Fire resistant material design suggestions for alcove housing a VC Encore

[triceps]

Hello, would appreciate any ideas/suggestions for how to finish the design work on top of the hardy board areas surrounding our new Encore.

We're not sure if tile, slate, stone -- something else -- is best.

Looking for ideas on both materials and color. The stove color is brown and the pipe is black.

Also attaching the previous photo of the zero-clearance fireplace for reference. Unfortunately the installer had to cut into the paneling above the stove to meet clearance requirements. Also had to put some hardy board in the back right corner of the alcove to enclose a floor furnace vent running up through the chimney.

Thanks and please share photos if you can to help us visualize suggestions.

 

[begreen]

I'm sorry to say that this is not permitted. Check the manual. The Encore 2040 manual states in bold print:

NOTE: Installation of the Encore® is not permitted in alcoves.

 

[triceps]

I'm sorry to say that this is not permitted. Check the manual. The Encore 2040 manual states in bold print:

NOTE: Installation of the Encore® is not permitted in alcoves.

Sorry, on what page do you see that?

 

[begreen]

Sorry, on what page do you see that?

At the bottom of page 11 on my copy. It's at the end of the clearances information, right before wall shields.

 

[triceps]

What year is your manual from, or is it non-US manual?

There is no such warning about alcoves in the current manuals. Attaching PDFs and link here:

Encore Wood-Burning Stoves by Vermont Castings

Shop Encore Two-in-One Convertible Wood-Burning Stoves - Quality Cast Iron Construction from Vermont Castings

forgenflame.com

 

[begreen]

That's a bit odd, the stove has not changed since the 2018 manual. Now, they make no mention of alcove clearances whatsoever. Check with Vermont Castings. This is a very radiant stove, so they should provide guidance.

 

[triceps]

The Defiant mentions no installation in alcoves (p. 12):

https://downloads.hearthnhome.com/installManuals/8390-975_Defiant_Model_1975-CAT-C.pdf

But there is no mention of alcoves in the Dauntless or Intrepid either.

 

[begreen]

What is the distance from the side of the stove to the hardiboard? What is boxed in to the right above the stove?

 

[begreen]

I tried reaching customer support to clarify, but they are closed, so I filled in their support form. This has come up before, so I want to determine if it is now allowed and if so, get alcove clearances.