Installing a wood stove can transform your living space, offering warmth, ambiance, and energy efficiency. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a first-time installer, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to ensure a successful installation.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Before beginning the installation, gather the following tools and materials:
Tools:
- Tape measure
- Level
- Drill and appropriate bits
- Screwdriver
- Utility knife
- Stud finder
- Plumb bob or laser level
- Reciprocating saw (for cutting through walls or ceilings)
- Caulking gun
Materials:
- EPA-certified wood stove
- Stove pipe (single or double-wall, as required)
- Chimney kit (including ceiling support box, flashing, and chimney cap)
- Non-combustible hearth pad
- Wall heat shield (if necessary)
- High-temperature silicone sealant
- Fire-resistant insulation
- Attic insulation shield
Step-by-Step Installation Guide:
🧱 STEP 1: Choose the Installation Location
What to do:
- Pick a central spot in your home for optimal heat distribution.
- Measure clearance space — most stoves require:
- 36 inches from combustibles (unless using heat shields)
- 18 inches hearth extension in front
- Mark the wall and floor space with painter’s tape to visualize the stove’s footprint and chimney path.
🪵 STEP 2: Install the Hearth Pad (if not already present)
Materials Needed:
- Non-combustible hearth pad (or DIY with tile, cement board, etc.)
- Construction adhesive or mortar
- Level
Instructions:
- Clean the floor.
- Center and place the hearth pad.
- Ensure it extends far enough from the stove footprint.
- Level it properly to avoid wobbling.
🪚 STEP 3: Cut a Hole for the Chimney (Ceiling + Roof)
Tools Needed:
- Stud finder
- Plumb bob or laser level
- Reciprocating saw
- Drill with spade bit
- Measuring tape
Instructions:
- Use a plumb bob to mark a straight line from the stove’s flue collar up to the ceiling.
- Use a stud finder to avoid ceiling joists.
- Cut a hole using a reciprocating saw, sized to the ceiling support box.
- Repeat the same process through the attic and roof, maintaining vertical alignment.
🧱 STEP 4: Install the Ceiling Support Box
Materials Needed:
- Ceiling support box (from chimney kit)
- Lag screws or structural fasteners
Instructions:
- Slide the support box into the hole.
- Secure it to ceiling joists using the provided brackets and lag screws.
- Ensure it’s perfectly level and aligned with the flue outlet.
📏 STEP 5: Assemble and Install the Chimney Pipe
Tools/Items:
- Chimney pipe sections
- Attic insulation shield (if in attic space)
- Roof flashing, storm collar, chimney cap
- Screwdriver, sealant, ladder
Instructions:
- Attach chimney pipe sections above the ceiling support box going up through the roof.
- If going through the attic, install the attic insulation shield around the pipe.
- On the roof:
- Slide roof flashing under shingles.
- Insert chimney pipe through it.
- Seal with high-temp silicone.
- Slide storm collar down and seal.
- Secure chimney cap at the top.
🔩 STEP 6: Connect the Stove Pipe
Options:
- Single-wall (cheaper, needs more clearance)
- Double-wall (safer, less clearance)
Instructions:
- From the stove’s flue collar, connect the stove pipe upward to the chimney support box.
- Each section should fit tightly into the one above it.
- Fasten each joint with 3 sheet metal screws.
- Seal joints with high-temp silicone or stove cement for airtightness.
🧪 STEP 7: Final Checks and Test Burn
What to do:
- Recheck all clearances around stove and pipe.
- Ensure all connections are tight and secure.
- Check for roof leaks around flashing.
- Install:
- Smoke detector
- Carbon monoxide detector
- Start a small fire:
- Crack a window slightly to assist draft.
- Observe smoke movement.
- Check for smoke leaks at pipe joints.
🎥 Recommended Video Tutorial
For a visual guide on installing a wood stove, consider watching the following YouTube video:
Note: Ensure the video aligns with local building codes and manufacturer instructions.
⚠️ Safety Tips and Considerations
- Regular Maintenance: Clean the chimney at least once a year to prevent creosote buildup, which can lead to chimney fires.
- Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Install detectors near the stove and sleeping areas to monitor air quality.
- Use Seasoned Wood: Burn only dry, seasoned wood to maximize efficiency and minimize creosote formation.
- Professional Inspection: Have the installation inspected by a certified professional to ensure compliance with safety standards.
✅ Pro Tips
- Buy all parts from the same brand (stove, pipe, chimney) to avoid compatibility issues.
- Always go vertical when possible; horizontal runs reduce draft.
- Label each chimney pipe section before assembling for quicker alignment.
- Clean your chimney after the first month of use to remove any initial creosote.
🔥 Done Right, You’re Ready to Burn
By following these physical steps, you’ll not only have a beautiful and functional heating solution — you’ll also enjoy it safely for years. If unsure at any point, don’t hesitate to consult a certified chimney professional.
Need a Professional Installer?
Not comfortable installing a wood stove yourself? No problem, a certified installer can ensure your stove is set up safely and meets all local codes.
Why hire a pro?
- Code-compliant and insurance-approved
- Proper ventilation and clearances
- Fast, safe, and hassle-free setup
👉 Truteam is a leading installation company, that will get the job done with the majority of top brand wood stoves.
📝 Conclusion
Installing a wood stove is a rewarding project that enhances your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. By following this comprehensive guide and adhering to safety protocols, you can enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a wood-burning stove for years to come.
For more information on wood stoves, maintenance tips, and product reviews, explore our other articles on PickMyStove.com.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always consult with professionals and adhere to local building codes and manufacturer instructions when installing a wood stove.