just want to say thanx for all the info..been trollin on here for bout 2 1/2 months...im right outside philly airport...made hearth out of 1/2 inch plywood, 1/2 inch micore, which i was able to find , thanx to info on this site, close to me, hardibacker then slate tiles..thinset between each layer..me and the father in law (contractor) installed the BIG E saturday with simpson duravent horizontal corner install...fired it up following tuesday for initial burn....no leaks ..burned hot..here are some pics..again thanx for this site..photos of the burn were not able to download ...too many pixels ...will correct ..then send pictures of big e burning...by the way..got 3 tons pellets from west chester agway for 225 ton in august.agway brand ..called later after getting curious about brand ..and they said they were hamers...thanx again