Installing a Wood Burning Stove For a Shed

Wood burning stoves for sheds are an excellent option for gardeners who want to bring a touch of comfort to their home. Be aware that any DEFRA exempt shed log burner has to be located within a smoke control area and have the flue pipe adequately shielded.

To protect yourself from fire it is also necessary to install non-combustible surfaces on the walls that are adjacent to and behind the stove.

Size

Wood burning stoves for sheds can be great additions to. They not only provide efficient heating, but also add a rustic touch to the space that creates warmth and atmosphere. But before you decide on a stove for your shed or any other off grid dwelling like a shepherd's hut or yurt, an earthship or container home it's important to consider the rules and safety standards.

When buying a log stove for a log cabin, shed or other outdoor space, the size is an important aspect to consider. It may be tempting to buy a bigger stove that is needed for the space, but this could lead to poor performance and even overheating. To avoid this, we recommend using our KW calculator to find out the approximate KW output needed for your area and then adding a few KW just to be safe.

There are a lot of very small wood burner log burners available that are ideal for sheds and log cabins. Take the Charnwood Country 4 for example It has a beautiful country inspired design that is suitable for any kind of shed or log cabin and boasts the capacity to heat up to 4.8kW. This model is Ecodesign-ready which means it is efficient in burning and creates little air pollution. It also has a large viewing window and a multi fuel grate, meaning you can burn both wood and smokeless fuel.

Another great option is the Saltfire Peanut stove range, which is available in a variety of colours and boasts a stunning heat output of up to 4.7kW. The model has some extra space to combustibles than the other models on this list - 550mm from the sides and rear - it can be reduced by 100mm if shielding is employed. It also has a huge viewing window, making it an ideal option for any log cabin.

To ensure that you are in compliance with local regulations, you may be required to install non-combustible materials around the stove or flue pipe based on the dimensions and design of your shed. This is especially important in the case of a shed constructed of wood. The wood should be kept at least a distance of 200mm from the stove in order to prevent fires. If your shed is constructed from any other material then you should seek the advice of an expert installer to ensure that the proper insulating measures are in place.

Installation

A shed wood burner is a great way to make your garden cosy and comfortable during the winter months. If you plan 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 the building regulations and safety standards. In addition to making sure that the space around the stove is free of combustible materials, you must ensure that the shed is equipped with adequate ventilation. The shed could be dangerous if it doesn't have sufficient ventilation. This is due to the fact that carbon monoxide is a gas that can accumulate.

Installing a shed wood burner begins with measuring the area you want to install it. Take into consideration the size of the indoor wood burner stove as well as any other accessories that might be required. Then, refer to the guidelines of the manufacturer regarding the safe distance to combustible materials. You will also need to be aware of the insulation levels in the shed as they can affect the amount of heat that the stove produces.

Note the location of the opening you want to make in the shed's wall after you have measured it. Use a plumb line to ensure the right positions and ensure that you leave a sufficient clearance between the back of the stove and the wall, as well as between the side walls of the shed and the chimney stack. 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 the shed is equipped with a hearth that is not combustible, which is usually made of slate or granite. The hearth must be a minimum 12mm thick and 225mm wide in the front, 150mm wide on the sides and rear. The flue pipe has to be protected and the safe distance between combustible surfaces cannot exceed 200mm.

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

Ventilation

A wood stove needs oxygen to burn - a absence of airflow could result in a non-burning fire or even carbon monoxide poisoning. 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 size or bigger than the chimney/flue and should be located as close to the stove as it is possible.

When you install a wood-burning stove in a shed, you must adhere to some rules, specifically in relation to ventilation. You could be fined for not complying with. To avoid this, you should hire an HETAS-registered installationist to complete your installation and provide a certificate of conformance.

It is also essential to adhere to the Building Regulation Approved Document Part J which regulates the safe installation of flues and chimneys. This includes the distance the flue pipe is from combustible materials such as ceilings and walls. The stove and flue pipe must be secured against fire damage by using heat shielding or an insulation board.

It is recommended to put an insulated board on the hearth of the shed and also in front of the flue outlet. This will prevent flue gasses from passing through the walls that are not insulated and causing fire damage.

It is also possible to protect the shed from dampness if you put it away from possible sources of moisture. This can include leaky windows or doors and any areas that rainwater may splash onto the stove or flue pipe.

A dehumidifier is also able to reduce the amount of moisture in the air, creating a more pleasant environment. It can also stop fungus and mould from forming on the surfaces in your shed, which could impact the performance of the stove and lead to damage.

The type of fuel you burn in your log burner can affect the performance of your log burner. Do not burn treated off-cuts, ply wood or particle boards. These kinds of materials release toxic chemicals that can damage the stove and flue system and may produce excessive emissions and potentially dangerously high temperatures in flue gases. Don't burn any rubbish such as tyres, cardboard, paper or plastic as they are harmful for the environment and will slow down your stove.

Safety

It is possible to install a log burner in the shed. However, it is important to follow the correct instructions for installation and to adhere to all safety precautions. This includes making sure that your shed meets all the requirements to install log burners and that your chimney is in good condition. It's also important to ensure that you have the right fire insurance in place.

The first thing to think about when looking for a shed for a modern wood burning stove stove is its construction materials. Certain sheds might not be suitable to install log burners due to fire safety concerns. It's also worth noting that the use of wood as a building material may be restricted for this kind of application by regulations for planning, so be sure to consult with your local authority before you begin your work.

You'll also need 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. A lack of ventilation can also lead to condensation and damp problems in the shed.

Make certain that your shed isn't too close to the stairs. This will cause heated air to rise, and then lose heat. Your shed should also not be too far from a window as this could cause draughts which can cause some stoves like the open-window detection system to go into.

It is also essential to examine the roof of the shed for watertightness and ensure that the flue pipe is sealed. Ideally, you should employ an expert roofer to do the work to ensure that it is completed to a high standard and is in accordance with building and fire regulations. Keep an extinguisher in class A inside the shed in case of a fire or smoke emergency. It is recommended to check your shed at least once a year to find signs of wear or damage that needs to be fixed, and have the chimney and flue swept regularly to prevent creosote build-up.