Installing a Wood Burning Stove For a Shed
Wood burning stoves for sheds are a great option for gardeners who want to bring a touch of comfort to their outdoor space. Any DEFRA-approved shed log burner should be installed in a smoke control zone and the flue pipe should be properly shielded.
It is also necessary to put non-combustible materials on the walls that are adjacent to and behind the stove for fire safety reasons.
Size
A wood-burning stove for a shed is an excellent option for any space and not only provide efficient heating, but also providing a beautiful rustic touch that brings warmth and ambience. But, before deciding on the stove you want for your shed or other off grid dwelling like a shepherd's hut or yurt, an earthship or container home, you must take into account the regulations and safety requirements.
One of the most important aspects to consider when buying log burners for a shed or log cabin is the size. Although it can be tempting to buy an extra large stove than the room is actually required for, this could often lead to a lack of performance and even overheating. To avoid this, we suggest using our KW Calculator to find out the approximate output required for your space and then adding a few extra KW to be safe.
There are a lot of small log burners that are perfect for log cabins and sheds. Take the Charnwood Country 4 for example; this model has an attractive country-inspired design that will fit in with any kind of shed or log cabin, while it boasts an output of up to 4.8kW. This model is Ecodesign-ready, which means it burns efficiently and causes less 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 option is the Saltfire Peanut stove range, which is available in a variety of colors and boasts an impressive heat output of up to 4.7kW. While this model requires an extra distance to combustibles compared to other models on this list - 550mm from the sides and rear - this can be reduced by 100mm if shielding is used. It has a large viewing area which makes it an ideal option for any log cabin or shed.
Depending on the dimensions and design of your shed, you may have to install non-combustible materials around your stove and flue pipe to ensure compliance with local safety regulations. This is especially important when you have a building constructed of wood. The wood should be kept at a distance of 200mm from the stove to avoid fires. If your shed was constructed from a different material, you must seek out an experienced installer to ensure the proper insulation measures are in place.
Installation
A shed wood burner is a fantastic way to make your garden cozy and comfortable during winter months. However, if you want to add one to your shed, you must ensure that it is installed correctly. This will shield your shed from fire damage and ensure that the stove is in compliance with building regulations and safety standard. In addition, to ensure that the space surrounding the stove is free of combustible substances It is essential to ensure that your shed has adequate ventilation. If the ventilation is not adequate, the shed could become dangerous due to a build-up of carbon monoxide.
Installing a wood burner for your shed starts with measuring the area you want to install it. Consider the dimensions of the wood stove, as well as any other accessories that may be required. Check the guidelines of the manufacturer for the safe distance from combustible material. Also, you should consider the shed's insulation levels because they will affect the amount of heat that the stove generates.
Determine the exact location of the opening you want to make in the wall of the shed after you have measured it. Use an arc-line to ensure that the correct places. Also, make sure you leave enough space between the walls of the side and the chimney stack and the back of your stove. Install a heat shield to guard the shed wall against the heat produced by the stove. This is included with the kit and simply lines up with the hearth plate.
It is also necessary to ensure that the shed is equipped with a hearth that is not combustible, which is usually constructed from slate, granite or concrete. The hearth must be at least 12mm thick and must be at a minimum of 250mm wide at the front and 150mm on both sides and the rear. The flue pipe must be shielded, and the safe distance from surfaces that are combustible should not exceed 200mm.
After installing click through the next post and stove It is important to wait at least 24 hrs before lighting it up for the first time. This is so that the sealants and mortar can properly cure.
Ventilation
A wood stove requires oxygen in order to burn. A absence of airflow could result in a non-burning fire or even carbon monoxide poisoning. Vents ensure that air continues to flow around the stove while it is operating and prevents carbon monoxide from building up and assisting with air circulation. A vent should be the same size as the chimney or flue and be as close as possible to the stove.
There are a number of regulations that you must follow, particularly with regard to ventilation, when you install a wood burning stove in an outdoor space. If you don't adhere to these regulations, you could be punished. To avoid this, employ an HETAS-registered installationist to complete your installation and give you a certificate of conformance.
You must also follow the Building Regulation Approved Document PartJ which regulates the installation of flues and chimneys. The distance between the flue pipe and the combustible material like walls or ceilings are also covered. The flue pipe and stove must also be protected against fire damage using either heat shielding or an insulative 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 stop the flue gasses from passing through the walls that are not insulated and causing potential fire damage.
You can also shield your home from dampness by putting it away from possible sources of water. This includes any leaky doors or windows, as well as any areas where rainwater might spill onto the stove and chimney pipe.
A dehumidifier can also help to reduce the amount of moisture in the air and create a more comfortable atmosphere. It will also help to prevent mould and fungus 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 also affect its performance. Avoid burning treated off-cuts, ply or particle boards. These types of material produce harmful chemicals that can harm the stove and flue system, and can cause excessive emissions and potentially dangerously high temperatures in flue gasses. Don't burn garbage like cardboard or tyres. They're bad for the environment and can clog your stove.
Safety

It is possible to install a log burner in an outdoor shed. However, it is important to follow the proper installation guidelines and to ensure that you are taking all safety precautions. This includes ensuring that your shed is in compliance with the requirements for installing log burners as well as making sure that your chimney and flue system is in good functioning order. It's also a good idea that you have the appropriate fire insurance.
When looking for a shed to install a wood stove first thing you need to think about is the construction material. Certain sheds might not be suitable for installing log burners due to safety concerns. It is also important to note that using timber as a building material could be restricted for this kind of application by building regulations, so be sure you check with your local authority prior to you start work.
The next step is to ensure that your shed has adequate ventilation. Without this, the combustion process will not be as efficient and could pose the health risk of carbon monoxide accumulating. A lack of ventilation could cause condensation and damp problems in the shed.
Make sure that your shed is not 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 result in drafts that can trigger certain stoves, such as the open-window detection system.
Additionally, it is essential to check the roof of your shed to ensure it's watertight and well-sealed where the flue pipe passes through. It is recommended to hire a professional roofer to do the job to ensure it's done to a high standard and in compliance with building and fire regulations. Keep very small wood burning stove inside the shed in the event of a fire or smoke 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, have the chimney and flue cleaned frequently to prevent creosote from accumulating.