The Ultimate Guide to Installing a Wood Burning Stove: From Renovation to Revelation

The crisp autumn air has a way of stirring up desires for warmth and comfort, and for us, it ignited a longing for a wood burning stove. “Wouldn’t it be absolutely wonderful to have a woodburner roaring in time for Christmas?” I mused to Mr. P just a few weeks ago, as the first signs of the seasonal chill began to seep into our currently drafty, dusty, and very much in-progress living room. Lighting my favourite autumn candle, I envisioned a future where this room, now a construction zone, would transform into a haven of warmth and style.

In our previous home, a woodburner was never a serious consideration; we lacked both the space and a suitable chimney. However, our new house, a charming 1930s property, presents a different story. It boasted a working fireplace that had been in use until fairly recently – or so we thought, until our recent demolition efforts (you can catch the highlights on my Instagram stories if you missed the drama!). Now, with the old structure cleared, installing a wood burning stove has rocketed to the top of our renovation wishlist, promising not just heat, but a true focal point for our dream living room.

The Demise of the 1930s Fireplace: A Nod to History, a Step Towards Modernity

When we first moved in, the original 1930s fireplace stood proudly, exuding a distinct Art Deco charm. We initially debated keeping it, wondering if a sensitive restoration could preserve a piece of the house’s history. It felt almost sacrilegious to remove something that had survived more or less intact for so many decades. However, upon closer inspection, several of its tiles were severely damaged, and the prospect of repairing or finding suitable replacements proved challenging. We foresaw a scenario where, despite our best efforts, we wouldn’t be entirely satisfied with the outcome.

Furthermore, the practicalities of making the old fireplace functional for modern use were daunting. The chimney would require thorough checking, sweeping, and potentially an expensive relining to ensure it met contemporary safety standards. As we tallied the potential costs and complexities, the idea of a comprehensive restoration began to lose its appeal. Ultimately, both Mr. P and I shared a long-held desire for the efficiency, warmth, and aesthetic appeal of a modern wood burning stove. The decision, though initially difficult, became clear: it was time for a change that aligned with our vision for the home.

Embracing Change: Our Vision for a Characterful Home

So, with a firm decision, the old fireplace was carefully removed, leaving behind a raw, open space. Some of our followers on Instagram expressed a degree of horror at our decision, but for us, this act of demolition was a crucial step forward. It wasn’t about erasing history, but about creating a home that truly works for us, embodying our unique style and needs. Now, instead of seeing a mess, I see the exciting potential – the future warmth, the inviting glow, and the finished beauty of our new woodburner.

Having lived through the ongoing renovations, my sentimentality towards original period features has evolved. While we absolutely want to avoid a bland, new-build aesthetic, we also believe our home should reflect us. We are committed to finding our own way of creating character and soul, rather than feeling constrained by every original fixture. This house has to function for our family, and frankly, the old fireplace simply didn’t fit into our long-term plans for comfort and efficiency. Our goal is to blend classic charm with modern living, crafting a space that feels both authentic and entirely ours.

Beyond the fireplace, our ambitious plans for the living room include knocking through the rear wall, currently punctuated by a single window, to install elegant Crittall-style doors that will open directly onto the garden. This will not only flood the room with natural light but also create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living. The tired old floorboards will be replaced with beautiful pale oak parquet, adding a touch of sophisticated warmth underfoot. For lighting, my eye has been caught by this exquisite bronze and opal glass pendant by & Tradition, promising to cast a soft, inviting glow. If you’re looking for more living room design inspiration, you can explore my full moodboard for the room over on Pinterest.

Navigating the World of Wood Burning Stoves: Your Essential Research Guide

When it comes to choosing and installing a wood burning stove, the journey can feel a little overwhelming at first. I’ll confess, my knowledge of woodburners was minimal until this project began a few weeks ago. My initial research involved a deep dive into online resources and personal recommendations. Kate from Mad About the House penned an incredibly insightful post here, offering a wealth of practical information following her own stove installation. I also leveraged the collective wisdom of my Instagram community, whose advice proved invaluable. Between their helpful suggestions and conversations with various suppliers and installers, I now feel significantly more confident and informed about the process.

Safety First: Choosing a HETAS Certified Installer and Understanding Regulations

Beyond aesthetics, the technical specifications and safety aspects of your wood burning stove and its flue system are paramount. This isn’t an area for DIY – professional installation is crucial. Always ensure you select an installer who is HETAS registered. HETAS is the official body recognized by the government to approve solid fuel domestic heating appliances, fuels, and services. A HETAS-registered installer ensures your stove is fitted correctly, safely, and in compliance with building regulations, providing you with peace of mind. You can easily search for a list of accredited installers in your local area here.

Environmental considerations are another key factor in today’s world. Older stoves and traditional open fires can produce relatively high emissions, negatively impacting air quality both within our homes and across our towns and cities. To address this, a new European-wide law, known as Ecodesign, is being implemented from 2022, aiming to significantly lower emissions and improve air quality. When investing in a new wood burning stove, it’s highly advisable to choose one that is “Ecodesign Ready.” These stoves are designed to be much more efficient, burning fuel more completely and producing fewer harmful particulate emissions. Many reputable suppliers are already ahead of the curve, ensuring their new products meet these stringent future regulations. For example, I spoke with Arada, a leading manufacturer, who confirmed that their entire Farringdon range is Ecodesign Ready, designed for the cleanest possible burn and significantly lower emissions compared to older models or open fires. Opting for an Ecodesign stove not only contributes to better air quality but also ensures your heating solution is future-proof and potentially DEFRA approved for use in smoke control areas.

Sizing, Style, and Sustainable Heat: Making Your Woodburner Choice

Beyond regulations, selecting the correct size stove is essential for optimal heating and efficiency. A stove that is too small will struggle to heat the space, while one that is too large can lead to inefficient burning and excessive heat. Our living room spans just over 20 square metres, and based on professional advice, a stove with a heat output of 5kW should be perfectly adequate to create a warm and comfortable environment. If your installation space is larger or features high ceilings or poor insulation, a higher output will naturally be required. Your HETAS installer can help you calculate the precise heat output needed for your specific room dimensions and insulation levels.

And then, of course, comes the truly enjoyable part: choosing the design and colour! While traditional black stoves remain a popular and classic choice, the market now offers a surprisingly diverse range of colours and finishes to complement any interior style. Arada’s contemporary range, for instance, includes sophisticated options such as deep blue and a delicate pale mist grey, alongside a stunning chestnut brown (as seen in the top image) that adds a warm, earthy touch. Whether you’re aiming for a sleek, modern aesthetic or a rustic, country charm, there’s a woodburner design to match. Consider whether an inset stove, integrated flush with the wall, or a freestanding model, making a bold statement, best suits your living room’s layout and your personal taste.

So, now comes the exciting decision-making process. Which wood burning stove will ultimately grace our renovated living room? And beyond the stove itself, we’re also delving into creative ideas for the chimney breast and alcoves, exploring options for mantelpieces, integrated shelving, and hearth materials that will truly elevate the entire space. The thought of curling up in front of a flickering fire, enveloped by warmth and the comforting crackle of burning wood, is a powerful motivator driving this entire project forward.

Your Next Steps to a Cozier Home

Ready to embark on your own wood burning stove journey? For a more detailed walkthrough of the installation process, be sure to read my comprehensive step-by-step guide to installing a wood burning stove. It’s a rewarding investment that promises warmth, character, and a touch of sustainable luxury for your home.

All stove images courtesy of Arada, a leading innovator in wood burning stove technology.