Stone slab?

[DaveB]

I may have an option for a new evaporator for the 2014 season after I was forced to sell my old one but it's a different design than my old one. My sugar house has a wood floor that I essentially built around my evaporator on cement blocks. This left an opening where ashes would collect and leaves a gap in my existing floor. The new evaporator has forced air draft and is closed on the bottom. I could probably mount it on the cement blocks but I'm thinking that I could also put down a rock slab that the evaporator could sit on. I've always had a fire retardant in front of the firebox but I'd like to have something more "solid".

I'm wondering where I could get a cheap stone slab that I could rest the evaporator or at least the firebox on. Any thoughts?

[happy thoughts]

Cheapest fix might be mortared brick and/or poured concrete. For a stone slab or at least a fairly thick veneer in my area, I'd have a piece or two of blue stone cut. Check what kind of stone is available in your area. Even granite might be reasonable where you live. You could try a small monument or countertop dealer who may have discards or know where to get what you need. Whatever you get, you're probably going to want something that has a flat and level surface.

[DaveB]

Cheapest fix might be mortared brick and/or poured concrete. For a stone slab or at least a fairly thick veneer in my area, I'd have a piece or two of blue stone cut. Check what kind of stone is available in your area. Even granite might be reasonable where you live. You could try a small monument or countertop dealer who may have discards or know where to get what you need. Whatever you get, you're probably going to want something that has a flat and level surface.

Do you or anyone know where I could get some prices on having a piece of blue stone? I was looking at some granite counter top places and it looked like a 3'x3' square was going to be about $350 but I just don't know where I can get a flat sheet of rock. The minimum area I'd like to cover is the firebox but having something larger would be ideal. I can travel a few hours if it's worth it.

[happy thoughts]

I live in bluestone country where prices are apt to be lower. The last piece of bluestone I bought about 3 years ago ran about $7-8/sq ft precut for a hearthstone about 1.5 in thick. Try an internet search and call for prices. It is also quarried to the north of us in southern NY state and that might be closer to you. The place I dealt with, Rummings Bluestone, is near Williamsport PA. I'd be pretty sure that distance wouldn't be worth the price of gas for you but you can check them out at rummingsbluestone.com and call for a price. It is a family run business and they were pleasant and helpful.

[maple flats]

You live a little closer to Vermont, why not go super deluxe and get a marble slab. It would surely be a conversation piece. Short of that, I'd suggest you pour a slab. However in my early years I had a wood floor and I placed 8" concrete blocks on top and then capped them with a large galvanized cover It had made. Under the fire portion of the arch it was just a few inches wider that the arch, but the front apron was1' wider on each side and it stuck out front 30", all covered with the 1 pc cap. The cap was 12 ga and covered the top and down each side about 1.5". That worked fine, but I do like the peace of mind now that I have concrete.

[DaveB]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. My wife is originally from Illinois and we travel across I-80 several times a year and will be doing so again for Christmas so PA is not a bad option. A couple hundred dollars should be doable. Then again, having a marble slab wouldn't be a bad idea either! Where's a good place that I could get a slab of marble?

I thought about using cement blocks and a metal cap but I think the cost is not that much cheaper than finding a stone slab so I think it's worth the extra few bucks. I'd like to stay away from concrete in case I need to move the sugar house or if I ever built a new one, I'd like the existing structure to have some use.

[hags]

I'm in the same boat as you DaveB. My sugar house has a wood floor as well. I wanted a concrete floor, but was unable to talk the cement company into delivering cement across a creek and across 80 acres, so I opted for cement piers, a new deck & porch, and wood floors. I'm still debating what to do on the wood floor, but I wanted to make sure you seen this post about cement board and the possible effects of just using that alone. http://mapletrader.com/community/showthread.php?14616-***Wood-Floor-Alert***
I was half thinking of going this route, so I'm glad the search function showed me a possible fire hazard. I'm now leaning towards casters on the arch so it's elevated and moveable in the off season. I do know for sure there will be an air gap under my arch no matter what.

good luck....hags

[BreezyHill]

What about a thick piece of slate out of Grannville, NY Mohawk red is closed or closing but there are atleast 5 other plants in the area. They could cut you what ever you need. wanabe is from near their he may be able to get you a number.
Send me a pm and I will get you his email.

Ben

[madmapler]

I would consider going with a sheet of sheetmetal(even a 4x8 sheet) and screwing it to the floor as a spark-cinder shield then drylaying 2" or your choice of cement blocks under the arch.