Firebrick or manufactured stone for hearth?

Question

I just got a Charmglow vent free propane heater that puts out 30,000 BTUs and am installing it in the corner of a room now. I have built a small hearth for it and sheathed out the frame and the wall around it with 1/2 inch Duroc. I WANT to cover it with manufactured stone veneer but a friend told me I need firebrick. I thought that was for actual fireplaces? The instructions just say to keep it 6" off the wall.

My concern re: which to use stems from the fact that my house is 100 years old and it wouldn't take a lot to send it up in flames. I thought the duroc and faux stone would be enough to insulate the underlying wood from the heat, but now my friend has me a little spooked. Looks come second to not setting my house on fire! :D

Answer 1

This is a very low temperature heater, compared to a fireplace. It is also not that many BTUs. You already have Duroc, that is enough for you. Do either.

Answer 2

At toy stores you can buy giant foam puzzle squares that lock together, often with the letters of the alphabet in them. I've seen people put those together around their hearths, both vertically and horizontally. Not too expensive, softens the corners, and can be used as a teaching tool for the alphabet, too.

Answer 3

MANUFACTURED STONE GIVES U THE LOOK U WANT.
U MAY ALSO USE TILE IF U WISH

ADD ON
FIREBRICK IS USED WHERE FIRE COMES IN DIRECT CONTACT LIKE IN THE FIREBOX WHERE U ARE BURNING THE LOGS.
IF U USE A PREPLACE SPARK SCREEN OR FIREPLACE GLASS DOORS THIS WILL MAKE U FEEL AT EASE

Answer 4

mfg outside; firebrick inside the place

Answer 5

stone

Answer 6

fire brick. They named it that for a reason.