Hearth sizes and regulations for a wood burning stove

Wood burning stoves are practical, pretty and one of the best ways to warm your home, even on the coldest nights. Many people choose to install wood burning stoves over open fires as they are more efficient and aesthetically pleasing.

Considering making the change? Read on to learn all about hearth sizes and regulations for a wood burning stove.

Whether you need to know what the building regulations for installing a wood burning stove are or specific hearth depths for wood burners, this article contains all the answers you need.

Important regulations for a wood burning stove

When it comes to installing a wood burning stove, complying with building regulations is essential. This ensures the safety of you and your family and reduces the risk of any damage to your home. In fact, there are various important regulations for wood burning stoves that need to be adhered to for legal reasons.

If you’re unsure of the regulations for fitting a wood burning stove it’s definitely worth doing a little research before making any decisions. For example, did you know that the hearth of a wood burning stove needs to be a minimum of 12mm thick? Other vital things to consider when installing your new stove include ventilation, flue liners, and buying a carbon monoxide detector.

What is the average hearth size for wood stoves?

Hearth sizes change depending on the type of hearth you choose, the size of your room, and the style of hearth. As such, it can be difficult to know what the average hearth size for wood stoves is. Generally, the minimum hearth size for a wood burning stove is 150mm on either side of the stove and at least 840mm by 840mm for freestanding stoves.

Your hearth will also need to be deep enough to prevent accidents. The minimum hearth depth for a wood burner is 300mm. This means your hearth can be larger depending on the size of your living space.

What are the building regulations for installing a wood burning stove?

As a general rule, wood burning stoves should only be installed by a competent installer to reduce any risk. Having said this, it’s also possible to complete the installation yourself, although you’ll need to pass a number of safety checks if you take this route. But what are the building regulations for installing a wood burning stove?

Firstly, you’ll need to complete an application to building control and get approval before beginning any work. There’ll be a fee for this service but it’s important to stay on the right side of the law to avoid future repercussions. There are also other regulations for installing a wood burning stove including:

• A home visit from building control
• Wood burner hearth requirements including depth, thickness, and size
• Planning permission, although this is usually not necessary
• Whether you live in a Smoke Control Area
• Ventilation regulations depending on the size of your stove

Considering installing a wood burning stove?

Making the excellent decision to install a wood burning stove brings a wealth of benefits like energy bill savings, easy maintenance, and great efficiency. So, if you’re looking for a new atmospheric, focal point for your living space, why not choose to install a wood burning stove?

Ready to go? Brilliant, let us take the stress and confusion out of finding a professional installer. Just input your postcode into our free search engine to instantly find a number of trusted experts near your home.

How much does a wood burner cost to be installed by a professional?

A big part of your decision on whether or not to install a wood burning stove will likely be the cost. In fact, you may be surprised just how affordable a new wood burner can be. Plus, with savings on your central heating bills, it’s not surprising just how many people choose to switch to a wood burner. The average cost of installation is £2,000 and the average cost of the stove itself is £950.

If you’re still unsure whether to take the plunge and install a new stove, our log burner installation cost guide and our wood burning stove ideas guides are jam-packed full of tips, guidance, considerations and prices.