Installing a Wood Burning Stove For a Shed
Wood burning stoves for sheds are a great option for gardeners looking to bring a touch of comfort to their outdoor space. Be aware that any DEFRA-exempt shed log burner needs to be located within a smoke control area and have the flue pipe properly protected.
To protect yourself from fire for fire safety, you'll also need to install non-combustible materials on the walls in front of and behind the stove.
Wood burner clearance sale burning stoves for sheds can be an excellent addition. They not only provide efficient heating, but provide a rustic feel to the space that creates warmth and atmosphere. Before you decide on a wood-burning stove for your shed or any other off grid dwelling such as a shepherd's hut, yurt, or container home, it is important to consider the safety and regulations.
One of the most important factors to think about when buying the log burner for your shed or log cabin is the size. While it may be tempting to buy an extra large stove than the room is actually required for, this could often result in a lack of performance and even overheating. To avoid this we recommend using our KW calculator to figure out the KW required for your area and then adding a few more KW to ensure.
There are a lot of small log burners which are perfect for log cabins and sheds. Charnwood Country 4 is a great example. It has a beautiful design inspired by the countryside and can be a perfect fit for any shed or log cabin. It is also equipped with a heat output of up to 4800 watts. The model is Ecodesign capable, which means that it burns efficiently and produces the least amount of air pollution. It also has a large viewing area and an grate that can be used for multiple fuels so it can burn wood or smokeless fuel.
The Saltfire Peanut stove is another great alternative. It comes in a variety of colors and can generate heat up to 4.7kW. This model requires more distance from combustibles - 550mm on the sides and back - but this can be reduced to 100mm using shielding. It also comes with a large viewing window which makes it an ideal option for any shed or log cabin.
Depending on the size and design of your shed you may need to fit non-combustible materials around your flue pipe and stove to ensure that it is in compliance with local safety regulations. This is particularly important in the case of a shed constructed of wood. The wood should be kept at a distance of 200mm from the stove to avoid fires. If your shed is built out of any other material, you should consult an expert installation contractor to ensure that the correct insulating measures are in place.
Installation
A wood burner for your shed 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 also make sure that the stove is compliant with the building regulations and safety standards. In addition, to ensure that the area surrounding the stove is free of flammable materials You must also ensure that the shed has adequate ventilation. The shed could become dangerous if it doesn't have sufficient ventilation. This is due to the fact that carbon monoxide can get sucked up.
Installing a wood burner for your shed starts with measuring the space you'd like to put it in. Consider the dimensions of the wood stove and any other accessories that might be required. Then, consult the manufacturer's guidelines regarding the safe distance from combustible materials. It is also important to be aware of the insulation levels in the shed, as these can impact the amount of heat that the stove produces.
After you have determined the area and marked the area where you intend to create the opening in the wall of your shed. Use a plumb line to ensure the positions right, and be sure to leave enough space between the back of the stove and the wall, and between the walls of the shed and the chimney stack. Install a heat shield to protect the walls of the shed from heat produced by the stove. It is included in the kit and simply lines up with the hearth plate.
You will also have to ensure that your shed is equipped with an open hearth constructed of non-combustible materials, such as slate, granite, or concrete. The hearth must be minimum of 12mm thick, at least 225mm wide in front, and 150mm wide on the sides and back. The flue pipe must be protected and the distance from surfaces that are combustible must not exceed 200mm.
Once the hearth and stove are in place, you should wait at least 24 hours prior to lighting it for the first time. This is so that the mortar and sealants will be cured properly.
Ventilation
A wood stove needs oxygen to burn. A lack of airflow will 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 to prevent carbon dioxide accumulation and encouraging air circulation. Vents should be the same size as the chimney or flue and be located as close as is possible to the stove.
There are many rules that you have to follow, particularly with regards to ventilation when installing a wood-burning stove in a shed. You could face fines in the event that you fail to comply with. To avoid this, you should hire a HETAS-registered installer to complete your installation and provide a certificate of conformance.
The Building Regulation Approved document Part J, which regulates the installation of chimneys and flues must also be adhered to. This includes the distance the flue pipe must be from combustible materials such as ceilings and walls. The stove and flue pipe must also be protected against fire damage by using heat shielding or an insulative board.
It is recommended to put an insulation board behind and in front of the flue outlet. This will prevent flue gasses from passing through the walls that are not insulated and causing potential fire damage.
You can also protect the shed from dampness by ensuring you put it away from potential sources of moisture. This includes windows or doors that leak as well as any other places where rainwater might spill 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 help keep fungus and mould from growing on the surfaces in your shed, which could affect the performance of the stove and lead to damage.

The type of fuel you burn in your log burner could also affect its performance. Don't burn treated off-cuts, ply or particle boards. These materials can produce toxic chemicals that can harm the stove or flue system, and cause excessive emissions. They may also produce dangerously high temperatures and high temperatures in flue gas. Avoid burning rubbish such as tyres or cardboard. They're bad for the environment and can clog your stove.
Safety
While it is possible to install a wood burning stove in the shed, it is important to follow the correct installation guidelines and take the appropriate safety precautions. This includes making sure that your shed meets the requirements for installing log burners, as well as ensuring that your chimney and flue system is in good operating condition. It's also important to ensure that you have the right fire insurance in place.
The first thing to think about when deciding on the best shed to install a wood stove is the construction materials. Certain sheds, specifically those with a corrugated metal roof, might not be suitable for installations of log burners due to fire safety concerns. It is also important to be aware that using wood as a building material for this type of installation could be a violation by local planning regulations.
Also, you must make sure that your shed is properly ventilated. Carbon monoxide can cause health issues because of the inefficiency of the combustion process. A lack of ventilation can also lead to damp issues and condensation in the shed.
Make sure that your shed isn't too close to the stairs. This can cause heated air to rise, and then lose heat. Your shed should also not be too far from a window as this could cause drafts, which could cause certain stoves, such as the open-window detection system to go into.
It's also important to inspect the shed roof for watertightness and to make sure that the flue pipe is sealed. Ideally, you should employ an expert roofer to complete the work to ensure 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 that you inspect your shed at least every year to check for signs of wear or damage that needs to be repaired, and make sure that the chimney and flue are cleaned frequently to prevent creosote from accumulating.