Installing a Wood Burning Stove For a Shed

A wood burning stoves small-burning stove for your sheds is an ideal choice for those who want to add a touch of homely style to their garden. Be aware that any DEFRA-exempt shed log burner needs to be located in a smoke-free area and the flue pipe protected.

You should also install non-combustible surfaces on the walls adjacent and behind the stove to ensure that there is no fire risk.

Size

A wood burning stove for a shed is an excellent option for any space and not only provide efficient heating but also adding a rustic and beautiful look that adds warmth and ambiance. However, before deciding on a stove for your shed or any other off grid dwellings like a shepherd hut or yurt, an earthship or container home, you must be aware of the regulations and safety standards.

When purchasing a log stove for a log cabin, shed or any other outdoor space, the size is a crucial factor to consider. It is tempting to purchase a larger stove that is needed for the space, but this could result in poor performance or even overheating. To avoid this, we recommend using our KW Calculator to find out the approximate output required for your home and then adding a couple of extra KW to be safe.

There are a lot of very small wood burner log burners that are perfect for sheds and log cabins. Take the Charnwood Country 4 for example It has an attractive country-inspired design that would suit any type of shed or log cabin, while it boasts a heat output of up to 4.8kW. This model is Ecodesign-ready which means it burns efficiently and produces little air pollution. It also comes with a huge viewing area and a multi-fuel grate so it can burn wood or smokeless fuel.

Another great alternative is the Saltfire Peanut stove range, which comes in a variety of colours and has an impressive heat output of up to 4.7kW. The model has a little more distance to combustibles than the other models on this list - 550mm to both the sides and rear - this can be reduced by 100mm when shielding is utilized. It has a large viewing area which makes it an ideal option for any log cabin or shed.

To ensure that you are in compliance with local regulations, you may need to install non-combustible material around the flue or stove pipe depending on the size and design of your shed. This is particularly crucial when you have a building made of wood. The contemporary wood burners must be kept at least a distance of 200mm from the stove to prevent fires. If your shed was constructed out of any other material, you should consult an expert installation contractor to ensure that the appropriate insulation measures are in place.

Installation

A shed wood burner is a great option to make your garden cosy and comfortable during the winter months. If you're planning to add a wood stove to your shed, make sure that it is properly installed. This will protect your shed from fire damage and ensure that the stove complies with the building regulations and safety standards. You must also ensure that the shed is adequately ventilated. This includes making sure that the space around the fireplace is free of combustible materials. The shed could be dangerous if it doesn't have enough ventilation. This is because carbon monoxide can get sucked up.

Installing a shed wood burner begins by measuring the space in which you'd like to place it. Take into consideration the size of the wood stove as well as any other accessories that might be required. Then, consult the manufacturer's guidelines regarding the safe distance from combustible materials. Also, you should consider the shed's insulation levels, as these can impact the amount of heat your stove generates.

Determine the exact position of the opening you'd like to create in the shed's wall after you have measured it. Use a plumb-line to make sure you are in the right positions. Also, leave plenty of space between the walls of the side and the chimney stack, and the back of your stove. Install an insulation layer to shield the wall of the shed from the heat generated by the stove. The kit comes with, and it simply aligns with the hearth plate.

Also, you must ensure that your shed is equipped with an open hearth constructed of non-combustible materials, such as granite, slate, or concrete. The hearth must be a minimum of 12mm thick and 225mm wide in the front, and 150mm wide on the sides and in the rear. The flue pipe has to be protected and the safe distance between combustible surfaces cannot exceed 200mm.

Once the hearth and stove are in place, you should wait at least 24 hours before lighting it for the first time. This is to let the mortar and sealants that you use to fully cure.

Ventilation

A wood stove needs oxygen to burn. Without airflow, it can result in a non-burning flame or even carbon monoxide. Vents will ensure that air continues to flow around the stove while it is in use, preventing carbon monoxide build up and assisting with air circulation. Vents should be the same size as the chimney/flue and be located as close as is possible to the stove.

There are many rules that you have to be aware of, especially in regard to ventilation, when you install a conservatory wood burner burning stove in a shed. If you don't comply with these regulations, you could end up being punished. To avoid this, hire a HETAS-registered installer to complete your installation and provide an official certificate of conformance.

You must also follow the Building Regulation Approved Document PartJ which regulates the safe installation of flues as well as chimneys. The distance between the flue pipe and any combustible materials, such as ceilings or walls, is also included. The stove and the flue need to be protected from fire damage through either heat shielding, or an insulation panel.

It is recommended to put an insulated board behind and in front of the flue outlet. This will stop the flue gasses from passing through the walls that are not insulated and causing possible fire damage.

You can also protect your shed from dampness by placing it away from potential sources of water. This includes leaky doors or windows and also any places where rainwater could spill onto the stove and chimney pipe.

A dehumidifier will also help to reduce the amount of moisture in the air and create a pleasant environment. It also helps to prevent mold and fungus from growing on the surfaces of your shed. This could affect the efficiency of the stove and cause damage to the stove.

The kind of fuel you burn on your log burner can have an impact on the performance of your log burner too. Don't burn treated cast iron wood burner off-cuts or particle boards. These types of materials produce toxic chemicals that can damage the stove and flue system, and could cause excessive emissions and potentially dangerously high temperatures in flue gasses. Never burn rubbish like tyres or cardboard. They're bad for the environment and could clog your stove.

Safety

Although it is possible to install a wood burning stove in a shed, it's important to follow the proper installation guidelines and follow the proper safety precautions. This includes ensuring that your shed is built to meet the requirements needed to install log burners and that your chimney system is in good working order. It's also recommended to make sure that you have the correct fire insurance in the correct location.

The first thing to think about when deciding on a shed for a wood stove is its construction materials. Certain sheds might not be suitable for installing log burners due a fire safety issues. It's also worth noting that the use of wood as a building material might be restricted for this kind of project by planning regulations, so make 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 could cause health issues due to the inefficiency of the combustion process. A lack of ventilation can also lead to damp issues and condensation in the shed.

Ensure that your shed isn't positioned too close to a stairwell, because this can cause heated air to rise and lose heat in the process. The shed should not be too far from a window as this can lead to drafts that can trigger certain stoves like the open-window detection system to activate.

It is also essential to examine the shed roof for watertightness and make sure that the flue pipe is properly sealed. Ideally, you should employ an expert roofer to carry out the work so that it is completed to a high quality and is in accordance with fire and building regulations. Keep a class A extinguisher inside the shed in the event of a fire or smoke emergency. It is recommended to examine your shed at least once a year for signs of wear and damage, and repair them. You should also have the chimney and flue cleaned frequently to prevent the accumulation of creosote.