We use cookies to improve your experience and our business. See our privacy/cookie policy or continue browsing to accept our use of cookies. View our cookie policy.
How to Have a Wood Burning Stove Without a Chimney
If you live in a house without a chimney, you may be wondering whether it is possible to fit a wood burning stove. Fortunately for many, the answer is - yes!
While gas stoves and electric stoves are also an option, for some, it is only the ritual of burning a solid fuel that will do. However, it is essential if you don’t have a chimney that you take appropriate measures to install it safely. A twin wall flue system is the way to do this.
Read our guide on installing a wood burner without a chimney for everything you need to know to have a crackling stove in your home...
Do I need a chimney for a wood burning stove?
Luckily for those living in modern homes, you do not need a chimney to install a wood burning stove. However, it may require more work to fit one than in an existing chimney. This is because you will need to fit a twin wall flue system through the roof or wall of your building. Nevertheless, it is still a reasonably simple and cost-effective way to enjoy to benefits of a log burner in a home with no chimney!
What is a Twin Wall Chimney Flue System?
A twin wall flue system is the key to fitting a wood burner without a chimney. Simply speaking, it is a series of connectable stainless steel pipes that can carry your stove fumes outside. They comprise a stainless steel pipe wrapped in thick insulation and encased by a second outer tube. This keeps the temperature inside the flue warm enough to allow the fumes to draw through the pipe and deposit them outside.
Shop Twin Wall Flue Systems
You have two options on how you install a twin wall flue:
- Externally - with this option, you connect the pipe to your stove and have it exit through an external wall. It then runs up the side of your building to empty at a safe distance - usually near your roof.
- Internally - you will still connect it to your stove, but you run it through the inside of your house, through your ceilings, and out of the roof to empty.
Which one is best for you depends on your circumstances. If you choose the external option, you will have a visible steel pipe along the side of your building. If this doesn’t appeal to you, you may prefer to keep it inside. Here are some more pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons | |
|---|---|---|
| External Flue | Less work required inside your home and takes up less space. The flue won’t be as visible inside your home. | You will need to patch up your external wall and more bends may be required - this can increase the cost. |
| Internal Flue | The flue will be kept warmer which may make the stove easier to light and operate. | The flue will need to be boxed and ventilated, which may take up space upstairs. |
How to Fit a Wood Burner Without a Chimney
If you want to carry out a wood burner installation without a chimney, it is always best to consult a professional. This is because the best option of how to fit one differs from house to house. However, it is still good to get an idea of roughly how it will be done.
Here is a general guide to installing a wood burner without a chimney…
What you will need:
- A Stove - you can choose a wood burning stove or a multi fuel stove. Check if you live in a Smoke Control Area as you will need a DEFRA approved stove if you do. Also, make note of the flue size for when you choose your stove pipe…
- Stove pipe - be sure the stove pipe diameter fits your stove. They also vary in length. The stove pipe will be more visually pleasing than the flue, so decide how much you want to be on display and buy accordingly.
- Twin wall flue system - check what diameter flue your stove requires. If the flue will be visible inside your room, you may want to get one with a black finish.
- A hearth - your stove must be placed on an appropriate hearth. It needs to be at least 12mm thick and made of a non-combustible material. It also must cover an area of 840mm x 8440mm, with at least 225mm in front of the stove door.
Shop All Wood Burning Stoves
Optional:
- Fireplace chamber - you may choose to build a vanity chimney breast into your room. If so, one of these is a shortcut to an attractive fireplace.
- Fireplace beam - again, if you decide to place your stove in a cavity, these make a nice finishing touch.
How to fit your stove:
Firstly, you will need to decide where you want to place your stove. Once the flue is in, it will be difficult and costly to move it again. So, be sure!
Here is an outline of what work will likely need doing…
- If building your flue pipe through the wall, it will have to be stripped back to the brickwork.
- You hearth will be laid and stove put in place.
- The stove pipe will be attached to your stove and the twin wall flue fitted. Pieces will be connected together for it to make its way either through the ceiling or along your outer wall. Any holes created will need to be patched back up safely.
- If you want a false chimney breast to conceal the flue, the bricks will be laid to box it in. If you like the minimalist look, the flue can be left exposed.
Twin Flue Chimney Regulations
There are some sticking points that may affect where and how you fit your stove with a twin flue. Some of the main regulations are:
- The entire length of the twin wall system must not have more than four bends.
- None of the bends should be more than a 45 degree angle, excluding the connection to the stove, which may be 90 degrees.
- Your non-insulated stove pipe cannot be used to go through the wall or ceiling - only your twin wall flue can do this.
- Your stove pipe should be kept at least 425mm away from any combustible materials.
Shop Stove Pipes
How Much Will it Cost to Install a Wood Burning Stove Without Chimney?
The exact cost of installing a wood burning stove without a chimney depends on how much work will need to be done to your home. This will differ significantly from case to case, so it’s best to get a quotation to know exactly how much fitting a log burner is going to cost you. However, along with all the stove parts mentioned above, there are a few things to bare in mind which may affect the price:
- Labour. This will be higher if installing the twin wall flue isn’t as straightforward. Be sure you know exactly what needs to be done and of any potential issues. If you want to build a false chimney breast, this will also add to the cost.
- Approval from the council. If a HETAS registered engineer carries out your work, this won’t be necessary. If not, you will need to pay to get your stove inspected.
- All the extras… things like carbon monoxide alarms, a fuel supply and an annual chimney sweep will all be necessary, too.
Find out more about the cost of wood burners.
Ready to install a wood burner? Take a look at all of our chimney products to find everything you need. If you need any help, call our sales team on 0161 376 4191 for expert advice.
Shop Twin Wall Flue Systems Now
You can also find more stoves information on our resources page, including posts like these…
Chimney Fires - Don’t Be A Statistic | Guide to Stove Chimneys | Should You Switch Your Open Fire to a Wood Burner?
