If you are looking to buy a pellet heater you might be wondering what’s the best pellet heater hearth to buy or maybe do you even need one? Pellet heaters must be installed on a non-flammable surface, so they need a hearth just like pellet heaters need a flue. While most of the outside of pellet heaters don’t get anywhere near as hot as wood heaters, they must still be installed on a non-flammable surface, like a hearth, and have clearance around them to walls and objects. Most people buy a pre-made hearth or make one. Regardless of the type of hearth you do opt for, please check your pellet heater manual to ensure you get a correctly sized hearth.
Here’s some quick tips on how to save money on a pellet heater hearth. Read on below to learn about each in more detail:
- Buy a secondhand hearth
- Install on concrete/tiled floor
- DIY build a hearth
- Purchase a new hearth
Used Wood Heater Hearth
If you are replacing a wood heater with a pellet heater then don’t throw the hearth away. If you already have a wood heater hearth in place, it may be possible to reuse it with your new pellet heater. However, check in the pellet heater installation manual to make sure the old wood heater hearth you have is big enough to meet the safety clearances to flammable objects for your pellet heaer. If the hearth is not big enough, it could result in a fire hazard, so please make sure your old hearth is big enough.
If you aren’t upgrading from a wood heater and don’t have an old hearth to reuse, you may be able to find one for a low price on websites like Facebook marketplace or Gumtree. Secondhand hearths in good condition can often be found for anywhere from $50 to $150, which is a significant savings compared to the cost of a new hearth, which can cost $400 to $500 or more. Reusing or buying a second hand hearth is probably the easiest and cheapest way to get a hearth for any pellet heater.
Concrete Floor
When installing a pellet heater, it’s important to consider the type of floor the heater will be installed on. If the floor is carpet or lino, pull some of it up and have a look at what’s underneath. If the floor is concrete, there is an option to install the pellet heater directly on the concrete floor. This can be a quick, cheap, and easy way to get a non-flammable surface for the heater. You won’t need a hearth, as the concrete floor does the same thing as a hearth, and you’ll save a fair chunk of money. However, you’ll probably need to add some trim around the edges of the carpet or lino to make it look more presentable.
If you have a tile floor, there is no need for a hearth because tiles are non-flammable and make an excellent pellet heater hearth. Installing on tiles also needs that you don’t need to add any trim to make things look good, as the tiles themselves will look great. I know not everyone will be in this situation. There’s a good chance you don’t have a tiled floor and under most carpet or lino is a wood or similar type of material floor. However, it doesn’t hurt to check because if there’s concrete underneath, then your pellet heater hearth problems are solved.
DIY Hearth
Another option is to make your own hearth and if you are good with your hands this is probably the best pellet heater hearth option for you. It’s very easy and the upside is you can create something unique. You’ll need some cement board, tiles, tile cement, tile cutter, tile spacers, cement sheet cutter and some L trim to go around the outside of the hearth to make it look more finished. The cement board forms the base of your hearth. Using the cement sheet cutter cut the cement sheet so it meets the minimum size requirement from your pellet heater manual.
Next, stick the tiles to the cement sheet using the cement and tile spacers. You’ll probably need to cut some tiles to make them fit the size of the hearth. When done, run some trim around the outside and you’ll have your very own hearth. It’s much easier than it sounds and will cost less than $150 depending on what tools you may already have. It may take some time but can be very rewarding knowing you made your own hearth and you’ll be able to create something you can’t find anywhere else.
Buy a Hearth
Lastly, if you can’t get a hearth second hand for cheap or a reasonable price, don’t have a concrete or tiled floor and don’t want to mess around making your own hearth, then obviously the last and only option is to buy a hearth for your pellet heater. If you are buying a brand new pellet heater then this makes sense. You are already spending a considerable amount of money on a pellet heater, a little bit extra isn’t going to make any difference. Also, you know at least that you’ll get a nice quality hearth and won’t have to worry about making your own.
Expect to pay anywhere from $400 to $800 for a hearth. Check with with the retailer you are buying the pellet heater from. Be careful as some retailers custom build hearths, meaning they are very expensive, around the $800 mark. Obviously the quality is very good and they can probably match the colour with your pellet heater (understandable if buying a Piazzetta pellet heater) but me personally I don’t care. Remember you can buy a hearth from anywhere, so if you find another retailer with better prices on hearths, then simply buy that before they come to install your pellet heater. You’ll have a new hearth and still saved some money.
Summary of the Best Pellet Heater Hearth
When purchasing a pellet heater, it’s important to consider the type of hearth you will need to install it on. Pellet heaters require a non-flammable surface for safety reasons, and there are a few options available for homeowners. Reusing a wood heater hearth or purchasing a secondhand one can save money, but make sure it’s the correct size for your pellet heater. If you have a concrete floor, you may be able to install the pellet heater directly on it with some modifications. Regardless of the type of hearth you choose, be sure to refer to your pellet heater manual for specific sizing and clearance requirements.
