Shed Wood Burner - Safety Considerations

Installing a stove into a shed, a log cabin, or a different off grid dwelling is a fantastic idea. There are a few considerations to be made before you do this.

It's crucial to ensure your shed or cabin is properly insulated to reduce heat loss and reduce fuel costs. Insulation can also reduce dampness and increase fire safety.

Size

A shed log burner can be used to heat a shed or summerhouse. It is important to select the right stove and be sure it meets all safety standards. A stove that is too large isn't able to vent properly and could also make the flue smear. A stove that is too large isn't able to heat the room adequately.

First, you'll need to determine the size of the shed and then choose the best small wood burning stoves location for the stove. Once you've determined the location you'll need to construct an open hearth for the stove to rest on. The hearth should be at least 12mm thick, and constructed from a non-combustible material. The safe distance between a single-wall flue pipe and any combustible materials is 3x the diameter of the pipe, but this can be reduced by using an insulative panel as shielding.

Install the stove after you have built the hearth. Depending on your choice you might need to purchase the stove door, stovepipe, or damper. It is also necessary to install carbon monoxide detectors in your shed or cabin, as these spaces are much smaller than houses and can become a source of dangerous CO gas very quickly.

If you're installing a stove in an outdoor space, then you'll have to install an air liner to ensure safety and to stop condensation. You can find flue liners in a variety of hardware stores, and they're generally simple to cut to the correct length. Use tin snips to remove the lid and the bottom of the can. Be sure to bend any sharp corners within.

Safety

Shed wood burners can be very efficient and cosy, but you must consider the safety aspects of the installation. This includes the proper installation and use of the stove, as well as an alarm for carbon monoxide and a fire extinguisher. It is also essential to keep pets and children away from the stove to minimize the risk of accidents.

Installing your stove in a shed by a HETAS-registered installer is a good idea. They can ensure that the installation is completed in compliance the current building regulations, which include the appropriate distances from walls that are combustible. This could eliminate the need for a building control certificate which could save you money and time in the long run.

Only burn wood that has been kiln dried and well-seasoned in your stove for your shed. Don't attempt to burn treated off-cuts as this will produce chemicals in the flue gas that could pollute the air and lower the quality of air. It is also important to ensure that your chimney is the proper size. For most sheds a single wall flue will suffice, but if your shed is fitted with a double wall stove, you will require a larger chimney.

The smoke from a wood burning stove can be dangerous, especially for mothers who are expecting or newly born as well as children and the elderly. It is also harmful for people with asthma, COPD or heart diseases and can be harmful to cats and dogs too.

It is essential to install an alarm screen to safeguard children and pets from hot coals and sparks. A fire log book is also recommended to keep close in case of emergency. Also, make sure that you do not employ charcoal starter fluid near your shed stove since they are highly flammable materials and could explode or cause flare-ups in the case of an accident.

Depending on the area that you reside in, you may be in a smoke control zone, which will determine the type of stove you can choose to install. You will need to choose the type of stove that is on the DEFRA (External link) approved list of appliances.

Installation

Having a log burner in your shed or summer house is a fantastic idea and will bring you closer to nature in a way that cannot be done with a standard fireplace in your home. A log-burning stove in your garden or shed can also be a focal point for socialising and gatherings with family members, while also providing you with the chance to take in the beautiful outdoors without leaving the comforts of your own home.

When installing a shed wood stove burning burner it is important to consider the size of your summerhouse or shed and the output that you need from the stove to adequately heat it. It is also important to consider if you are in a smoke control area and whether there are local laws that could affect the installation. It is recommended that you consult with an HETAS registered installer to assist you plan and installation.

If you decide that you want to install a shed wood burner the first thing you will have to do is find out what size flue pipe your shed is able to accommodate. The manufacturer of your stove should be able to give you some advice on this. Once you've decided on the size of the flue pipe, you can begin looking for shed-specific log burners for your summer home or shed.

After you have selected the ideal stove for your summerhouse or shed you have to prepare the area for installation. This will require clearing away all flammable materials, and ensuring there is at least 1m between the shed and the front edge of your chimney stack. It is also advisable to ensure that the stove is positioned at least 2m from the nearest combustible wall, and that any combustible items in the shed are surrounded with fire boards or lined with insulation.

You will then need to install a hearth, which should be made from non-combustible materials and be at minimum 12mm thick. You can make use of any type of concrete or stone for instance, however, you should be cautious not to use sand because this could affect the performance of the stove and cause a chimney problem. You'll also require a pair of twin wall flue pipe, class D airvent, and chimney cowl.

Maintenance

Shed wood burners are generally safe to use provided that they have adequate ventilation and a smoke alarm is installed. If you are planning to install a wood stove in your shed, make sure that the electrical installation has been approved by an electrician and any flammable material is well away from the stove.

It is essential to regularly clean the flue and glass of your stove's log burner in the shed. You can use a gentle squirt of vinegar to remove any marks or smudges that have accumulated on the inside of the stove glass. But make sure you don't get any vinegar inside the burner. You can also clean the exterior of the glass log burner with a mild solution made of washing liquid and paper towel.

Be aware that shed log burners are designed to be used with dry seasoned firewood. The moisture content of the logs must be less than 20%. The best way to check the moisture content of your logs is to use a small wood burning fireplace moisture meter. Store your wood in a place that is well ventilated. Keep combustibles such as furniture and curtains out of the shed. It is also an excellent idea to have the chimney cleaned at least every year.