Installing a Wood Burning Stove For a Shed
A wood-burning stove for your shed is a perfect option for those who want to add a little homely style to their garden. Any DEFRA-compliant shed log burner should be placed in a smoke control area and the flue pipe must be properly shielded.
To ensure safety from fire for fire safety, you'll also need to install non-combustible surfaces on the walls that are adjacent to and behind the stove.
Size
Wood burning stoves for sheds are great additions to. They not only provide efficient heating, but provide a rustic feel to the space, creating warmth and atmosphere. But, before you decide on a stove for your shed or other off grid residences such as a shepherd's hut or yurt, an earthship or container home it's important to be aware of the regulations and safety standards.
One of the most important factors to take into consideration when purchasing a log burner for a log cabin or shed is sizing. While it might be tempting to purchase larger stoves than the space actually required for, this can often lead to a lack of performance or even overheating. To avoid this we recommend using our KW calculator to find out the approximate KW output needed for your space and then adding a few extra KW just to be safe.
Luckily, there are plenty of small log burners that are ideal for log cabins and sheds. Take the Charnwood Country 4 for example; this model has an attractive country-inspired design that would suit any type of shed or log cabin with the capacity to heat up to 4.8kW. It is Ecodesign-ready, which means it is efficient in burning and creates less air pollution. It also comes with a huge viewing area and a multi-fuel grate so you can burn wood as well as smokeless fuel.
The Saltfire Peanut stove is another great option. It is available in a range of colours and can produce heat up to 4.7kW. This model does require some extra space to combustibles than other models on this list - 550mm to both the sides and rear - this can be reduced by 100mm when shielding is used. It also has a huge viewing window which makes it an ideal option for any shed or log cabin.
To ensure compliance with local regulations, you may be required to install non-combustible materials around the flue or stove pipe, based on the size and design of your shed. This is particularly important when you have a building constructed of wood. simply click the next website page should be kept at 200mm away from the stove in order to prevent fires. If your shed is built out of any other material, you should consult a professional installer to ensure that the correct insulation measures are in place.
Installation
A shed wood burner is a great way to make your garden retreat cosy and comfortable during the winter months. If you're planning to add a wood stove to your shed, be sure it is installed correctly. This will safeguard your shed from fire damage and ensure that the stove is in compliance with building regulations and safety standards. You must also ensure that your shed is properly ventilated. This includes making sure that the area around the fireplace is free of any combustible material. If there isn't enough ventilation, the shed could become hazardous due to the build-up of carbon monoxide.
Installing a wood burner in a shed begins by measuring the space in which you want to install it. Make sure to consider the dimensions of the stove and any other equipment you need. Then, consult the instructions of the manufacturer on the safe distance to combustible materials. It is also important to consider the insulation levels of the shed, as they could affect how much heat is generated by the stove.

Once you've determined the area, mark out the areas you'll need to create the opening in the shed wall. Use the plumb line to get the right positions, and be sure to leave a sufficient clearance between the stove's back and the wall, as well as between the sides of the shed and the chimney stack. You'll also need to fit a heat shield that shields the wall of the shed from the heat generated by the stove. The kit comes with, and it simply aligns with the hearth plate.
You will also have to ensure that your shed is equipped with hearths made of non-combustible materials, such as slate, granite or concrete. The hearth should be minimum of 12mm thick, 225mm wide in the front, 150mm wide on the sides and rear. The flue pipe should be shielded, and the safe distance from surfaces that are combustible should not exceed 200mm.
After the stove and hearth are in place, you should wait at least 24 hours before lighting it for the first time. This is to allow the sealants and mortar used to set properly.
Ventilation
A wood stove needs oxygen to burn. Without airflow, it could result in a non-burning flame or even carbon monoxide. A vent will allow air to circulate around the stove when it is in operation and prevent carbon dioxide build-up and encouraging air circulation. A vent should be the same dimensions as the chimney or flue and be located close to the stove.
There are a number of rules that you have to follow, particularly with regard to ventilation, when installing a wood burning stove in a shed. If you don't adhere to these regulations, you could end up being punished. To avoid this, employ an HETAS-registered installationist to complete your installation and issue a certificate of conformance.
The Building Regulation Approved document Part J, which governs the installation of chimneys and flues, must be adhered to. The distance between the flue pipe and combustible material, such as walls or ceilings, is also included. The flue pipe and stove must be secured against fire damage using either heat shielding or an insulation board.
It is recommended to place an insulation board behind and in front of the outlet for the flue. This will stop the flue gasses from passing through un-insulated walls and causing potential fire damage.
You can also safeguard your home from dampness by positioning it away from potential sources of water. This can include leaky windows or doors as well as any other places where rainwater could drip onto the stove and flue 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 can also prevent mould and fungus from forming on the surfaces of your shed, which can impact the performance of the stove and lead to damage.
The kind of fuel you use on your log burner will have an effect on the performance of your log burner too. Don't burn treated off-cuts, ply or particle boards. These types of material produce toxic chemicals that can damage the stove and flue system and can cause excessive emissions and potentially dangerously high temperatures in flue gases. Avoid burning rubbish such as tyres or cardboard. They are bad for the environment and could clog your stove.
Safety
While it is possible to install a wood burning stove in a shed, it's important to follow the correct installation guidelines and take the appropriate safety precautions. This includes ensuring that your shed is in compliance with the requirements for installing log stoves, as well as making sure that your chimney and flue system are in good working order. It is also a good idea that you have the correct fire insurance.
When looking for a shed to install a wood stove the first thing you need to be aware of is the material used in its construction. Some sheds might not be suitable for installing log burners due to fire safety concerns. Be aware that using wood as a building material for this purpose could be prohibited by local planning regulations.
Next, you'll need to ensure that your shed is equipped with adequate ventilation. second hand wood burning stoves is a health risk and can cause problems due to the inefficiency of the combustion process. A lack of ventilation could cause condensation and damp problems in the shed.
Be certain that your shed is not too close to the staircase. This will cause heated air to rise, and then lose heat. Likewise the shed should not be placed too far from a window as this can also lead to drafts that can cause stoves to be unable to function, such as the open window detection system.
It's also important to check the shed roof for watertightness, and to ensure that the flue pipe is sealed. Ideally, you should employ a professional roofer to complete the work so that it is completed to a high standard and in compliance with fire and building regulations. Keep an extinguisher in class A inside the shed in case of a smoke or fire emergency. It is recommended to check your shed at least once per year to find signs of wear or damage that need to be repaired. Also, ensure that the chimney and flue are cleaned frequently to prevent creosote accumulation.