When you choose a new wood-burning stove, everything from design to heat output matters. The stove’s cladding has a major impact on how heat is stored, released and distributed – and on how the stove looks and feels in everyday use.
At TermaTech, we offer wood-burning stoves in steel, soapstone, sandstone and the specially developed design concrete TermaStone® – each with its own advantages, characteristics and aesthetic. Here you’ll get an overview of the differences between the various claddings, making it easier to assess what suits your home and your heating needs.
What does the cladding mean for the heat?
Overall, the cladding affects how quickly the stove heats up, how long it retains heat after you stop firing, and how the surface integrates into the room.
Materials such as steel respond quickly but store less heat, while heavy materials like soapstone, sandstone and TermaStone® take longer to heat up – in return, they release heat for longer.
Steel – fast, efficient heat
Our steel stoves are known for rapid heating thanks to the circulation of convection air. This makes them ideal if you want quick warmth. Steel’s light weight and heat-conducting properties mean the stove quickly reaches high temperatures. On the other hand, it also cools down faster once the flames have died out. A steel stove is therefore an obvious choice if you prioritise fast, efficient heating.
Soapstone – maximum heat storage
A soapstone stove is for those looking for long-lasting heat storage. Soapstone is a natural stone with a high talc content, giving it a particular ability to store heat. The stone absorbs heat slowly and releases it evenly over a long period – even after the last flames have gone out.
A wood-burning stove with soapstone cladding is well suited if you want more consistent, comfortable warmth throughout the day. It takes longer to heat up, but the benefit is continued, steady heat output that lasts for many hours.
TermaStone® – heat storage in design concrete
Our wood-burning stoves with the specially developed design concrete TermaStone® combine efficient heating with a calm, modern look. The material is a cost-effective alternative to natural stone and absorbs heat efficiently while the stove is in use. Like soapstone and sandstone stoves, the stove retains heat for hours – even after the flames have died out.
The surface has a uniform, nature-inspired texture, making TermaStone® a good choice if you want an architectural yet still natural-looking expression.
Sandstone – natural expression and pleasant residual heat
A sandstone stove combines functionality with natural tones. Sandstone is a natural stone with subtle colour variations that give the stove a calm, natural appearance.
Compared with steel stoves, sandstone stoves heat up a little more slowly, but are on a par with concrete and soapstone stoves. They store heat and release it over a longer period, providing pleasant residual warmth in the room. This cladding is therefore relevant if you’re looking for a natural material combined with longer-lasting heat storage.
Heat storage – in brief
Soapstone: The most optimal heat storage. Ideal for stable, long-lasting warmth, even after the last firing.
TermaStone: High heat storage combined with efficient heating and an attractive price.
Sandstone: A good balance between heating speed and long-lasting heat storage.
Steel: Fast heating and ideal for immediate warmth, but limited heat storage once the fire has gone out.
Choosing the right cladding for your wood-burning stove depends on a number of parameters: everything from ceiling height to room size and the stove’s placement in the room can play a role. The same applies to your home’s insulation, how often you use the stove, and the visual expression you prefer.
No matter which cladding you prefer, TermaTech wood-burning stoves are developed with a focus on efficiency, durability and comfort. And if you’re unsure which type of cladding best suits your needs, our retailers are always ready to help assess the options and find a solution that matches your heating requirements, your style and your home décor.
