A garage has the potential to be much more than a parking space. When setting up a working station in your garage, lack of heating can be an issue. A wood stove (also called a wood-burning stove) can completely change the atmosphere of your garage. A heated garage is perfect for completing your projects and for the kids to plan activities.

A DIY veteran or a knowledgeable person might find this to be an exciting project. The beginner DIY or inexperienced person might feel overwhelmed by the complexity of it all. Follow this simple guide on how to install a wood stove in a garage to make the process a little easier.

Picking the Right Wood Stove

If you are considering a wood stove, you need to check some things before finalizing the purchase. We have listed some basic measures you might need to take.

Assess Your Garage’s Size

A shed-size garage is better off without a wood-burning furnace. A garage that can fit two cars will also accommodate a wood-burning stove.

Ensure Clearance Space

Clearance space is the non-inflammable material surrounding the stove. Generally, stoves require thirty-six inches of clearance area. Concrete or ceramic materials will make for good clearance. You will also need ample room for the chimney pipe.

Size of stove

The size of your wood-burning stove depends on the size of your garage. If you have a spacious garage, it makes sense that you will need a large furnace to heat up the area. But, keep in mind that wood stoves generate a lot of warmth. For most garages, a small size stove will work wonders.

Installing a Wood Stove

After taking the required measurements and selecting the best wood stove for your garage, the next step is installation. Before beginning, we recommend you look up your area code for setting up a wood stove in a garage. Now that you have considered everything, it is time to begin the installation process.

Pick a Location

Select the best spot in your garage to place your stove, keeping in mind chimney installation. The area should fit the stove and non-combustible material. You might have already decided on this location in your preliminary view of the garage space.

You must also choose the kind of chimney pipe that is suited for your garage and furnace. The installation process for the pipeline will differ depending on the type. Place the stove at the desired site. Make sure the measurements of the clearance space meet the manufacturer’s requirements. The stove should fit nicely within the surrounding non-combustible material.

Mark the Chimeny Hole on the Ceiling

Use a plumb bob over the center of the connection between your stove and chimney to make the mark. It is best to mark a line to show the connections. Next, you will need a scribing compass to draw a circle around this line. Add 4 inches to the diameter and draw another circle around the line. The extra inches are for protecting combustible elements in the ceiling or roof. Re-check the alignment of the stove connection and chimney markings. Adjust these if needed.

Make way for the Chimney Pipe

Cut along the marked circle to make an opening for the chimney pipe. If you have sheetrock installed in the ceiling, cut through it using a jab saw or knife. Next, cut through the sheathing and roofing with a jigsaw.

Clear the Path

Clean any lodged waste in the chimney hole. Make sure there is no roofing sticking out. Consult the chimney manufacturer’s guide and install the collar flashing. You can check the placement by lowering a plumb bob down the chimney hole. Once again, ensure clearance material fits around the stove.

Install the Chimney

Fix the chimney parts together. Pass the chimney through the ceiling hole and collar flashing. Join the bottom end of the chimney to the woodstove flange as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Next, mount a storm collar over the roof collar flashing. Secure the upward surface of the chimney pipe and the inner edge of the storm collar. You can do so by using a ring of silicone caulking around the gap between the perimeter of the surfaces.

Check fittings

Better safe than sorry, we always say. Check if everything is properly aligned and the fixtures are secured in place. One way to do this is to burn old newspaper or spare paper in your wood stove. If there is smoke inside your garage, check the fittings.

Bonus Tips

  • Make sure you inform your insurance company that you are installing a wood-burning stove in your garage.
  • Get a permit by having your garage wood stove set up inspected.
  • Do not use flammable chemicals in your garage after installing the stove. This can be a potential fire hazard.

DIY or Hire a Professional

We don’t blame you if you’re hesitant about undertaking this project on your own. A beginner DIYer might feel intimidated, while a seasoned one might be gearing for the challenge. You can better assess where you fall on the spectrum. If you are confident about cutting a hole through your roof and surrounding your stove with cement, then give it a go.

If you decide to do this on your own, make sure you are in compliance with city codes. It wouldn’t hurt to consult a professional before you cut through your roof.

Conclusion

Turning your garage into something more is an option worth exploring. Unfortunately, this part of the house lacks heating. A wood stove for your garage is a viable solution to overcome the lack of heating. In this guide, we have provided a step-by-step guide for you to install a wood-burning stove in your house garage.

We strongly recommend checking the code for installing the stove in your garage. We also suggest that you consult a professional at least once before or during the project. We hope this post proves helpful in your stove installing endeavor.

Share your experience or advice in the comments below.