Aga base

[jayseeblue]

Hi I need to extend the existing fireplace base so that it can accomodate an Aga. The existing base is only around 2 inches thick above the stone floor level but needs to be extended outwards by a foot or so. Would using wood shuttering and pouring in floor levelling compound work work for this? I feel it is too thin at 2" for standard concrete so it would crumble. Is there anything better than floor levelling compound or do you think I will need to raise the level of the whole base and have a thicker block?

Any advice much appreciated. (Let me know where your local is lol)

Jon

[The Natural Philosopher]

No need to be too precious..the aga is pure weight..not tensile forces, so if the underfloor is sound, a cast slab will work.

You can help adhesion by e,g. drilling the stone a bit and driving in nails or similar.

Or why not simply get some more matching stone, and lay on a thick strong mortar beds?

3/4" thick stone on 1.75" mortar would make a pretty edging.

[Cicero]

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It would be worth finding the correct recommended height for your Aga before deciding on what to do with the existing base. This might require a change in the height (either more or less) of the existing base.

If more height is needed then you could shutter the whole thing and pour in concrete. Steel reinforcement would help in the forward extension. A

2"+ depth of concrete properly mixed and bonded to the stone floor and slab should easily bear the weight provided that the existing base is sound.

On the other hand if the existing 2" slab gives too much height (measured against the 'ideal' height) then it might be best to demolish it and start from scratch.

Cic.