Installing a Wood Burning Stove For a Shed
Wood burning stoves for sheds are a fantastic alternative for gardeners looking to add a touch of warmth to their retreat. Be mindful that any DEFRA-exempt shed log burner will need to be located within a smoke control area and have the flue pipe shielded.
You should also fit non-combustible surfaces to the walls behind and adjacent to the stove to ensure that there is no fire risk.
Size
A wood-burning stove for the shed is a wonderful addition to any space, not only providing efficient heating but also adding a beautiful rustic touch that brings warmth and ambience. Before you choose a wood-burning stove for your shed, or any other off grid home, like a shepherd's hut, yurt or container home, it is important to consider the safety and regulations.
One of the most important aspects to consider when buying a log burner for a shed or log cabin is the size. It is tempting to buy a bigger stove to fit the space, but this could lead to poor performance and even overheating. To avoid this, we suggest using our KW calculator to figure out the KW required for your space and then adding a few KW for safety.
There are a lot of small log burners that are ideal for log cabins and sheds. Take the Charnwood Country 4 for example It has a beautiful country inspired design that would suit any type of shed or log cabin with the capacity to heat up to 4.8kW. This model is Ecodesign-ready, which means it burns efficiently and causes little air pollution. It also comes with a huge viewing area as well as a multi-fuel grate, so you can burn wood as well as smokeless fuel.
indoor wood burner is another great alternative. It comes in a variety of colours and can produce 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 has a large viewing area 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 the flue pipe and stove to ensure that it is in compliance with local safety regulations. This is particularly crucial in the case of a shed constructed of any type of wood, which should be at least 200mm from the stove to avoid fires. If your shed was constructed from a different material, it is recommended to consult an experienced installer to ensure the right insulation measures are in place.
Installation
A shed wood stove is a great option to keep your garden warm and cozy throughout the cold winter months. If you plan to add a wood stove to your shed, make sure that it is properly installed. This will safeguard your shed against fire damage and ensure that the stove meets safety and building regulations. In addition to ensuring that the space around the stove is clear of combustible substances, you must ensure that your shed has adequate ventilation. If there isn't enough indoor wood burning stove , the shed could become hazardous due to the build-up of carbon monoxide.
The first step in installing a shed wood stove is to measure the area where you'd like to put it. Consider the dimensions of the wood stove as well as any other equipment that might be required. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer to determine the safe distance from flammable materials. It is also important to be aware of the insulation levels of the shed, as they could influence the amount of heat generated by the stove.
Mark the location of the opening you'd like to create in the wall of the shed once you have taken measurements. Use a plumb-line to ensure the proper places. Also, leave enough space between the side walls and the chimney stack as well as the back of your stove. Install a heat shield to guard the walls of the shed from heat generated by the stove. The kit comes with and is simply aligned with the hearth plate.
It is also necessary to ensure that your shed has an open hearth constructed of non-combustible materials, such as slate, granite or concrete. The hearth needs to be at least 12mm thick, and should be at least 225mm wide at the front and 150mm on both sides and at the rear. The flue pipe should be protected, and the safe distance from surfaces that are combustible must not exceed 200mm.
After the stove and hearth are installed, you must wait at least 24 hours prior to lighting it for the first time. This is to allow the mortar and sealants used to set properly.

Ventilation
A wood stove needs oxygen in order to burn. A absence of airflow could cause a fire that isn't burning or even poisoning with carbon monoxide. A vent will allow air to circulate around the stove when it is operating and prevent carbon dioxide build-up and promoting air circulation. Vents should be similar in size or larger than the chimney or flue, and should be positioned as close to the stove as is possible.
There are many rules that you have to be aware of, especially in regards to ventilation when installing wood-burning stoves in an outdoor space. If you do not comply with these regulations, you could end up being fined. To avoid this, always employ a HETAS certified installer to carry out your installation and provide you with an official certificate of conformity.
The Building Regulation Approved document Part J, which regulates the installation of chimneys and flues, must be adhered to. The distance between the flue pipe and the combustible material like walls or ceilings are also covered. The flue pipe and stove should also be protected from fire damage using either heat shielding or an insulation board.
It is recommended to put an board that is insulated behind and in front of the flue outlet. This will prevent flue gases from getting drawn into walls that are not properly insulated, potentially causing fire damage.
You can also protect the shed from dampness by ensuring you position it away from any possible sources of moisture. This includes any windows or doors, as well as any locations where rainwater may drip onto the stove and chimney pipe.
A dehumidifier can also help to decrease the amount of moisture in air and create a more pleasant environment. It will also prevent the growth of fungus and mould on the exterior of your shed. This could affect the efficiency of the stove and cause damage to the stove.
The type of fuel that you burn in your log burner could affect the performance of your log burner. Avoid burning treated off-cuts, ply or particle boards. These materials can release toxic chemicals that can harm the stove or flue system and create excessive emissions. They can also cause dangerously high temperatures and high temperatures in flue gas. Also, never burn rubbish such as tyres, cardboard, paper or plastic as they are harmful for the environment and can cause a blockage in your stove.
Safety
While it is possible to install a wood burning stove in a shed, it's important to follow the correct installation guidelines and take the appropriate safety precautions. This includes ensuring that your shed meets the requirements for installing log burners and also ensuring that your chimney and flue system are in good working order. It's also a good idea to ensure that you have the correct fire insurance in the correct location.
The first thing to think about when looking for the perfect shed for a wood stove is its construction materials. Some sheds might not be suitable to install log burners due a fire safety concerns. Be aware that using timber as a construction material for this application may be prohibited by local plans regulations.
You'll also need to ensure that your shed is ventilated. Carbon monoxide can cause health problems due to the inefficiency of the combustion process. A lack of ventilation could also lead to condensation and damp problems in the shed.
Ensure that the shed isn't placed too close to a stairwell, since this could cause the warm air to rise and lose heat as it rises. The shed should not be too far from a window since this could result in drafts, which could cause certain stoves like the open-window detection system to activate.
It is also essential to examine the roof of the shed for watertightness and ensure that the flue pipe is properly sealed. It is recommended that you hire an expert roofer to complete the job to ensure it is done to a high standard and is in compliance with building regulations and fire codes. It is recommended to have a class A fire extinguisher in the shed to be able to respond quickly to any fire or smoke issues. It is recommended that you 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 regularly to prevent creosote accumulation.