Replacing a heatilator prefab with FPX Apex 42

[mpaul]

I'm certainly no expert when it comes to building codes. I followed our local requirements and recommendations from the company who installed the fireplace and our local building inspector. They all said I needed two layers of 1/2" durarock under any hearth floor. I am not sure if those are the local NY requirements or requirements of the 42 Apex. I can say after running the fireplace for a few hours, I am not able to stand on the hearth with bare feet without burning the bottoms. The floor right in front does get hot so, I feel more at ease knowing the durarock is there!

Between the hardwood and the underlayment the stone came pretty close to flush with the hardwood. The tile still set a little proud though once you add in the mortar, so I cut a 45 degree bevel along the edge of the tile to help smooth the transition.

 

[Klandrum]

We just moved in to our new construction home with the apex 42. I've only used it a few times as it hasn't been cold enough to justify any more than that. I love it so far though. Keeps our living room around 72 and the rest of the house comfortable. Already looking forward to next winter!

We didn't like the mantles that fpx offered so I found a company called Magra Hearth. Still pricey but people can't believe it isn't wood...

 

[begreen]

Thanks for the tip. Their non-combustible mantels and surrounds look great.

MagraHearth website

MagraHearth | Non-Combustible Fireplace Mantels

MagraHearth's non-combustible products include mantels, fireplace surrounds, hearth boards, and stove pads.

magrahearth.com

 

[Jacobs]

I'm certainly no expert when it comes to building codes. I followed our local requirements and recommendations from the company who installed the fireplace and our local building inspector. They all said I needed two layers of 1/2" durarock under any hearth floor. I am not sure if those are the local NY requirements or requirements of the 42 Apex. I can say after running the fireplace for a few hours, I am not able to stand on the hearth with bare feet without burning the bottoms. The floor right in front does get hot so, I feel more at ease knowing the durarock is there!

Between the hardwood and the underlayment the stone came pretty close to flush with the hardwood. The tile still set a little proud though once you add in the mortar, so I cut a 45 degree bevel along the edge of the tile to help smooth the transition.

Hey I just installed a 42 apex just like yours. I’m curious did you just set yours on a combustible floor. The install manual said you can install it on a combustible floor so I just put mine on my hardwood floors. Seems to be fine, but I’m always a little questionable about that part of the install.

 

[Jacobs]

We just moved in to our new construction home with the apex 42. I've only used it a few times as it hasn't been cold enough to justify any more than that. I love it so far though. Keeps our living room around 72 and the rest of the house comfortable. Already looking forward to next winter!

We didn't like the mantles that fpx offered so I found a company called Magra Hearth. Still pricey but people can't believe it isn't wood...

That looks great! Does your 42 apex sit directly on the hardwood flooring? Mine does and it gets me nervous.

 

[Jacobs]

I have had a couple of fires so far and we love it. I am planning to put stone veneer and a concrete mantel. Any recommendations for concrete mantel?


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I have the same 42 apex as you I went with a “Magra Hearth” concrete mantel. It was expensive but I am very happy with it. It looks just like wood!

 

[mpaul]

That looks great! Does your 42 apex sit directly on the hardwood flooring? Mine does and it gets me nervous.

Nice install! That looks fantastic.
Yes, my 42 Apex was installed directly on the subfloor. There is the cool air intake at the bottom that I believe is used in conjunction with the blower. This also gives a larger gap between the actual firebox and the floor. My installers weren't worried at all with putting this right on the subfloor and they are a reputable company with a focus on the Travis stove family. I honestly was more worried about the weight especially since it is in the middle of a room and not on an outside wall.

 

[Klandrum]

That looks great! Does your 42 apex sit directly on the hardwood flooring? Mine does and it gets me nervous.

Thank you! Yours looks amazing also!

Yes I believe it sits directly on the sub floor. I had the company I bought it from install it. I didn't trust myself with this kind of project. I've attached a picture of the install before the drywall went up.

 

[spmane]

Just wanted to update the final picture. It took year to finish the project but I finally got around to installing the mantel and tile. Thanks everyone for the input!

 

[begreen]

That finished out nicely.

 

[Joethepro]

That looks great! Does your 42 apex sit directly on the hardwood flooring? Mine does and it gets me nervous.

Hey, what did you mount your tv to? I’m looking to place a tv above the fireplace but am unsure what to anchor to. Any help would be much appreciated!