How to Install a Wood-Burning Stove in a Masonary Chimmey

Every wood stove needs some kind of venting installation for the safe removal of gas and debris from a home. Using an existing masonry chimney seems like a straightforward option, but it must be done correctly to operate safely. The chimney shouldn't be in use by another appliance. You may need to retrofit the chimney to ensure it's compatible with your stove, using an approved chimney liner. If the piping penetrates the wall of the chimney, you'll also need the proper tools, such as a fire clay thimble. Always review your local building codes for specific installation requirements in your area.

Stove pipe sections
Metal screws
Flexible stainless steel chimney liner
Reciprocating saw
Jigsaw
Noncombustible insulation
Fire clay thimble
Stove cement
Trowel
Chimney cap

Instructions

- 1
  Inspect the chimney to ensure it will function safely and there are no cracks. A masonry chimney must be lined with an Underwriter's Laboratory-approved flue liner if it's not designed for wood stoves.
- 2
  Set the stove down on noncombustible flooring in a selected location, ensuring adherence to clearance requirements. For many wood stoves, 6 inches of clearance from combustibles is necessary on the front and sides of the stove. If you're placing it directly in the fireplace, you won't need floor protection. Otherwise, make sure a hearth pad or other noncombustible flooring rests between the stove and floor, and extends at least 6 inches to the front and sides.
- 3
  Connect the stove pipe sections to the stove's flue collar and secure them with metal screws, or as directed by the stove's manufacturer.
- 4
  Line the chimney all the way to the top with a flexible stainless steel pipe that matches the stove's flue collar, if the stove is being installed directly in an existing fireplace. To penetrate the damper, use a reciprocating saw to cut a hole to the size of the piping.
- 5
  Run the stove piping to the masonry chimney if the stove will not be set in the fireplace. If you're passing through a combustible wall, clear 16 inches of space from the point where the piping penetrates, using a jigsaw. Alternatively, clear 8 inches and install noncombustible insulation such as brick masonry or rock wool. Do not install the piping directly through a concrete wall without insulation. Concrete can act as a heat conductor, rather than an insulator, and can crack and ignite adjacent combustible materials.
- 6
  Install a clay fire thimble into the chimney's masonry wall if you're penetrating the wall. Prepare ready-mix stove cement and spread it with a trowel around the opening in the chimney. Set the clay fire thimble in place. Run insulated metal stove piping through the thimble so it extends no farther than the chimney liner.
- 7
  Install a chimney cap at the top of the steel liner, using stove cement, or as directed by the manufacturer.

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