I'm looking for advice on how to make a heat reflecting board to place behind my chiminea, which is currently on a wooden deck supported by concrete blocks. I've taken precautions with the chiminea — it has a screen and a shield, and we haven't had any issues so far. The chiminea itself is a thin metal model that doesn't radiate heat like ceramic ones do. I want to create a board that not only protects the deck but also might help radiate some heat. I was initially considering using ceramic tiles or something similar to fireplace materials. I've done plenty of research on this before, but now I can't seem to recall any useful details. If I go the ceramic tile route, what should I look for? Are there specific qualities I should consider? Also, which type of grout would be the best fit? What material for the board itself would work well? Thanks in advance!
3 Answers
One cost-effective option is to use a sheet of steel or aluminum cut to size, along with a fiberglass welding blanket attached to it with resin. This setup can both reflect heat and serve as a heat shield. I suggest making two pieces: one to go underneath your chiminea and another for behind it. If you want to increase thermal mass, you could bond ceramic tiles or even bricks to the metal sheet. Just keep in mind that although you can buy specific bricks designed for heat shielding, they can be expensive and might chip easily in this kind of setup. Ceramic tiles will look good and still help with heat retention. For the adhesive, make sure to choose a heat-rated silicone or adhesive; staff at a hardware store can give you solid recommendations.
Thanks for the input! Just to clarify, when you mention positioning the blanket, should the blanket face down on the metal surface, or should the metal side be up? I like the idea of extending the platform but don’t want the blanket to be visible on top.
Glazed tiles are a great choice since they've been fired in a furnace, making them more heat-resistant than standard tiles. They’re also aesthetically pleasing and will complement your setup well. For your thermal mass needs, bricks or concrete can work too, particularly if you're looking for a solid, durable option.
You might want to check out Amazingpandph for some great ideas about adding warmth to outdoor spaces!
For the tiles, I found that fully vitrified tiles are recommended, but I’m struggling to figure out how to verify that they are actually vitrified. Any tips?