In search of advice for making a heat reflective backing/hearth for a chiminea

Submitted by youseamstressed t3_xte9v1 in DIY

I have fallen in love with soapstone after choosing it for my counters. I work as an apothecarist and it's arbiter is a retired chef and we just love the properties. Thought it would be cool to make some kind of hearth and stand for a small chiminea for safe deck use, but also to maximize the heat radiation of the chiminea. However, making a simple tiled plywood won't work because the heat will be centrally break down adhesives.

Looking for advice for making something like this as it isn't in my wheelhouse. Thanks!

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pragmatist1368 t1_iqpk3b3 wrote

I would think concrete board would be more durable as a substrate.

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youseamstressed OP t1_iqpqx8v wrote

Look for the heat absorption and radiating properties of soapstone tho

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pragmatist1368 t1_iqrcbrp wrote

It's actually very heat tolerant, and given that it will simply be receiving indirect radiant heat, I don't think this is his issue. I would be primarily concerned with the weather resistance of the structure underneath the stone. The stone itself is suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

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youseamstressed OP t1_iqrd964 wrote

I'm not talking about heat tolerance- I'm referencing soapstones ability to absorb and radiate heat. It's commonly used in fireplaces. Was already planning on using concrete as a stand. Want to build a like firebox so that radiant heat will come back towards the deck.

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pragmatist1368 t1_iqsktw1 wrote

But you mentioned attaching it to plywood. I am recommending concrete board instead for that firebox to attach the soapstone.

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youseamstressed OP t1_iqtvzwl wrote

OOOOHHH okay i gotcha. I totally misunderstood. I LOVE that idea!

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