Ducting Systems and Air Ventilation - Duct between basement ceiling and kitchen floor

This seems to be a simple question, but I want to make sure I get my ducts (-: in a row before I start cutting up the floor!

We have a vacation home that has a wood stove in the basement. During the winter, the basement gets so hot we can't go down there. At the same time, the upper level stays pretty cold until we leave the main level heater on for an extended period. And even then, it's still way cooler upstairs than in the basement.

I'd like to cut down on my gas bill and install heating grates / registers between the basement and the main level.

I think all I have to do is find a place where there are no floor joists and cut the basement ceiling and the kitchen floor.

Do I need to but heating duct for the 6 - 8 inches between ceiling and floor? Will not putting in a duct hurt anything?

What are the "gotchas?"

If this works in the living room and kitchen (directly above basement area with wood stove), I'm thinking about putting a vent in the bedroom and bathroom. Am I being too aggressive?

Thanks to everyone in advance for any suggestions!



Thanks,
Charlie

If you have no insulation in floor , sounds like you do or got thick floors , for me I would get another person as a spotter or get on my hiking boots , and get a insulation rod will work if floor is not to hard or a small long drill bit (but only go till you feel it go thru floor because of wires , pipes , and your helps head and slowley push it thru so you can see it below) to spot my holes that way you can see what size you have to work with at that location.
I would not over do the amount of holes just what you feel you need for the registers.
Cut you holes with what you can fill it with (example a 4x10 register would be a 4 1/2 light x10 1/2 light hole ).
And use registers so you can cut them off. If you have insulation you can get extensions made.