Installing a Wood Burning Stove For a Shed
Wood burning stoves for sheds are an excellent option for gardeners who want to add a touch of warmth to their outdoor space. Any DEFRA-exempted shed log burner has to be installed in a smoke control zone and the flue pipe should be adequately shielded.
You will also need to fit non-combustible surfaces to the walls behind and adjacent to the stove for fire safety reasons.
Size
Wood burning stoves for sheds can be a great addition. They not only provide efficient heating, but also add a rustic touch to the area, which creates warmth and ambiance. But before you decide on the stove you want for your shed or any other off grid dwellings like a shepherd hut or yurt, or an earthship, container home, it is important to take into account the regulations and safety requirements.
When buying a log stove for a log cabin, shed or other outdoor space the size is a crucial aspect to take into consideration. While it may be tempting to buy a larger stove than what the space is required for, this can often result in a lack of performance and even overheating. To avoid this, we recommend using our KW Calculator tool to figure out the approximate output required for your room and then adding a couple of extra KW to be safe.
There are a lot of small log burners available that are perfect for log cabins and sheds. Charnwood Country 4 is a excellent example. It has a beautiful design inspired by the countryside and can be a perfect fit for any shed or log cabin. It also boasts a heat production of up to 4800 watts. It is Ecodesign capable, which means that it burns efficiently and produces minimal air pollution. It also features a large viewing window and a multi fuel grates, which means you can burn both wood and smokeless fuel.
Another great alternative is another option is the Saltfire Peanut stove range, which is available in a variety of colors and boasts an impressive heat output of up to 4.7kW. This model requires a bit more space away from combustibles - 500mm on the sides and back, but this can be reduced to 100mm using shielding. It also has a large viewing area and is an ideal choice for any shed or log cabin.
Based on the size and design of your shed, you may need to fit non-combustible material around the stove and flue pipe to ensure that it is in compliance with local safety regulations. This is particularly crucial when you have a building constructed of wood. The wood must be kept at least 200mm away from the stove in order to avoid fires. If your shed was constructed out of any other material, you should consult a professional installer to ensure that the appropriate insulation measures are in place.
Installation
A shed wood burner is a great way to make your garden cozy and comfortable during colder months. If you plan to add a wood stove to your shed, be sure it's installed correctly. This will shield your shed from fire damage and also ensure that the stove is in compliance with the building regulations and safety standards. In addition, to ensure that the area around the stove is clear of flammable materials It is essential to ensure that the shed is equipped with adequate ventilation. If there isn't enough ventilation the shed could become dangerous due to the accumulation of carbon monoxide.
Installing a wood burner for your shed starts with measuring the space you'd like to place it. Take into consideration the size of the wood stove and any other accessories that may be required. Then, consult the manufacturer's guidelines regarding the safe distance to combustible materials. Also, you should consider the shed's insulation levels, as these can impact the amount of heat that the stove produces.
Once you've measured the space then mark the location the areas you'll need to create the opening in the wall of the shed. Use a plumb line to get the correct positions, and be sure to leave a sufficient clearance between the stove's back and the wall, as well as between the walls of the shed and the chimney stack. Install a heat shield to guard the wall of the shed from the heat produced by the stove. The kit comes with, and it simply aligns with the hearth plate.
It is also necessary to ensure that the shed is equipped with a non-combustible hearth, which is usually made of slate or granite. The hearth must be minimum of 12mm thick, with a width of 225mm in the front, 150mm wide on the sides and in the rear. The flue pipe must be shielded and the distance from combustible surfaces should not exceed 200mm.
After putting in the hearth and stove You must wait at least 24 hrs before lighting it up for the first time. This is to ensure that the sealants and mortar can properly cure.
Ventilation

A wood stove requires oxygen to burn - a absence of airflow could cause a fire that isn't burning or even poisoning with carbon monoxide. A vent will allow air to circulate around the stove while it is operating and prevent carbon dioxide build-up and encouraging air circulation. Vents should be the same dimensions as the chimney/flue and be placed as close as possible to the stove.
When installing a wood-burning stove in a shed, you must adhere to certain rules, especially in relation to ventilation. You could be fined for not complying with. To avoid this, hire an HETAS-registered contractor to complete your installation and provide a certificate of conformance.
The Building Regulation Approved Document Part J, which regulates the installation of chimneys and flues must also be adhered to. This includes the distance that the flue pipe can be away from combustible surfaces such as ceilings and walls.
indoor wood burning stove and flue should be protected from fire damage by either heat shielding, or an insulation panel.
It is recommended to install an insulated board behind the hearth of the shed, and in front of the flue outlet. This will prevent the flue gases from being trapped in walls that are not insulated, potentially causing fire damage.
You can also protect your home from dampness by putting it away from possible sources of water. This includes any leaky doors or windows, as well as any areas where rainwater might drip onto the stove and chimney pipe.
A dehumidifier also helps to reduce the amount of moisture present in the air, which can create an atmosphere that is more pleasant. It will also help to keep fungus and mould from forming on the surfaces of your shed, which could impact the performance of the stove and lead to damage.
The kind of fuel you use on your log burner will have an impact on its performance too. Don't burn treated off-cuts, ply wood, or particle boards. These materials can release toxic chemicals that can harm the stove or flue system and create excessive emissions. They may also produce dangerously high temperatures and high temperatures in flue gas. Also, do not burn garbage such as tyres, cardboard or paper as they are harmful for the environment and could cause a blockage in your stove.
Safety
It is possible to install a log burner inside an outdoor shed. However it is essential to follow the proper guidelines for installation and take all necessary safety precautions. This includes making sure that your shed meets the requirements for installing log burners and also ensuring that your chimney and flue system are in good functioning order. In addition, it's important to ensure that you have the right fire insurance in the correct location.
The first thing to think about when deciding on the best shed to install a wood stove is its construction materials. Certain sheds might not be suitable for installing log burners due to safety concerns. It is also important to note that the use of timber as a building material may be restricted for this kind of project by regulations for planning, so be sure to check with your local authorities before you begin work.
It is also important to make sure that your shed is ventilated. Carbon monoxide is a health risk and can cause issues because of the inefficiency of the combustion process. In addition, the lack of ventilation can lead to condensation, which could lead to damp issues in the shed.
Be sure that the shed is not positioned too close to a staircase, because this can cause heated air to rise and lose heat as it rises. Likewise your shed shouldn't be situated too far from a window as this can also lead to drafts that could cause certain stoves to be unable to function, such as the open window detection system.
It is also essential to examine the roof of your shed for watertightness and ensure that the flue pipe is properly sealed. Ideally, you should hire a professional roofer to complete the work to ensure that it is completed to a high standard and is in accordance with building regulations and fire codes. You should also keep an extinguisher of class A in the shed to respond quickly to any smoke or fire problems. It is recommended to inspect your shed at least once a year to find signs of wear or damage that need to be repaired, and make sure that the chimney and flue are cleaned frequently to prevent creosote build-up.