Complete Guide to Installing a Wood Burning Stove
From Selection to First Fire
There's something undeniably captivating about a wood burning stove. The dancing flames, the comforting warmth that radiates throughout your room, and the distinctive crackling sound create an atmosphere that simply can't be matched by other heating methods. If you're considering adding this timeless feature to your home, you are making an excellent choice for both ambiance and efficient heating.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about installing a wood burning stove in your home, from selecting the right model to enjoying your first fire.
Selecting Your Perfect Wood Burning Stove
Before diving into the installation process, it's crucial to select the right stove for your needs. Here are the key considerations:
Heat Output Requirements
Wood burning stoves are rated by their heat output in kilowatts (kW). To determine the appropriate size for your space:
Calculate approximately 1kW for every 14 cubic meters of space
Consider factors like insulation quality, ceiling height, and window size
For a typical living room (5m × 4.5m with 2.4m ceiling), you'll need around 4kW
Choosing the correct output ensures your room stays comfortably warm without overheating or under performing.
This can be difficult to work out, if you struggle to know what size stove you need need you can drop into on of our showrooms in Cornwall, Wadebridge or Redruth, where our experienced members of staff will be able to guide you.
Quality Brands We Recommend
When investing in a wood burning stove, quality matters. We particularly recommend:
Charnwood Stoves: Known for their exceptional British craftsmanship, Charnwood offers innovative features like their clean-burn airwash system and multi-fuel conversion kits. The Charnwood C-Series provides timeless design with modern efficiency, while their Island range offers powerful heating solutions for larger spaces.
Contura Stoves: These Swedish-designed stoves combine stunning contemporary aesthetics with superior heating performance. Contura's models feature large glass doors for maximum flame visibility and advanced combustion technology that ensures exceptional efficiency and minimal emissions.
Both brands meet or exceed the latest Ecodesign standards, ensuring your stove will be compliant with current and upcoming environmental regulations.
Essential Components for Installation
A complete wood burning stove installation consists of several key components:
The Stove
The centerpiece of your installation, available in various designs from traditional cast iron models to sleek contemporary styles. Both Charnwood and Contura offer exceptional quality stoves in a range of styles to suit any interior design preference.
Hearth
A non-combustible platform that woodburning stove sits on, protecting your flooring from heat and potential ember escapes. Your hearth must:
Be at least 12mm thick
Be made from non-combustible material like stone, slate, glass, or concrete
Cover an area of at least 840mm × 840mm
Extend at least 225mm in front of the stove door
Flue System
This crucial component safely channels smoke and gases out of your home. Depending on your property, you'll need either:
Flexible flue liner: For existing chimneys, these stainless steel liners (available in 316 or 904 grade) create a proper channel for smoke and improve efficiency
Twin-wall flue system: For properties without a chimney, this creates an artificial chimney using insulated pipes
Register Plate
This seals off the chimney opening, ensuring all smoke and gases exit through the flue liner rather than leaking into your room or losing heat up the chimney.
Carbon Monoxide Detector
A legal requirement for any solid fuel installation, this life-saving device alerts you to the presence of carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless gas that can be deadly.
Additional Components
Stove pipe: Connects your stove to the chimney or flue system
Chimney cap/cowl: Prevents rain, birds, and debris from entering while improving draw
Heat shields: May be required to reduce distance to combustible materials
Ventilation: Required for stoves above a certain output (5kW for most installations)
Understanding Your Installation Options
The installation process varies depending on whether your property has an existing chimney.
Installing With an Existing Chimney
This is generally the simpler and more cost-effective option. The process typically involves:
Chimney inspection and sweeping: Ensuring the chimney is structurally sound and clear of obstructions
Hearth installation: Creating a suitable non-combustible base
Flue liner installation: Inserting a flexible steel liner down the chimney
Register plate fitting: Sealing the chimney opening
Stove connection: Linking the stove to the flue system with appropriate stove pipe
Testing and certification: Ensuring the installation meets regulations
Installing Without a Chimney
Don't worry if your home doesn't have a chimney—you can still enjoy a wood burning stove with a twin-wall flue system. This involves:
Route planning: Determining the best path for your flue system (internal or external)
Hearth installation: Creating a suitable base for the stove
Penetration creation: Making appropriate openings in walls, ceilings, or roofs
Twin-wall flue installation: Building a complete pathway from stove to roof
Weatherproofing: Ensuring all penetrations are properly sealed
Support and bracing: Securing the flue system appropriately
Testing and certification: Verifying compliance with building regulations
Important Regulations and Requirements
All wood burning stove installations must comply with UK building regulations, specifically Document J. Key as well as manufacturers specific requirements including:
Clearance distances: Minimum space between the stove and combustible materials
Hearth specifications: Size, thickness, and material requirements
Flue height: Typically at least 4.5m from stove to termination
Flue diameter: Usually matching the stove outlet size (typically 5" or 6")
Terminal position: Height above the roof and distance from openings
Ventilation requirements: Permanent air supply for stoves rated over 5kW
In addition, if you live in a smoke control area, you must install an exempt appliance (like most modern Charnwood and Contura models) to legally burn wood.
Why Professional HETAS Installation Matters
While we do offer cash and carry options for stoves and flue components, we strongly recommend professional installation by a HETAS-registered engineer for several important reasons:
Safety Assurance
A professional installation ensures your stove operates safely, with proper clearances, correct flue sizing, and appropriate ventilation. This minimizes fire risks and prevents carbon monoxide dangers.
Building Regulations Compliance
HETAS-registered installers can self-certify their work, providing you with a certificate that proves your installation meets all legal requirements. This is invaluable for insurance purposes and future property sales.
Warranty Protection
Many manufacturers, including Charnwood and Contura, require professional installation to maintain warranty coverage on their products.
Expert Knowledge
Professional installers understand the nuances of different property types and can overcome installation challenges that DIY approaches might miss.
Peace of Mind
Perhaps most importantly, professional installation gives you confidence that your stove will perform efficiently and safely for years to come.
Our installation service includes a comprehensive site survey, all necessary materials, professional fitting by HETAS-registered engineers, and complete certification.
Preparing Your Space for Installation
Whether you're having your stove professionally installed or preparing for a HETAS engineer's visit, here are some steps to take before installation day:
Clear the Area
Remove furniture, rugs, and decorations from the installation area and create a clear path from the entrance to the installation site.
Protect Flooring
If the installation will cross carpeted or sensitive flooring, consider laying protective coverings.
Consider Your Decoration
If you're planning to redecorate, consider how much work will be involved in creating your new fireplace. If you need to create or enlarge an existing fireplace it is best to wait until after your fireplace is fitted.
Plan for Fuel Storage
Designate a suitable dry area for storing your wood fuel, ideally with easy access to your living space.
Check Access Routes
Ensure there's adequate access for bringing in the stove, which can be heavy and awkward to maneuver.
Living With Your New Wood Burning Stove
Once your stove is professionally installed, here's how to get the most from it:
Seasoning Your Stove
New stoves need gentle breaking in. For the first few fires:
Build small, low-temperature fires
Allow the stove to cool completely between fires
Gradually increase fire size
This allows casting seals and paint to cure properly. You may find the first burn is a bit smelly as the paint cures.
Choosing the Right Fuel
For optimal performance and compliance with regulations:
Use only properly seasoned or kiln-dried wood with less than 20% moisture content
Look for the "Ready to Burn" certification on purchased logs
Avoid burning treated wood, construction timber, or household waste
Consider hardwoods like oak, ash, and beech for longer, hotter burns
Efficient Operation
To maximize efficiency and minimize emissions:
Start with small kindling to establish a good bed of embers
Add larger logs once the fire is established
Control airflow using the stove's vents
Maintenance Requirements
Regular maintenance ensures safe, efficient operation:
Have your chimney swept at least once annually (twice if used heavily)
Clean ash regularly, but always leave a small bed of ash for wood burning
Clean the glass as needed using appropriate stove glass cleaner
Check seals and components annually
Conclusion
Installing a wood burning stove transforms your living space, creating a beautiful focal point while providing efficient, sustainable heat. With quality brands like Charnwood, Contura, Stuv, Rais, Woodwarm or Bordelet and professional HETAS installation, you can enjoy the unique comfort of wood heat for many years to come.
Whether you choose to purchase your stove and components for self-arranged installation or take advantage of our complete installation service, we're here to help you navigate the process and find the perfect heating solution for your home.
