Solid Rock Masonry

01/30/2026

This is a short video of the German/Austrian-style Grundofen masonry heater build that I taught in 2024 at the Masonry Heater Association of North Americas annual meeting at Wild Acres in NC. You can sign up for the 2026 annual meeting right now on the MHA website.

The 2026 MHA Annual Meeting workshops, presentations, and project build descriptions are available on the MHA website under Events > 2026 MHA Annual Conference, or via the link below. The list will be updated as descriptions are added. Lots of great learning opportunities with skilled presenters. We hope to see you at Wildacres Retreat in April!

https://www.mha-net.org/mha-2026-annual-meeting-2/

01/30/2026

Want to learn how to build a real Finnish-style masonry heater?

If you love traditional craftsmanship, clean wood heat, and old-world building skills, this class is for you.

I’ll be teaching Masonry Heater Building at North House Folk School in Grand Marais, MN—and during this hands-on weekend we’ll build a classic high-thermal-mass masonry heater (with firebrick and clay), learn best practices, and dive deep into what makes masonry heaters such an efficient, comfortable heating system.

In this course we’ll cover:

* Heater design + sizing basics
* Firebrick & clay construction methods
* Door & hardware installation
* Code considerations and tool use
* Oven integration and finish options (clay plaster/stucco)
* Efficient firing technique for maximum heat storage

This is one of the most valuable classes you can take if you’re serious about **sustainable wood heat**, high-performance heating, or building skills you can use for life.

Location: North House Folk School (Grand Marais, MN)
Dates: Feb 20–22, 2026
Instructor: Eric Moshier

Register here: https://northhouse.org/course-session/masonry-heater-building-2-20-2026
If you’ve been thinking about building a masonry heater someday — this is the perfect way to get hands-on experience and see the full process up close.

Masonry heaters originated in Northern Europe where winters were cold and fuel wasn’t always plentiful. The natural response? Create a wood-fired presence that was at once incredibly efficient and highly attractive, capable of generating abundant heat and ideal for cooking/baking. Masonry heaters ...

01/25/2026

Why do so many homeowners love soapstone radiant heat?

Because it feels different than a typical wood stove. A Tulikivi soapstone radiant fireplace stores heat in thermal mass, then releases it gradually—so your home stays comfortable longer with fewer temperature swings.

We just added a new product page with videos, downloadable PDFs, and the most important things to know before choosing a Tulikivi model.

If you’re building or remodeling near Duluth or anywhere else in northern MN, WI, or the Upper Peninsula of MI, we’d be happy to help you plan the right installation
Read the full guide here:

Explore Tulikivi soapstone radiant fireplaces for efficient heating. Designed for clean burns and lasting warmth in your home.

01/24/2026

Are masonry heaters worth the investment? 🔥
We just published the most comprehensive cost analysis ever done on masonry heaters vs. oil, propane, electric, and gas heating.
The results might surprise you:
💰 Save $9,000-$12,000 over 10 years vs. oil/electric
⚡ Works during power outages (no electricity needed!)
🌲 87% lower carbon footprint
📊 4-5 year payback period
If you're heating with anything other than natural gas, this analysis will show you exactly how much money you're leaving on the table.
Read the full 2025 cost breakdown:

Are masonry heaters worth it? See the 10-year cost analysis: save $9K-$12K vs. oil/electric. 4-5 year payback. Power outage protection

12/07/2025

https://www.warmstone.com/the-philosophy-of-architect-rann-haight?fbclid=IwZnRzaAOiaPZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeskrpoyNr8k8_STVx6m4u_4RLM-6WeZqzr4AqF5LdS-U9KUkNsB55Vy9xKcI_aem_r19DPrHb0ShJkyi4zrrPyQ

Gathering around a fire is one of life's simplest pleasures. For 30 years WarmStone Fireplaces and Designs has been installing the most efficient, beautiful fireplaces in the world. Discover added beauty with our soapstone countertops, tiles, and hand-made sinks. Visit our showroom today!

08/01/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19AN3KdvpS/

11/19/2024

🔥 **Exciting News!** 🔥

I'm thrilled to announce that I'll be teaching three Masonry Heater Building classes at the incredible North House Folk School! 🎉 This is my 14th year teaching masonry heater & oven building classes, so sign up fast before the spots are filled.

If you've ever wanted to learn how to build your own masonry heater—a timeless, energy-efficient heating solution—this is your chance. These classes are hands-on, immersive, and perfect for anyone passionate about sustainable living, old-world craftsmanship, and the art of heating your home clean and efficiently with wood.

💡 **What You’ll Learn:**
✅ The history & science behind masonry heaters
✅ Building techniques and finishing design principles
✅ How to create beautiful, efficient heaters that keep homes warm and cozy

📅 Class dates are in the link below
📍 **Location:** North House Folk School, Grand Marais, MN

Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or simply curious about the craft, I’d love for you to join me. Let’s build something amazing together! 💪

👉 Sign up now with the link below

Tag someone who’d love this, and feel free to ask me any questions in the comments! 👇

North House was founded in 1997 by a small handful of inspired locals passionate about traditional craft and cooperative learning.

05/26/2024

We built this wood fired bake oven with a 4’ x 10’ wood fired grill in the fall of 2022 for Buddy Boy Fine Barbeque in Minnetrista MN. Joe and his wife and team are wonderful people. They make the best bbq I have eaten anywhere. Take a trip to Buddy Boy Fine BBQ and enjoy great food and service.

04/26/2024

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is the voice for our wild public lands, waters and wildlife.

04/25/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/2UqHJZSqSFJckjqj/?mibextid=WC7FNe