How to Install Your Own Chimney Pipe for a Wood-Burning Cook Stove

Whether intended for cooking or heating, wood stoves require proper venting.

Wood-burning cook stoves offer a simple, efficient and old-fashioned method of cooking. Many wood cook stoves may be restored or made to look like old models. This means you may or may not have the benefit of manufacturer instructions, so it's important to play it safe with your pipe installation. A chimney pipe is essential to a safe and well-functioning wood stove. Make sure you have the proper size of stove pipe sections, a chimney kit and a properly sized stove pipe adapter to connect the two.

Things You'll Need

• Stove pipe sections
• Metal screws
• Jigsaw
• Wall thimble
• Ceiling support box
• Stovepipe adapter
• Chimney kit
• Roof flashing
• Storm collar
• Hammer
• Nails

Instructions

1. Determine where your chimney will be located. You have a number of options for chimney connections. The piping can run directly through your ceiling and roof to connect to a rooftop chimney. This is ideal for an interior stove placement. Alternatively, the chimney can run through the side wall and up the side of the house to connect with the chimney there. The best system for you depends on your stove placement and whether you're willing to cut holes in your ceiling.

2. Connect stove pipe sections to the flue collar of the stove. Make sure the piping diameter matches with that of the flue collar. Connect the pipe sections with the crimped end facing the stove to prevent creosote buildup. Secure with metal screws.

3. Cut a hole in the wall or ceiling where your stove pipe will pass through, using a jigsaw or other cutting tool. If you are passing through an exterior wall, install an insulating wall thimble for the pipe to pass through, and cut the hole according to the dimensions of the thimble. If you are passing through a ceiling, you will need to install a ceiling support box. Construct the support box according to manufacturer instructions and set the box so it hangs 2 inches down.

4. Install a stovepipe adapter where the stove pipe passes through the wall or chimney. Make sure it is the appropriate size to provide a secure connection to the chimney flue.

5. Install chimney sections to reach the roof. For an exterior installation, use wall straps to secure the chimney and provide 2 inches of clearance from the wall. For an interior installation, follow manufacturer instructions and place firestops between floors or an attic insulation shield when the pipe passes through an attic.

6. Extend the chimney to 3 feet above the roof line. If you are installing it through the roof, you will need to cut a hole with a jigsaw and pass the piping through it.

7. Install roof flashing and a storm collar if you penetrated your roof. Carefully pull up the shingles and slide the flashing in place. Nail the shingles back down to create a watertight seal. Place the storm collar around the chimney and bolt in place.

Tips & Warnings

• Review manufacturer guidelines and your local building codes to ensure you are adhering to safety requirements. Also contact your home insurance company to ask for advice and alert them to your project.

• Always ensure you are adhering to clearance requirements around combustible and noncombustible items when you are placing your stove and installing the piping.