By Eric Moshier – Certified Heater Mason, Third-Generation Mason, MHA Technical Committee Member, ASTM E1602 Masonry Heater Group Member
The SR Core DIY Masonry Heater Kits are a pre-engineered refractory firebox system designed and manufactured in Duluth, Minnesota by Solid Rock Masonry LLC. Available in 13-inch, 18-inch, and 22-inch firebox widths in both Hybrid and Cast configurations, SR Core masonry heater kits ship to owner-builders and professional masons throughout North America and internationally. Kit prices range from $7,016 for the SR-13H to $13,612 for the SR-22CWO with white oven. Cook stove combination units and standalone masonry cook stoves are also available. All kits include firebrick, cast refractory slabs, refractory mortar, insulation, gaskets, SR firebox door and hardware, and course-by-course SketchUp drawings. Eric Moshier, MHA Certified Heater Mason and ASTM E06 committee member, developed the SR Core system over more than 25 years of professional masonry heater construction. SR Core offers the widest selection of firebox widths, venting configurations, and add-on options of any masonry heater kit system available in North America – from standard SR-13, SR-18, and SR-22 models up to custom 32-inch units, in standard, corner, five-sided, and six-sided configurations.
Who This Page Is For
SR Core kits are built for three types of people. Owner-builders who want to build their own masonry heater using a pre-engineered system with complete instructions. Professional masons and masonry contractors who want a faster, more consistent build than full custom construction allows. And architects and general contractors who need to specify a compliant masonry heater for a residential project and want a system with ASTM E1602 and IRC R1002 compliance built in. If you are new to masonry heaters, start with our Masonry Heater Planning Guide before selecting a model.
Start With the Masonry Heater Planning Guide
Before ordering a kit, spend an hour with our Masonry Heater Planning Guide. It covers heat loss calculations, model sizing, floor plan considerations, foundation requirements, chimney options, and finishing materials in plain language written for builders, owner-builders, and architects. Each of the 11 chapters is available as a separate PDF download for offline reading or sharing with your building official. By the time you contact us for a quote you will already know which model fits your project and what questions to ask.
>> Masonry Heater Planning Guide – all 11 chapters
>> Are Masonry Heaters Worth It? Full Cost Analysis
Download Our 2026 Planning and Product Resources
These documents cover everything from heat loss calculations and model selection to foundation specs, clearances, chimney options, and finish material choices.
- Complete 2026 Masonry Heater Planning Guide (all 11 chapters): Download PDF – Full planning reference for homeowners, builders, and architects
- SR Core 2026 Product Guide: Download PDF – Complete specifications, configurations, and 2026 pricing
- Foundation Plan and Clearances: Download PDF – Permit-ready clearance diagrams and concrete spec
- Masonry Heater Owner’s Manual 2026: Download PDF – Curing fires, daily operation, and maintenance
- Heater Options Guide: Download PDF – Add-ons, configurations, and accessories
- Generic Foundation and Clearances Reference: Download PDF – Printable clearance reference for building officials
The SR Core System: Two Ways to Build
Every SR Core masonry heater is built around one of two core systems. Both deliver the same radiant heat performance, carry the same door and option selections, and meet the same ASTM E1602 and IRC R1002 building code requirements. The difference is in materials, build time, and kit cost.
SR Hybrid Core
The Hybrid uses approximately 230 firebricks as its primary structural material, with 18 cast refractory slabs spanning openings, oven components, and draft channels. Firebrick is more economical than cast refractory, which is why Hybrid kits are priced lower. The tradeoff is build time and skill – laying 230 firebricks accurately, including cutting to fit, adds roughly a full day or more to the build. Best for: Experienced builders, owner-builders with masonry skills, or projects where kit cost is the primary consideration.
SR Cast Core
The Cast Core uses only about 40 firebricks to line the replaceable firebox, with approximately 55 precision refractory castings making up the rest of the system. The castings are shaped to fit together with minimal cutting, making this the fastest and least technically demanding masonry heater kit to build. Best for: First-time builders, contractors without a masonry background, or any project where build speed and simplicity matter most. The higher kit cost is typically offset by reduced labor time.
>> DIY masonry heater building information and resources
>> Masonry heater and oven building workshops
What Is Included in Every SR Core Kit
Every kit ships with all materials required to build the heater core:
- All cast refractory slabs required to complete the core system
- Firebrick for the firebox liner
- Refractory mortar
- Ceramic fiber insulation and expansion materials
- Gaskets
- SR firebox door and hardware
- Detailed PDF instructions with course-by-course photos
- SketchUp drawings (2D blueprints, 3D elevations) for your configuration
- Custom architectural facade design services through our AIA-certified architect are available from $200 to $1,500 depending on scope
What Is Not Included
The kit does not include foundation work, exterior veneer finishing material, or chimney materials. We can advise on all of these and in many cases supply specialty chimney materials on a separate quote. See the Foundation Plan PDF for concrete specifications. Manufactured concrete stone veneer is not suitable as a heater finish – it typically contains lightweight insulating aggregates. Common face brick, natural stone, or 3- to 4-inch solid concrete block finished with stucco or thin real stone veneer all work well.
Design and Venting Configurations
SR Core kits support the full range of European masonry heater design traditions. We select the configuration that best fits your floor plan, chimney placement, and heating goals – you do not need to choose this yourself. Adding a 3-sided heated bench and side chimney connection maximizes efficiency in most configurations. All designs are available in SR-13, SR-18, and SR-22 firebox widths, with custom units up to 32 inches wide.
Finnish Contraflow
Gases travel from the firebox through or around the oven into a channel above the oven, then down both side channels evenly before venting into a heated bench or out a side chimney. Highest efficiency with a 3-sided heated bench and side chimney.
J-Loop Design
Gases travel from the firebox up through or around the oven, down one side, under the firebox, up the opposite side, and out the top. A strong, versatile performer across a wide range of floor plans. Highest efficiency with a 3-sided heated bench.
Swedish 5-Run Design
Gases split and travel down the front left and right sides, then back up the rear sides into a top channel, exiting at the top of the heater. Our most compact design. Top vented. Left and right bench extensions only.
Russian Bell Design
Hot gases rise and collect at the top of a bell chamber before cooling and descending along the outer walls, producing very even sustained heat output. Side black oven option available – difficult to achieve in other designs. Chimney venting can be arranged at the base or top. Highest efficiency with 3-sided heated bench and side chimney.
German / Austrian Grundofen and Kachelofen
Fully calculated heater designs where every channel, dimension, and material is engineered for maximum thermal efficiency before a single brick is laid. These designs offer maximum creative freedom in heater shape and form.
>> The Timeless Tradition of Kachelofen – German and Austrian tile stoves
The Widest Range of Masonry Heater Kit Configurations in North America
SR Core spans firebox widths from 13 inches to 32 inches, in standard, corner, five-sided, and six-sided configurations, with a full menu of oven, bench, and heating options.If you can imagine the design and shape we will work with you to achieve the desired look with the proper function. Other masonry heater kit systems on the North American market are generally limited to a single firebox width with a single oven option. If your project requires anything beyond a basic configuration, SR Core was built for it. All of our fireboxes are built to be easily replaceable with a life expectancy of 25-50 years before they will need the firebox replaced. Some of our competition does not have replaceable fireboxes. Call us with your floor plan and heat loss calculation and we will tell you exactly which model fits.
SR-13 Hybrid DIY Masonry Heater Kit
The SR-13 Hybrid core has a 13-inch by 18-inch firebox and uses cast refractory slabs combined with firebrick construction. SR-13 doors and hardware are included. This system heats a well-insulated home up to approximately 1,200 square feet with 8-foot ceilings in a cold northern climate. Burn time is 2 to 3 hours per fire. Use LoadCalc.net to calculate your home’s design heat loss before selecting a model.
SR-13 Specifications
| Core Dimensions | 36″ w x 23″ d x 74″ h |
| Finished Dimensions (4″ veneer) | ~43″ w x 32″ d x 80″ h |
| Firebox | 13″ w x 18″ d |
| Black Oven | 18″ w x 18″ d with 3.5″ channel in center |
| White Oven | 18″ w x 15″ d |
| Chimney | 7″ ID round flue or 8×12″ OD clay tile equivalent |
| Fuel Load | 35 lbs. per fire, maximum every 8 hours |
| Heat Output (1 fire) | ~183,750 BTU per fire / ~7,650 BTU/hr over 24 hours |
| Heat Output (2 fires) | ~367,500 BTU over 24 hours / ~15,300 BTU/hr |
| Heating Area | ~1,200 sq. ft. with 8 ft. ceilings, Energy Star construction |
SR-13 Hybrid Pricing
| Model | Configuration | Kit Price (FOB Duluth MN) |
| SR-13H | No oven | $7,016 |
| SR-13HBO | With 18″ d x 13″ w black oven | $8,175 |
| SR-13HWO | With 14″ d x 13″ w white oven (600 deg. F on 1 fire) | $8,465 |
SR-13 Cast Refractory DIY Masonry Heater Kit
The SR-13 Cast core is built entirely with cast refractory slabs and a firebrick firebox, reducing labor by up to 75 percent compared to the Hybrid. It is the fastest SR Core system to assemble and the recommended choice for first-time owner-builders. Firebox dimensions and heating output are identical to the SR-13 Hybrid. SR-13 doors and hardware are included.
SR-13 Cast Pricing
| Model | Configuration | Kit Price (FOB Duluth MN) |
| SR-13C | No oven | $9,157 |
| SR-13CBO | With black oven | $10,600 |
| SR-13CWO | With white oven (600 deg. F on 1 fire) | $10,756 |
SR-18 Hybrid DIY Masonry Heater Kit
The SR-18 Hybrid core has an 18-inch by 18-inch firebox, suited to homes in the 1,500 to 1,800 square foot range. This is one of our most frequently ordered systems. Burn time is 2 to 3 hours per fire. SR-18 doors and hardware are included. See the Masonry Heater Planning Guide Chapter 3 for sizing guidance.
SR-18 Specifications
| Core Dimensions | 40″ w x 23″ d x 74″ h |
| Finished Dimensions (4″ veneer) | ~48″ w x 32″ d x 80″ h |
| Firebox | 17″ w x 18″ d |
| Black Oven | 22″ w x 18″ d with 4″ channel in center |
| White Oven | 22″ w x 15″ d |
| Chimney | 8″ ID round flue or 8×12″ ID clay tile equivalent |
| Fuel Load | 60 lbs. per fire, maximum every 8 hours |
| Heat Output (1 fire) | ~327,000 BTU per fire / ~13,650 BTU/hr over 24 hours |
| Heat Output (2 fires) | ~655,200 BTU over 24 hours / ~27,300 BTU/hr |
| Heating Area | ~1,800 sq. ft. with 8 ft. ceilings, Energy Star construction |
SR-18 Hybrid Pricing
| Model | Configuration | Kit Price (FOB Duluth MN) |
| SR-18H | No oven | $8,769 |
| SR-18HBO | With black oven | $10,073 |
| SR-18HWO | With white oven (600 deg. F on 1 fire) | $10,363 |
SR-18 Cast Refractory DIY Masonry Heater Kit
The SR-18 Cast uses all cast refractory slabs with a firebrick firebox, cutting labor by up to 75 percent. Firebox dimensions and heating output are identical to the SR-18 Hybrid. SR-18 doors and hardware are included.
SR-18 Cast Pricing
| Model | Configuration | Kit Price (FOB Duluth MN) |
| SR-18C | No oven | $11,805 |
| SR-18CBO | With black oven | $12,050 |
| SR-18CWO | With white oven (600 deg. F on 1 fire) | $12,437 |
SR-22 Hybrid DIY Masonry Heater Kit
The SR-22 Hybrid core has a 22-inch by 18-inch firebox, our largest standard hybrid configuration. Suited to homes in the 1,800 to 2,000 square foot range with 8-foot ceilings. The SR-22 also works well in larger open floor plans where the heater is placed centrally and thermal mass performance is the priority. Burn time is 2 to 3 hours per fire. SR-22 doors and hardware are included.
SR-22 Specifications
| Core Dimensions | 45″ w x 23″ d x 74″ h |
| Finished Dimensions (4″ veneer) | ~53″ w x 32″ d x 80″ h |
| Firebox | 22″ w x 18″ d |
| Black Oven | 27″ w x 18″ d with 4.5″ channel in center |
| White Oven | 27″ w x 15″ d |
| Chimney | 8″ ID round flue or 8×12″ ID clay tile equivalent |
| Fuel Load | 65 lbs. per fire, maximum every 8 hours |
| Heat Output (1 fire) | ~341,000 BTU per fire / ~14,220 BTU/hr over 24 hours |
| Heat Output (2 fires) | ~682,000 BTU over 24 hours / ~28,416 BTU/hr |
| Heating Area | ~2,000 sq. ft. with 8 ft. ceilings, Energy Star construction |
SR-22 Hybrid Pricing
| Model | Configuration | Kit Price (FOB Duluth MN) |
| SR-22H | No oven | $9,204 |
| SR-22HBO | With black oven | $10,508 |
| SR-22HWO | With white oven (600 deg. F on 1 fire) | $10,798 |
SR-22 Cast Refractory DIY Masonry Heater Kit
The SR-22 Cast uses all cast refractory slabs with a firebrick firebox, cutting labor by up to 75 percent. Firebox dimensions and heating output are identical to the SR-22 Hybrid. SR-22 doors and hardware are included.
SR-22 Cast Pricing
| Model | Configuration | Kit Price (FOB Duluth MN) |
| SR-22C | No oven | $12,614 |
| SR-22CBO | With black oven | $13,314 |
| SR-22CWO | With white oven (600 deg. F on 1 fire) | $13,612 |
SR-22 Five-Run CBO Build Animation
Watch the SR-22 Cast Bake Oven system go together course by course in this SketchUp build animation. View on YouTube.
SR-13 Masonry Heater Cook Stove Combination (SR-13HCH)
The SR-13HCH integrates a steel cook top directly above the firebox, so the same fire that heats your home also provides a full cooking surface. Russian Bell channeling on the side of the heater allows the cook top to sit naturally above the firebox without interfering with the heat exchange system. Bake oven and heated bench options can be added. Purpose-built for off-grid homes, cabins, and small homesteads where one fire handles both heating and cooking. Burn time is 2 to 3 hours per fire.
SR-13HCH Specifications
| Core Dimensions | 23″ d x 50.5″ l x ~36″ h at cooktop / 55″ h at side bell |
| Finished Dimensions (4″ veneer) | ~31″ d x ~58″ l x ~44″ h at cooktop / 60″ h at side bell |
| Firebox | 13″ w x 18″ d |
| Cook Top | Steel cook top integrated above firebox |
| Chimney | 6-7″ ID round flue or equivalent |
| Fuel Load | 35 lbs. per fire, maximum every 8 hours |
| Heat Output (1 fire) | ~183,750 BTU per fire / ~7,650 BTU/hr over 24 hours |
| Heat Output (2 fires) | ~367,500 BTU over 24 hours / ~15,300 BTU/hr |
| Heating Area | ~700-1,000 sq. ft. with 8 ft. ceilings, Energy Star construction |
| Options | Bake oven on side bell and heated bench configurations available |
SR-13HCH Pricing
| Model | Configuration | Kit Price (FOB Duluth MN) |
| SR-13HCH | SR-13 Hybrid with cook top | $7,016 |
| SR-13HCH-BO | SR-13 Hybrid with cook top and bake oven | $8,216 |
SR-18 Masonry Heater Cook Stove Combination (SR-18HCH)
The SR-18HCH scales up the cook stove combination to the SR-18 firebox, suited to larger homes in the 1,200 to 1,800 square foot range with the same full cooking surface above the firebox. Bake oven and heated bench options can be added. Burn time is 2 to 3 hours per fire.
SR-18HCH Specifications
| Core Dimensions | 23″ d x ~58″ l x ~36″ h at cooktop / 55″ h at side bell |
| Finished Dimensions (4″ veneer) | ~40″ w x 24″ d x 32″ h at cooktop / 60″ h at side bell |
| Firebox | 17″ w x 18″ d |
| Cook Top | Steel cook top integrated above firebox |
| Chimney | 7-8″ ID round flue or equivalent |
| Fuel Load | 60 lbs. per fire, maximum every 8 hours |
| Heat Output (1 fire) | ~327,000 BTU per fire / ~13,650 BTU/hr over 24 hours |
| Heat Output (2 fires) | ~655,200 BTU over 24 hours / ~27,300 BTU/hr |
| Heating Area | ~1,200-1,800 sq. ft. with 8 ft. ceilings, Energy Star construction |
| Options | Bake oven on side bell and heated bench configurations available |
SR-18HCH Pricing
| Model | Configuration | Kit Price (FOB Duluth MN) |
| SR-18HCH | SR-18 Hybrid with cook top | $8,769 |
| SR-18HCH-BO | SR-18 Hybrid with cook top and bake oven | $9,969 |
SR Masonry Cook Stoves
Our standalone masonry cook stoves are built purely for cooking. Unlike a sheet metal wood stove, a masonry cook stove absorbs and radiates heat evenly across the cook surface, holds temperature far longer after the fire dies down, and provides a dramatically more stable cooking environment. Units are built to order with a steel cook top, integrated firebox, and a replaceable cast refractory firebox liner built for daily use and generations of service. These units also contribute meaningful supplemental radiant heat to smaller spaces under 600 square feet, making them well suited to cabins, small homes, and off-grid applications.
SR-31x33HCS – Smallest Standard Model
| Core Dimensions | 31″ w x 33″ h (before veneer) |
| Firebox | Replaceable firebrick liner |
| Cook Top | Steel cook top surface |
| Chimney | 6-7″ ID round flue or equivalent |
| Best Application | Primary cooking, supplemental heat for spaces under 600 sq. ft. |
| Options | Heated bench optional. Bake oven not available on this model. |
SR-24×40 – Top-Vented Cook Stove
A top-vented masonry cooking system with a replaceable firebrick firebox and castable refractory slabs. The 24″ x 40″ steel cook top provides a generous cooking surface with meaningful supplemental radiant heat.
| Finished Dimensions (4″ veneer) | 40″ w x 24″ d x 32″ h |
| Firebox | Replaceable firebrick firebox with castable refractory slabs |
| Cook Top | 24″ x 40″ steel cook top surface |
| Firebox Door | SR-9 rectangular firebox door |
| Chimney | 6-7″ ID round flue or equivalent (supplied and installed by others) |
| Standards | Built in accordance with IRC and ASTM E1602 |
| Kit Includes | Cast refractory slabs, firebrick, SR-9 firebox door, 24×40″ steel cook top, cleanout door, grate, expansion joint, mineral wool gasketing, refractory mortar, complete drawings |
Masonry Cook Stove Pricing
| Model | Configuration | Kit Price (FOB Duluth MN) |
| SR-31x33HCS | Masonry cook stove | $4,800 |
| SR-31x33HCS-BO | With black bake oven | $6,000 |
| SR-24×40 | 24×40 top-vented cook stove | $5,650 |
| SR-24×40-BO | With black bake oven | $6,850 |
Custom sizes and cast refractory models available on request.
Heater Options and Add-Ons
Call for pricing on all of the following. Most options can be incorporated into any SR Core model:
- Custom core systems for masonry heaters, cookstoves, and residential or commercial bake ovens in any shape or size
- 5-sided heater systems – $350
- 6-sided heater systems – $350
- Heated bench systems – $250 per lineal foot of cast heated bench components
- Hot water heating coils (domestic hot water preheating only – must be installed by licensed steam fitter)
- Corner masonry heater configurations
- Kachelofen: custom handmade German and Austrian tile stoves with tiles made in Duluth, MN
- Kakelugn: custom handmade Swedish tile stoves with tiles made in Duluth, MN
- High-density concrete heater facing systems for stained concrete, stucco, or thin stone finishes
- Custom doors and hardware for masonry heaters, cookstoves, and commercial bake ovens
- Masonry heater and oven building workshops
All SR Core kits and SR Doors are FOB Duluth, MN. International shipping, duties, and taxes available on a quote basis. Quantity discounts are available.
>> SR Masonry Heater Doors – specifications and pricing
>> Masonry heater and oven workshops
Foundation Requirements
All masonry heater installations require a dedicated foundation. Solid Rock Masonry specifies 4,500 psi concrete or better, 8 inches deep, with 1/2-inch rebar at 12 inches on center. Download our Foundation Plan PDF for permit-ready clearance diagrams. Never size a masonry heater foundation using lbs/sq ft load ratings – use the concrete specification above. See Chapter 5 of the Planning Guide for full foundation and clearance coverage.
How to Size Your Masonry Heater
A masonry heater is a radiant heat storage appliance. Its BTU output is released gradually over 12 to 24 hours after a 2 to 3 hour fire. Do not size a masonry heater by matching peak BTU/hr from a heat loss calculation directly to the heater’s peak output – these measure different things. Start with LoadCalc.net to calculate your home’s design heat loss, then call us with that number and your floor plan. We will help you select the correct model.
>> Are masonry heaters worth it? Complete cost analysis
>> Particulate emissions testing and Lopez Labs results
>> Masonry heater building codes: ASTM E1602 and IRC R1002
SR Core Project Examples
The following completed SR Core builds are documented on our blog with full photo sequences and build notes. See the project gallery for the full collection.
- Fuess SR-22 Hybrid – White Oven and Side Heat Battery, Brick and Limestone – Full SR-22 Hybrid build near Marquette, MI with white oven, side heat battery (2 bells), red brick and Indiana limestone trim
- Nielsen SR-22 Stone Masonry Heater – SR-22 finished with local stone
- Scantlin SR-22 – White Oven, Granite Fieldstone – SR-22 with white oven, 3-sided heated bench, rear wood loading door, side chimney, local granite fieldstone finish
- Saylor SR-22HWO – White Oven and Heated Bench, Owner Finished – Owner-finished SR-22 Hybrid with white oven, side and front heated bench
- SR-22 Cast with Rear-Facing White Oven – SR-22CWO full build sequence with rear-facing white oven
- Stacked Heaters – SR-13 and SR-22 in Slate and Stucco – Two-heater system with combination slate and stucco finish
- SR-13 Russian Bell – See-Through Firebox, Taconite and Northern MN Stone – SR-13 with see-through firebox, front heated bench, banded taconite, slate, Mary Ellen jasper, and agate finish
- North House Folk School Cabin Heater Workshop – Workshop build – small cabin masonry heater
What is the difference between the Hybrid and Cast Core systems?
Both systems deliver identical radiant heat performance, support the same door and option selections, and meet the same ASTM E1602 and IRC R1002 code requirements. The difference is in materials and build time. The SR Hybrid Core uses approximately 230 firebricks with 18 cast refractory slabs. It costs less per kit but requires more masonry skill and adds roughly a full day or more to the build. The SR Cast Core uses only about 40 firebricks with 55 precision refractory castings that fit together with minimal cutting. It costs more per kit but is the fastest and least technically demanding system to build. If you are experienced with brickwork and want to manage kit cost, choose Hybrid. If you are a first-time builder or want the fastest path to a finished heater, choose Cast.
Can I build an SR Core kit myself with no masonry experience?
Yes, with the Cast Core system. The SR Cast Core was specifically designed for owner-builders without a masonry background. The castings are engineered to fit together with minimal cutting, and every kit includes detailed course-by-course PDF instructions with photos and SketchUp drawings. Many of our completed builds on the project blog were owner-finished. The SR Hybrid Core requires more masonry skill and is better suited to experienced builders. If you are considering the DIY route, read the DIY masonry heater page and Chapter 9 of the Masonry Heater Planning Guide first.
What does the kit price include?
Every SR Core kit includes all materials required to build the heater core: firebrick, all cast refractory slabs, refractory mortar, ceramic fiber insulation, expansion materials, gaskets, SR firebox door and hardware, and complete course-by-course SketchUp drawings in PDF format with 3D elevations. Kit prices are FOB Duluth, MN. They do not include foundation work, exterior veneer finishing material, chimney materials, or freight. We can supply chimney materials on a separate quote.
How long does it take to build an SR Core kit?
The SR Cast Core can be assembled by an experienced mason in approximately two to three days for the core alone, not counting veneer finishing or chimney work. The SR Hybrid Core typically takes one to two days longer due to the firebrick coursework. Total project time from foundation to finished heater varies widely depending on the finish material selected, whether a heated bench is included, and the builder’s experience level. A professional mason finishing in natural stone might take five to seven days total. An owner-builder working weekends might spread the project over several weeks.
What size heater do I need for my home?
Start with a heat loss calculation for your home using LoadCalc.net. This gives you your home’s design heat loss in BTU/hr. A masonry heater is a radiant heat storage appliance that releases its energy over 12 to 24 hours, so you compare its total daily BTU output to your home’s total daily heat demand – not the peak BTU/hr number from a Manual J calculation. As a general guide: the SR-13 heats approximately 1,200 sq. ft., the SR-18 heats approximately 1,800 sq. ft., and the SR-22 heats approximately 2,000 sq. ft. in well-insulated Energy Star construction with 8-foot ceilings. Call us with your heat loss number and floor plan and we will confirm the right model. See Chapter 3 of the Planning Guide for full sizing guidance.
Do I need a special foundation?
Yes. All masonry heater installations require a dedicated reinforced concrete foundation. Solid Rock Masonry specifies 4,500 psi concrete or better, 8 inches deep, with 1/2-inch rebar at 12 inches on center. The foundation footprint must accommodate the finished heater dimensions plus any heated bench. Download our Foundation Plan PDF for permit-ready clearance diagrams. See Chapter 5 of the Planning Guide for full foundation and clearance coverage.
Can I use a standard chimney?
A masonry heater can connect to a properly sized masonry chimney or a listed Class A insulated metal chimney. The SR-13 requires a 7-inch ID round flue or 8×12 OD clay tile equivalent. The SR-18 and SR-22 require an 8-inch ID round flue or 8×12 ID clay tile equivalent. Chimney height, offset angles, and clearances all affect draft performance. We can design and supply all required DuraVent Class A chimney materials on a separate quote. See Chapter 6 of the Planning Guide for full chimney system guidance.
How do I order and what is the lead time?
Call or email us to discuss your project. We will confirm the model, configuration, and any options, then issue a written quote. A 50 percent deposit secures your place in the production schedule. Balance is due upon completion. Lead times vary by season – spring and fall are our busiest periods. Contact us as early as possible in your planning process to secure your build window. Call 218-343-2978 or email eric@solidrockmasonry.com.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. All SR Core kits and SR Doors are FOB Duluth, MN. Kit pallets typically weigh up to 2,000 lbs. and ship by freight. International orders require customs importing, duties, and GST taxes in addition to shipping costs, all quoted separately. We have shipped to Canada and can work with freight brokers for other international destinations. Contact us to discuss your shipping options.
What is the burn time and how often do I fire the heater?
Burn time is 2 to 3 hours per fire. Most homes require one or two fires per day during the heating season depending on outdoor temperature and the home’s heat loss. The heater stores heat in its masonry mass and releases it slowly and evenly over 12 to 24 hours after the fire is out. You never need to tend the fire or regulate it to control room temperature – you simply load the firebox, light it, and let it burn completely. See the Owner’s Manual for curing fire procedures and daily operation guidance.
Is a masonry heater EPA certified?
Masonry heaters are classified by the US EPA as non-affected facilities and are specifically excluded from EPA wood heater certification requirements. This is because masonry heaters already meet or exceed the spirit of what EPA certification is trying to achieve. Independent emissions testing at Lopez Labs shows masonry heaters averaging under 1 gram of particulate matter per kilogram of wood burned – compared to over 17 g/kg for open fireplaces and over 15 g/kg for conventional wood stoves. See our emissions testing page for full test data. For building code information see ASTM E1602 and IRC R1002 masonry heater building codes.
Can I add a bake oven later, or does it have to be specified at the time of order?
It must be specified at the time of order. The bake oven – whether black (direct fire) or white (indirect fire) – is an integral part of the core system and its channel layout. The castings and channel dimensions are different for heaters with and without ovens. You cannot add an oven to a completed heater after the fact. If you are on the fence, we recommend ordering with the oven – it is far more practical and economical to include it in the original build than to attempt any modification later. Both oven types use the same daily heating fire with no separate firing required.
>> Complete masonry heater FAQ – Chapter 10 of the Planning Guide
Request a Quote or Ask a Question
Call or email to discuss your project, request pricing on custom configurations, or get help matching a model to your heat loss calculation. All prices are FOB Duluth, MN. Quotes are valid for 30 days. A 50 percent deposit secures your schedule; balance due on completion. International inquiries welcome.
Phone: 218-343-2978
Email: eric@solidrockmasonry.com
Website: www.solidrockmasonry.com
All prices are for the kit only, FOB Duluth, MN. Installation is quoted separately. Prices are subject to change. Estimate validity is 30 days from date of quote.
