How to Install a Wood-Burning Stove

Installing a wood-burning stove is a great way to add warmth and ambiance to your home while potentially reducing heating costs. This guide walks you through the process, from preparation to final setup. In the video above, This Old House host Kevin O’Connor and stove expert Jonathan Hawkins demonstrate the final steps of installing a soapstone wood stove.

Preparing for Wood-Burning Stove Installation

Before you begin the installation process, there are several important steps to take.

Choosing the Right Location

Selecting the perfect spot for your wood-burning stove is essential for both safety and efficiency. Consider the following factors:

• Clearance requirements from walls and combustible materials: Maintaining proper clearance from walls and combustible materials (such as wood paneling, curtains, or furniture) prevents fire hazards. Check local building codes for minimum clearing distances (usually a minimum of 36 inches).
• Proximity to windows and doors: Being too close to a window or door can affect the stove’s heat distribution or disrupt the draft needed for efficient combustion. While there isn’t a universally mandated distance, it’s generally best to keep the stove at least 36 inches (3 feet) from a window or door.
• Ease of access for wood storage and cleaning: Place the stove in a location where you can easily access it to load wood and complete maintenance tasks.
• Heat distribution throughout the room: Place your stove in an area that allows it to distribute heat evenly throughout the room. For example, putting the stove in the center of a large room might help in spreading warmth more evenly. Avoid cold spots, such as corners or near walls, where the heat may not be able to reach all areas of the room.

Obtaining Necessary Permits

Most localities require permits for wood stove installations. Contact your local building department to determine the specific requirements in your area. 

Preparing the Floor

You may need to make the following updates to your floor to ensure it can support the weight of the stove and stay protected from the heat:

• Installing a noncombustible hearth pad
• Reinforcing the floor structure if necessary
• Ensuring the floor is level and stable

Gathering Tools and Materials

Before starting the installation, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials on hand:

• Stove and chimney kit
• Tape measure
• Level
• Drill
• Masonry bit
• Saw
• Screws, brackets, and sealant
• Hearth pad
• Heat shield

Installing the Wood-Burning Stove

Once you’ve completed the preparatory steps, you can move on to the actual installation process.

Positioning the Stove

Carefully move the stove into its designated location and ensure that it’s properly aligned and leveled. In the video, Hawkins demonstrates how to position the stove while maintaining proper clearance from the walls. A properly positioned stove not only looks better but can function more efficiently.

Installing the Heat Shield

Installing a heat shield allows you to position the stove closer to the inside corners than otherwise possible. Take the following steps:

1. Mark the mounting points on the wall where the heat shield will be attached.
2. Depending on the material of your wall (drywall, masonry, etc.), install appropriate mounting hardware such as screws, anchors, or brackets
3. Secure the heat shield to the wall using the mounting hardware, making sure it’s level and firmly attached. Some heat shields come with built-in brackets or spacers, while others may require separate mounting hardware.

Setting Up the Chimney Pipe

Follow these steps to set up the chimney pipe: 

1. Determine the appropriate chimney pipe route
2. Cut holes in the ceiling and roof as needed
3. Install support brackets and fire stops
4. Connect the stove pipe to the flue collar on the stove
5. Ensure all connections are secure and properly sealed

Adding a Fresh Air Intake

Many modern wood stoves benefit from a direct source of outside air for combustion. This is especially important in well-insulated homes. Installing a fresh air intake helps prevent the stove from creating a vacuum by pulling warm air from inside the house. 

For Wall Installation:

1. Mark the location: Determine and mark the location for the intake vent on the wall. The intake should be positioned at or near the height of the stove’s air intake and away from any obstructions.
2. Cut the hole: Use a saw to cut an appropriately sized hole in the wall. Ensure the hole is large enough to accommodate the intake pipe or duct but not so large that it compromises wall integrity.
3. Install the wall plate: Insert and secure a wall plate or thimble into the hole to create a finished and safe opening. This helps prevent drafts and protects the wall.
4. Connect the ducting: Attach the ducting to the wall plate or thimble. Make sure all connections are secure and sealed with duct tape or clamps to prevent air leaks.
5. Install the exterior vent: Attach the exterior vent cover to the outside end of the ducting. The vent cover should have a screen to prevent pests and debris from entering.

For Floor Installation:

1. Mark and cut the floor: Determine the location for the floor intake and cut a hole that matches the size of the intake pipe or duct.
2. Install the floor plate: Place and secure a floor plate around the hole.
3. Connect the ducting: Attach the ducting to the floor plate and secure it with clamps or duct tape.
4. Install the vent cover: Place a vent cover or grate over the intake to prevent objects from falling into the duct and to protect the opening.

Check all duct connections and seal them with duct tape or clamps to ensure there are no air leaks. If the ducting runs through unheated areas, consider adding insulation it to prevent heat loss and condensation.

Connecting the Stove Pipe

To properly connect the stove pipe, ensure that all joints and connections are securely fastened and sealed to prevent leaks. Double-check the alignment to confirm everything is correctly in place. This step helps to maintain an effective airflow and prevents potential hazards like smoke spillage.

Safety Considerations When Installing a Wood-Burning Stove

Keep these important safety factors in mind when installing a wood-burning stove: 

Installing Safety Devices

Carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms should be placed strategically around the room where the stove is installed to ensure your safety. These devices will alert you to any dangerous conditions that may arise, providing peace of mind and safeguarding your home.

Ventilation and Airflow

Ensure that your installation includes adequate ventilation and airflow. This improves the efficiency of your stove and reduces the risk of carbon monoxide buildup. Proper ventilation allows the stove to burn fuel more completely, producing less smoke and enhancing overall safety.

Maximizing Your Wood-Burning Stove’s Efficiency

To get the most out of your wood-burning stove, consider these tips.

Selecting the Right Firewood

Not all firewood is created equal. Using seasoned, dry firewood will significantly improve your stove’s efficiency. Dryer firewood burns hotter and cleaner, producing less creosote buildup in the chimney. Make sure your firewood is adequately aged, usually at least six months to a year, for the best results.

Regular Cleaning and Maintenance

Ashes should be removed frequently, and the chimney should be checked for creosote buildup at least once per year. This helps to maintain your stove’s efficiency while preventing dangerous chimney fires. 

Enhancing Heat Distribution

A well-placed fan helps circulate warm air more effectively, ensuring consistent heat across different rooms. Using a stove thermometer to monitor and adjust burning temperatures can also help maintain efficient operation.