Masonry Stoves

Masonry stoves are also called Russian, Siberian, and Finnish fireplaces. Masonry heaters work by radiating the energy stored in their masonry mass. A short, hot fire heats the masonry mass, which stores and radiates it back to the space slowly and evenly for many hours. The distinctive feature of the heaters is a series of baffles to pull the heat out of the exhaust. Masonry stoves are very heavy due to the mass required to store the heat, therefore the cost of transporting such stoves is extremely high. Some literature on masonry stoves and their construction is available online and some of these sites are outlined below. There are also many “do-it-yourself” books available for individuals that would be interested in constructing their own masonry stove. However, constructing your own masonry stove is no small endeavor and does require knowledge of working with masonry. Some of these do-it-yourself books are also outlined below .

Websites:

http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Vines/4095/masonry/nav.html

http://www.dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pub781.pdf

http://www.cchrc.org
The Cold Climate Housing Research Center is evaluated masonry stoves

Books:

Finnish Fireplace Construction Manual (With Core Kit Update),1993. by, A. Barden

Finnish Fireplaces-Heart of the Home, 1993. by A. Barden and H. Hyytiainen,

Masonry Fireplace and Chimney Handbook 3rd Edition, 2004. by James E. Amrhein ~ Reviewed by Thomas Elpel.

The Book of Masonry Stoves, 1984. by D. Lyle.

The Bread Builders: Hearth Loaves and Masonry Ovens, 1999. by Daniel Wing and Alen Scott.

Masonry Stove Companies in Alaska:

Alaska Masonry Heat ~ 4239 Riverside Drive
Juneau, AK 99801 ~ 1-888-922-9330
http://www.alaskamasonryheat.com/