Choosing the Right Wood Burning Stove

The first step is finding a wood burning stove that is right for your home. There are several factors to consider, including the size of the room, the amount of heat required, the style of your home and whether you have an existing chimney. From traditional cast iron stoves to contemporary wood burners, there is a wide choice of designs, sizes and finishes available. Our experienced team can help you understand your options and select a stove that combines the right level of heat output with the look you want for your home.

Your FREE Site Visit

Before installation, your property needs to be assessed to establish the best way to install your stove.

Your Free Site Visit may involve checking:

• An existing chimney and fireplace
• The condition and dimensions of the chimney
• The proposed position of the stove
• The required hearth
• Ventilation requirements
• The route and type of a flue system, if required.
• The clearances around the stove

Not every property is the same, so a site survey is an important part of making sure your wood burning stove installation is suitable and safe. Following a site visit we can provide you with an estimate for your stove, installation which can include liners, flue systems, hearths and fireplaces.

Checking Your Chimney

If you have an existing chimney, it will need to be suitable for use with a wood burning stove. Depending on the property and existing chimney, this may involve inspecting, sweeping or lining the chimney.

If your home does not have a chimney, don't assume a wood burning stove isn't possible. A twin-wall insulated flue system can often provide an alternative solution, subject to the property and installation requirements, and can often give you options in terms of where you might like to locate a stove.

Choosing the Right Flue System

The flue is an essential part of your wood burning stove installation. It safely carries combustion gases away from the stove and helps create the draw needed for the appliance to operate effectively. The correct flue solution will depend on your property and whether you have an existing chimney.

Our installation team can advise on the appropriate flue and chimney system for your chosen stove, helping ensure everything works together as it should.

Preparing the Fireplace and Hearth

If you are installing a stove into an existing fireplace, some preparation may be required before the appliance can be fitted. This could include opening up or preparing the fireplace, checking the construction around the opening and installing a suitable hearth.

The hearth provides an important area of protection around the stove and must comply with building regulations and also the manufacturers guidelines for the appliance. We can advise you on the practical requirements and help you achieve a finished look that complements your home.

Considering Ventilation

A wood burning stove needs a suitable supply of air for combustion. Ventilation requirements depend on factors such as the appliance and the property, so this will be assessed as part of the installation.

Modern, well-insulated homes can require particular consideration when it comes to providing sufficient combustion air. We will advise you if additional ventilation is required as part of your installation.

Installing the Wood Burning Stove

All our stove installations are carried out by our own HETAS qualified engineers. During the installation we will take care to protect your home and keep disruption to a minimum throughout the installation process.  Most installations can be carried out in one day, however, some more complicated projects can take longer.  If you wood stove installation is part of a bigger build programme we can break the work down into phases and work alongside your builder/architect to dovetail the work within the project schedule. We'll explain what your installation involves before work begins, so you know what to expect.

Once the installation is completed you will be given a HETAS Certificate of Compliance. This demonstrates that the installation was carried out by a competent installer working for a HETAS registered business and complies with the relevant Building Regulations.

Why do I need a HETAS Certificate of Compliance?

The information on the certificate is used to record your installation, and in England & Wales it is used to notify your Local Authority Building Control Department (LABC) of the work that was undertaken. This 'self certification' by competent registered installers takes the place of a Local Authority Building Notice which could cost you a significant amount of money. The information can be required to validate household insurance and will be required by solicitors in any home selling process. Failure to notify the Local Authority can be an offence resulting in enforcement action.

Carbon Monoxide Protection

Carbon monoxide protection is an important part of any solid-fuel stove installation. A carbon monoxide alarm is required in the appropriate location for installations covered by the current Building Regulations. Your HETAS installer will ensure the required safety measures are considered as part of the installation.

Final Checks and Handover

Once your wood burning stove has been installed, the installation is checked to ensure everything is functioning correctly and meets the relevant requirements. You'll also be shown how to operate your new stove, including how to light it, control the air supply and burn wood correctly. We'll also explain the importance of using properly seasoned or dry firewood and how to get the best performance from your stove.

Enjoying Your New Wood Burning Stove

And then comes the best part... lighting your first fire. A wood burning stove can become much more than a source of heat. It can create a warm focal point, add character to a room and provide a welcoming place to gather with family and friends.

With the right stove, correct installation and good-quality dry wood, you can enjoy the warmth and atmosphere of a wood burner for years to come..

Why Choose West Country Stoves?

From choosing your stove to lighting your first fire

Installing a wood burning stove is a significant investment, so choosing a company that can guide you through the whole process can make all the difference. At West Country Stoves, we're not simply here to sell you a stove. We can help you understand the practical requirements of your home, help you choose the right appliance and arrange the installation.

Our installation service is provided by experienced HETAS-certified installers, following a site visit and detailed estimate covering the relevant appliance, flue and fireplace materials and labour.

Expert advice

With a wide range of wood burning stove brands and styles, we can help you narrow down the choices and find an appliance that suits both your home and your lifestyle.

A complete installation service

From the initial site assessment and flue requirements through to installation, we can help take care of the important details.

Quality stove brands

We work with leading stove manufacturers, giving you access to a carefully selected range of wood burning stoves in different styles, sizes and heat outputs.

Local knowledge

Based in Devon, our team understands the character and variety of homes across the South West ranging from traditional cottages, period properties to contemporary modern homes.

One team to guide you through the process

We aim to make the journey from choosing your stove to enjoying your first fire as straightforward as possible.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Wood Burning Stove?

Whether you're replacing an existing stove, renovating a fireplace or considering a wood burner for the first time, our team can help you understand what's possible in your home.

Visit our showroom to see a selection of wood burning stoves and speak to our team about your installation.

Start your wood burning stove journey with West Country Stoves.