So you’ve decided to make the move and commit to installing a wood burning stove in your home. Great!
However, that probably means that you’re in research phase and currently planning out the who, what, where, why, how and so on.
That will include the exact position of your new stove, obviously, so let’s figure out the exact distance your wood burning stove should be from the wall.
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How Far Should a Wood Burning Stove be from the Wall?
Wood Burning Stove without Heat Shield
If you install a wood burning stove, without a heat shield or any form of heat protection around it, then it will need to be placed 36 inches from unprotected walls. Keep in mind that your own stove manufacturer may have a different guideline distance in place.
The reason for this is that when it comes to installing a wood burning stove in your home, one of the biggest factors that the person installing will have to consider is proximity to combustible materials.
According to the good folk at Cornell, combustibles can be defined as “a material that, in the form in which it is used and under the conditions anticipated, will ignite, burn, support combustion or release flammable vapors when subjected to fire or heat. Wood, paper, rubber, and plastics are examples of combustible materials.”
That’s an official definition, but I think we all have a pretty good idea of the types of materials which can and can’t burn.
The reason we’re flagging this is because, if you don’t have a heat shield or any form of heat protection, then your wood burning stove will have to be placed quite a distance away from the wall or corner of your room, as we’ve seen.
This is because most homes are, obviously, constructed and packed full of combustibles, and the stove flue can heat to temperatures in excess of 392°F!
Now you can probably see why most homes feature a proper stove setup, and don’t just have it sitting exposed. It’s also worth remembering that by creating a protective space, the stove is less likely to be sitting exposed and accessible to children, pets, older family members, clumsy family members and so on…
Wood Burning Stove with Heat Shield
If your home already has a heat shield, or more commonly an existing fireplace in which the new stove will sit, then you’ll have less of an issue thankfully.
The distance between stove burner and wall can decrease drastically when the wall is properly protected. The National Fire Protection Association puts that distance at approximately 12-18 inches, depending on the type of protective material used and the heat output of the wood burning stove being used.
Similar to above (without a heat shield), when you’re purchasing and fitting your new stove it should come with the manufacturer’s recommended distances, and any professional help should also be able to advise.
Another good rule of thumb, especially if you’re unsure after installation has been completed, is to place your hand against the walls closest to the stove when it is on and burning. If you can safely keep your hand placed against that wall, without discomfort or a feeling of being burned then your home should be safe.
If you feel the heat build to an uncomfortable or unsafe level, then consider readjusting the stove position until perfect.
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We hope this helps, and we hope you love your new stove!
Remember, although we love all things home heating and cosy here at CosyWarmer.com, we would recommend that you always follow the advice of your professional help.
For everything else cosy related, stick with us!