How close can a stove be to drywall?

Author: Dr. Frederic Gulgowski Jr.  |  Last update: Saturday, March 1, 2025

If no wall protection is used, the common radiant-type stove or heater must be spaced out at least 36 inches from the wall. This distance may be reduced considerably if asbestos millboard and/or 28 gage sheet metal is used for wall protection.

How close to a wall can a stove be?

Without a backguard, a stove or range should typically be installed at least 6 inches away from a combustible back wall surface, like drywall. With a backguard, the range can usually be installed with zero wall clearance.

How much clearance between stove and wall?

The following are general minimum clearances for ranges: 1 ½ inches to nearest adjacent sidewall above the cooktop on both sides. 30 inches between the cooktop and a cabinet. 0 inches for sides below the cooktop.

Is drywall ok behind a wood stove?

If you're wondering whether you can use drywall in a fireplace insert surround, the answer is: No.

How close to a wall can a cooktop be?

Firstly, the minimum space allowed between the cooktop elements or gas burners and combustible materials directly overhead is 600 mm. Secondly, there must be at least 50 mm clearance from the back edge of the cooktop to a non-combustible wall surface or splashback.

How close can my wood stove be to the wall?

How far off the wall should a stove be?

Air gaps are sometimes specified in stove instruction manuals but often are not. Sometimes they are “recommended”. Usually recommendations for distances to non-combustibles are between 5cm and 15cm.

What is the minimum space next to a cooktop?

There are three sets of guidelines regarding cooking appliances, let's start with those surrounding a cooktop. Guidelines recommend a minimum of 12” landing area on one side of a cooking surface, and 15” on the other side.

How close can a wood stove be to a sheetrock wall?

If no wall protection is used, the common radiant-type stove or heater must be spaced out at least 36 inches from the wall. This distance may be reduced considerably if asbestos millboard and/or 28 gage sheet metal is used for wall protection.

How much heat can drywall withstand?

In general, drywall can tolerate temperatures up to 125°F (52°C) without sustaining damage.

Can I use cement board as a heat shield?

The industry's solution for heat shields

PermaBASE cement boards are the industry-preferred choice. Installation-ready and easy-to-use, PermaBASE® cement boards eliminate the need for field fabrication, saving time while allowing for enhanced performance and wood-burning stove placement closer to the wall.

What is the safe distance between wall and wood stove?

The National Fire Protection Asso- ciation (NFPA) has developed standards for clearances from walls and ceilings that are the basis for many local building codes (Table 1). All combustible materials, wood- work, unprotected walls, furniture, firewood, etc., should be no closer than 36 inches to a wood stove.

How much space do I need around my stove?

A minimum clearance of 36 inches from the top of the stove to the ceiling or any combustible materials above it. Hearth Requirements: The hearth should extend at least 18 inches in front of the loading door and 8 inches on each side of the stove.

What is the air gap between wall and wood stove?

Local building codes dictate the legal minimums for clearances to combustible materials like wood framing or panels. These mandated wood-burning stove air gaps are much more significant, usually 12 to 18 inches on the sides. Building codes don't regulate gaps for non-combustibles.

Do I need a heat shield behind a wood stove?

Wood stoves require heat shields both under and behind them to protect your home from heat damage. While many wood stoves include heat shields in their design, some do not.

How to fireproof a wall behind a wood stove?

The following are five suggestions for excellent wood stove wall protection.
  1. Heat Shield Made of Sheet Metal. ...
  2. Heat Barrier Made of Brick and Stone. ...
  3. Ceramic Tile and Equivalent Noncombustible Heat Shield. ...
  4. Combined Noncombustible Heat Shield With Tile and Metal Backing. ...
  5. Combined Noncombustible Heat Shield with Metal Backing:

Can a range be against a wall?

Freestanding ranges are designed to be placed against walls, while slide-in ranges are not.

Can heat cause drywall to crack?

When the temperature rises, the sheetrock can expand, causing it to buckle or warp. Conversely, when the temperature drops, the sheetrock can contract, leading to cracks and gaps in the walls or ceiling. The humidity levels can also affect the finish of the sheetrock.

How fireproof is drywall?

Standard drywall resists fire for up to an hour and usually costs around $15 per sheet. If you opt instead for Type X drywall, you get 200% of the fire resistance, and your cost only goes up around 30%. Type C provides 400% of the fire resistance of standard drywall and 200% of Type X.

What is too heavy for drywall?

The type of fastener you use can also influence the amount of weight the drywall can hold. If you opt for picture hangers or simple nails, then stick to objects that are less than 20 pounds. Flat mounted hooks and anchors may be able to hold up to 50 pounds, while drywall screws can hold about 20 pounds of weight.

Can you install a stove next to a wall?

Gas Ranges require a 6" side wall clearance above the counter height for proper distance from combustible surfaces. Select models may only require a 3" left side wall clearance based upon the burner configuration.

What do I put on the wall behind my stove?

Tile options:
  1. Ceramic Tile.
  2. Glass Tile.
  3. Stone.
  4. Stainless Steel. Stainless steel is another popular option for stove backsplashes. Stainless steel appliances are quite popular, offering both a sleek appearance, great durability and a surface that wipes clean easily.

How much does a heat shield reduce clearance?

The material used to build your Heat Shield must comply to CSA B365 to be in compliance. The materials listed are 29 gauge sheet metal, Ceramic Tiles or similar non-combustible material, Ceramic Tiles on 29 gauge sheet metal, brick and brick with 29 gauge sheet metal backing. Clearance reduction ranges from 50 to 67%.

How much clearance do you need around a stove?

A minimum clearance 'work zone' of 40” (102 cm) should be provided in front of a kitchen stove, with a larger 48”-60” (122-152 cm) clearance provided between other kitchen appliances.

How close can a cooktop be to a wall?

600mm of vertical clearance to a combustible surface, and 200mm of horizontal distance to a vertical surface. If these measurements can't be met, the surface in question must be protected with a fire resistant material in accordance with AG/601. 600mm to a rangehood.

What is the clearance code for a cooktop?

Household cooking appliances shall have a vertical clearance above the cooking top of not less than 30 inches (760 mm) to combustible material and metal cabinets.

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