
4
Pad or footings for outdoor installations should be a
monolithic pad constructed of steel reinforced con-
crete. Minimum footing specifications for fireplaces
built on stable soil, with overall height not exceeding
10 feet, are listed in Table 3. Locations with unstable
soil may require a deeper footing or the addition of
piers, to reach more stable subsoil or bedrock. Areas
with colder climates may also require deeper footings
or piers that reach below the frost line to prevent frost
heaving. Piers should include steel reinforcement that
extends into the footing above. See Figure 4.
For taller applications, consult with an engineer to de-
termine the structural requirements based on the over-
all height, and the weight of fireplace, chimney, and
finish materials. If custom hearths or additional ma-
sonry structure is to be attached to the fireplace kit, the
footing dimensions should be adjusted to include these
customizations.
If local building code exceeds the manufacturer’s
specifications for footings, follow the local code.
Table 3. Minimum Footing Specifications
Minimum Requirements for Footing 24”
Thinner Finishes-
Fabricated Stone, Stucco, Stain or Tile
A
B
C
4” - 6”
48”
40”
Thicker Finishes-
Full Veneer Natural Stone or Brick
A
B
C
8” - 12”
54”
46”
See Figure 5.
Footing requirements for indoor installations should
be determined based on local building code. Consult
with a structural engineer to determine the footing re-
quirements based on the overall height, and the weight
of fireplace, chimney, and finish materials. If custom
hearths or additional masonry structure is to be at-
tached to the fireplace kit, the footing dimensions
should be adjusted to include these customizations.
Use Stone Age’s Multi-Purpose Ready-Mix, or anoth-
er high temperature fire clay or refractory cement suit-
able for indoor or outdoor use, and mix according to
manufacturer’s instructions.
Once the fireplace is constructed you must wait at least
28 days before building a fire to give adequate time to
cure. This will provide ample time for any water resi-
due to evaporate, eliminating the adverse reaction of
the combination of water and fire.
Stone Age products are designed to be assembled us-
ing a 3/8” fully bedded mortar joint for the kit pieces.
Do not “butter the edges” of the kit pieces.
If the unit is to be installed indoors, do not use the Ris-
er Legs (items 1 and 1A, shown in Figure 2 and Table
1). Instead, install the fireplace on a solid base, such
as a cement pad or concrete blocks. Two courses of 8”
tall block will be slightly shorter than the riser legs of
the kit.
WARNING: DO NOT USE RISER LEGS FOR
AN INDOOR INSTALLATION. IN
THIS INSTALLATION, THE
VOID BELOW THE FIREBOX
COULD INADVERTANTLY BE
USED FOR THE STORAGE OF
COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS,
WHICH COULD CREATE A FIRE
HAZARD.
Figure 4. Footing with Piers - Cutaway View
Figure 5. Footing with Piers
B
C
Front
Piers