Installing the Very Small Wood Burning Stove

Wood stoves are increasingly being installed in smaller, highly insulated homes. These spaces are perfect for the most compact wood-burning stoves. They offer significant health benefits.

They also work well for caravans, yurts, sheds and shepherd's huts. But, it is crucial to remember that you must maintain a safe distance between the stove and any combustible materials.

How do you install a small stove made of wood?

Wood-burning stoves can be a fantastic way to heat small homes without consuming more energy or relying on petroleum. However, putting in a wood stove can be daunting. There are many important steps to be taken to ensure your stove is installed properly and safely. Before starting, make sure you have the proper tools and follow all the manufacturer's instructions. It is also a good idea to consult a certified professional.

The first step is preparing the area where the stove installation will be made. This includes removing combustible materials and preparing the hearth's foundation. Then, you can construct the hearth and then install the stove. A hearth is an inflammable, fire-resistant layer that protects your flooring underneath the stove. It also serves as a solid base for the tubes of metal which transport smoke and odors away from the house.

You can use a hearth pad that is already made or make your own. The pad should be made of tiles that are fireproof or concrete. It must be anchored to the floor with high-temperature cement, which is available at home improvement stores. Check that the hearth is located above the stove, and also that it meets the side clearance requirements.

You'll then have to select the type of chimney pipe you want to use. You can choose between single wall or double wall black stove pipe(opens in new tab). The choice will be based on the distance between your stove and the combustible materials. The distance that is recommended should be based upon the manufacturer's guidelines and local building code.

If you are unable to locate your stove within recommended distances, then you can install heat shields to decrease the clearance required. However, you must check with your local fire department and insurance company to determine if this is allowed.

Installing a fan that blows the hot air out of the room is an alternative. This can help the stove to heat the space more evenly. Then, you can move your furniture closer to the fireplace and enjoy the warmth of a fireplace. Make sure to only use dry and seasoned wood in your stove. If you don't the ash is dangerous to your family.

Space requirements

Many people are in love with the idea of having wood stoves in their home, but it is important to understand how much space it can take up. The amount of space needed around the stove will depend on the dimensions of your space and the power output. If you don't have enough room for a stove you may want to consider other sources of heating.


The space requirements for small wood stoves can differ from one manufacturer the next however, generally speaking you should leave at least two feet between the stove and any combustible material. Also, you should consider walls and ceilings that are combustible. In addition, inquire with your insurance provider to determine what their requirements are for the stove.

You can cut down on the space required for a small wood-burning stove by using venting systems that have an flue tube that is an insulated one. This will decrease the amount of space you'll need to leave around the stove, and will also help prevent smoke from leaking into the room. Consult the manufacturer's guidelines before choosing a venting solution for your small wood stove.

You can also put in heat shields to decrease the distance between your stove and the combustible surfaces. wood burning stoves uk can be purchased from the manufacturer and fitted to either the front or back of the wood stove. You can also use double-walled flue pipes to reduce the distance between your wood stove and combustible material.

Metal firebacks are a good alternative for stoves with small wood sizes. It is available at the hardware store near you. It's a great way to shield your walls from the damage caused by fire. A fireback can also prevent hot embers falling on your furniture or floor, and can reduce the necessity for chimney caps.

A small wood-burning stove is an excellent choice for apartments and homes with limited space. This stove offers efficient heating at a lower cost than other options. Wood is also a renewable source and is readily available locally.

Flue system

Flue systems are conduits that safely transport gases and smoke from your stove to outside. Without a flue system, the gases could accumulate in the room, posing an health risk. They could also cause dangerous draught.

Select a flue system that is compatible with the dimensions and power output of your stove. The flue pipe must be at minimum 25% larger than the stove's to allow for adequate draft and smoke passage. It is also crucial that the flue system is constructed and insulated. A properly insulated flue pipe will reduce loss of heat and keep the temperature in the stove at a low level which will increase the efficiency.

It is also important to take into consideration the place where your tiny wood stove will be located when selecting the flue. If your stove will be located in a mobile home or caravan, you should choose a system that can easily be removed when the stove is moved. If you plan to install your stove in a permanent residence then you should select an internal system. In this scenario, your flue pipe would be routed through both the ceiling and wall of your home. You can also install an external twin-wall flue system. These systems are simple to install and require less disruption to the interior of your home.

It is not recommended to set up an already-built chimney on your small wood-burning stove. This is expensive and can be extremely dangerous if not done properly. The best option is to install a flexible flue liner. They are available in various sizes and grades, and can be cut to fit the size of your stove. It is essential to choose the appropriate grade of flue liner for your stove, as it will affect the efficiency with which smoke and gasses are drawn up through the chimney.

It is crucial to follow the UK building regulations when installing a flue system. These regulations specify requirements such as the distance from combustibles, how the flue system is routed and the size of the hearth. It is also important to install CO detectors in the room that the stove will be placed. This device will notify you when it detects a high level of this odourless gas.

Safety precautions

Wood stoves are popular ways to heat your home, but if they are not installed or used properly they could cause fires. Wood stoves that are not properly installed and operated in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer cause more than 4000 fires within homes each year. Fortunately fires can be prevented by taking simple safety precautions. This includes proper venting, avoiding burning trash and papers on the stove, and keeping children and pets far away from the fireplace or wood stove.

A wood stove should be vented through a metal chimney that extends at a minimum of one meter above the roof of the house. It shouldn't be connected to a flue used by another appliance like a boiler or furnace, which could cause toxic carbon monoxide to leak into your home. Additionally, the chimney should be checked on a regular basis to prevent the buildup of creosote and other dangerous conditions.

The stove should be placed at least three metres from walls and furniture to prevent the accumulation of heat and smoke in these areas. The stove should also be placed on a nonflammable surface. A professional mason should inspect the stove's chimney and wood stove on a regular basis to make sure that the chimney is free of obstructions.

It is crucial to use only seasoned, dry wood in a wood stove. Green or wet wood is more difficult to burn, which causes inefficient combustion and produces large volumes of smoke. Additionally it can cause the room to fill with poisonous substances and lead to smoke inhalation.

When you are starting a fire in the wood stove, it is essential to only add a handful of pieces of dry, well-seasoned wood at one time. Overloading the stove with wood could cause it to overheat and ignite the chimney fire. In addition, paper and trash should never be burned in a wood stove as they release toxic fumes.

It is a good idea to test a stove's operation prior to winter. Burn three or two small pieces well-seasoned wood for a short time. This will uncover any creosote, or other obstructions that might have built up in the chimney.