I am getting ready to build a rocket stove this spring in my studio building at my cabin. I may build one in my greenhouse first then the studio this one is a dirt floor so no worries there. Here are my questions.
I know that the structure will withstand the weight of a rocket stove and mass heater. The studio is buit on 10"x10" beams which i have placed in the right areas to hold this mass but my question is how do i protect the floor from the rocket stove. My plan was to build the rocket stove out of fire brick and my thought was to use two layers of cement board on the floor with the brick on top of that. Is this enough protection? or should i use something more like two layers of patio bricks then the fire brick for the stove? Also can i use fire brick instead of a barrel?
My other question is the sand and clay mixture. I live on an island in Alaska and it is very expensive to get things here so i want to use local sand and clay. However our sand is not silica sand our sand is black sand basically crushed shale rock will this work for the cob on the stove? Also or clay is blue clay glacial clay will this work for the cob as well.. If it does it sure will be gorgeous it is a really cool grey blue color.
Thanks for all the help
