DIY Sheet Metal Behind a Stove

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Things You'll Need

  • 28-gauge sheet metal

  • Tape measure

  • Shears

  • Felt marker

  • Power drill

  • Z-shaped sheet metal brackets

  • Wall anchors

  • 4 3/8-inch bolts and nuts

  • Adjustable wrench

Installing sheet metal behind a wood stove creates a barrier to protect the wall and reduce fire risks.

Wood stoves provide a cost effective way to heat homes. You can save money by cutting and storing wood yourself. Installing sheet metal with the correct clearances behind a wood stove can prevent radiant heat from igniting combustible materials in the wall, which could result in a house fire. The sheet metal is mounted with Z-shaped brackets, leaving a 2-inch gap between the wall and metal.These brackets can be crafted by a metal craftsman.

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Step 1

Cut a 28-gauge piece of sheet metal to a minimum of 36-by-48 inches using shears; these measurements may vary with the building code enforcement agency in different areas. Cutting sheet metal may be a job best suited to a professional sheet metal shop because cut sheet metal has rough, sharp edges.

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Step 2

Measure 2-by-2 inches on each corner of the sheet metal and make marks with a felt marker, which will leave a more visible mark on sheet metal than a pen or pencil.

Step 3

Drill a 3/8-inch hole with a power drill in each of the four corner marks.

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Step 4

Center the sheet metal on the wall behind the stove, keeping the bottom of the sheet a minimum of 2 inches off the floor. Hold a Z-shaped bracket up to the sheet metal lined up the the corner holes; mark the wall to correspond with the location of the second hole on the bracket and then remove the sheet metal for now.

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Step 5

Mount the Z-shaped sheet metal brackets to the wall with the wall anchors. Choose the appropriate type of wall anchors for the wall material.

Step 6

Line the sheet metal up with the brackets and secure it with four 3/8-inch bolts. Slide the bolts through the drilled holes and tighten the nuts with an adjustable wrench.

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