information should serve to enlighten you.
Without further ado, let’s begin.
Corner Hearth Pads Must Be Fireproof
The essence of a corner hearth pad is to protect combustible materials from being ignited. Of course, the fireplace that’s mounted on the corner hearth pad produces a lot of heat.
If that isn’t managed well, such could lead to disaster. This is why the corner hearth pad is a vital protection component you should get.
Built from non-combustible material, the corner hearth pad is intended to take all the heat from embers and fires without transferring the same to combustible materials.
This can be said to be insulation that limits the possibility of damages occurring.
With corner hearth pads, not only are your floors protected, surrounding areas like your walls are protected from intense heat. With this said how do you get one for your fireplace or heating appliance?
Corner Hearth Pad Dimensions
When buying a hearth pad, you must consider its size relative to your heating appliance. Sizes are varied but do not exceed 60”.
Also, you must get the clearance required for your stove to find the most appropriate corner pad.
One of the ways to go about the process is by going through your stove’s owner’s manual. This helps a lot as it gives all the necessary dimensions. Sizes for corner hearth pads vary from 32” to 60”.
In terms of shape, you’ll need to check the shape with its size to get the perfect fit.
Construction Materials
Corner hearth pads are built from a variety of materials ranging from tile, stone, brick, and adobe. The materials being used depend on what you seek to achieve in terms of the look and feel of the corner hearth pad.
It’s important to discuss with a technician to fully understand the options available to you.
Are you a DIY’er?
Not everyone is interested in picking a ready product from the market.
Some people want to try out their hands-on something new. Several reasons can be given for this action including the need to put some creativity into action as well as cutting down on cost.
The second reason might not necessarily be true in all situations. Depending on the type of construction, you might spend more building a corner hearth pad than buying one.
So, how do you go about its construction? Let’s have a look.
i. Constructing a Corner Hearth Pad
It’s assumed that you would have all the basic construction tools required for this job. As a DIY’er, this shouldn’t be a problem as you’re likely to have tried your hands on several projects.
Basic tools needed include red bricks, plastic spacers, liquid cement, utility knife, plywood, and circular saw. Also, 8-penny nails should be included.
Having gotten the basic tools necessary, what remains is to cut your plywood, fasten the board to your plywood, and apply mortar. This is concluded by laying the red brick.
For more details on the construction process, let’s take a look at each of the steps mentioned.
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Cut your Plywood
With the help of a circular saw, cut the same dimensions from your plywood. It’s expected that you already have certain dimensions or patterns you need to follow.
The plywood is being used to provide a platform or surface for the corner hearth pad to sit on.
It’s important to have all necessary protective gear before using this equipment (the circular saw). The plywood will also serve as the backer’s board backing.
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Fasten Board to Plywood
With the board cut, what remains is to have it nailed to the plywood. Here, your eightpenny nails come in handy. Of course, you’ll need a hammer for this fastening action.
Have the backer board nailed onto the top of the plywood earlier cut.
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Applying Mortar
Some masonry experience will prove handy at this point. Using your trowel, pour a single layer of mortar into the backer board in readiness for brick placement.
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Laying the Red Brick
Now, your red bricks can be placed in any shape you wish to have your corner hearth pad in. Consider using plastic spaces to make the spaces between each brick uniform.
Add your cement mortar between bricks and allow some drying time (a few minutes will do).
ii. Buying Corner Hearth Pads
If DIY construction of corner hearth pads isn’t your thing, you can always buy such pads as they’re readily available. You have a whole lot of products to choose from.
These are also products from different brands. So, what are these top products to consider?
Some of the best corner hearth pad products include Amber Saffron 48”x48” Single Cut Corner Hearth Pad, Single Cut Volcanic Sand Tile American Panel Stove Board, and Black Kindle 48” x 48” Single Cut Corn.
There are others like the Natural Smokey Slate Single Cut Corner Hearth Pad, and Stone Grey Corner Hearth Pad.
More top products include Persian Slate Single Cut Corner Hearth Pad, Navajo Night Single Cut Corn, and Persian Slate Single Cut, Corn.
Professional Installation
If you don’t have the experience or skills necessary for the proper installation of a corner hearth pad, you should have a professional carry out the procedure.
Professionals provide all sorts of solutions with the needs of the client factored into the type of design being provided.
This is the best option you can use because you get value for money, while also having a long-lasting corner hearth pad that will serve many years.
Corner hearth pads serve important functions of insulating combustible materials or sections of your home from heat damage. It’s a safety feature that can be built or bought.
It all depends on your particular needs.