How far does a wood stove have to be from the wall in Canada?

Author: Tina Bogan  |  Last update: Wednesday, November 19, 2025

For this hypothetical installation, it is an uncertified appliance which must be installed as per CSA B365. This standard requires that there be a clearance between the stove and the adjacent walls of no less than 48 inches to combustible walls if proper shielding is not provided.

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

All combustible materials, wood- work, unprotected walls, furniture, firewood, etc., should be no closer than 36 inches to a wood stove. A stove pipe should not be closer than 18 inches to an unprotected ceiling.

How far does a wood stove need to be from the wall in Canada?

Clearance to combustible requirements for non certified radiant wood stove is 1200 mm (48"). A stove with a metal jacket casing requires 900 mm (36"). Wood stoves certified for installation in an alcove may not be reduced, unless otherwise stated by the appliance manufacturer or AHJ.

What is the minimum clearance for a wood stove in Canada?

While side and rear clearances vary considerably, front clearances are the same for all certified appliances, A clear space of 1200 mm (48”) is required in front of the load ing door of any wood burning appliance to allow room for tending the fire and maintaining the system.

What is the 3:2-10 rule for wood stoves?

3-2-10 Rule Explained

Explained, the chimney pipe must be a minimum of three feet above the roof but also two feet taller than anything within ten feet.

How close can my wood stove be to the wall?

What is the minimum space around a wood-burning stove?

Stove manufacturer's usually request a certain air gap around wood burning stoves, to non-combustible materials (not to be confused with combustible materials), left and right: usually between 2″ (50mm) and 6″ (150mm).

How far does a chimney have to be from a wall?

A minimum of ONLY 6" is required between the Ceiling/Wall and Double Wall Stove Pipe, or 18" for Single Wall Stove Pipe. *Clearances may vary-refer to installation instructions MAIN FLOOR every 8 feet. Tee requires a chimney length to go through the wall, and it must extend a minimum of 3" into the room.

Are wood stoves legal in Canada?

Both certified and uncertified wood stoves legal in Canada. A classic example of uncertified stoves widely in use today is any antique stove: the antique stoves preceded certification rules & bodies. The rules for uncertified appliances in Canada vary from province to province.

What is the clearance for an uncertified wood stove in Canada?

As an Uncertified Appliance the minimum distance from wood stove to a combustible is 48 inches (4 feet or 1200 mm). The minimum size of your floor pad size is 18 inches beyond side with the loading door and 8 inches on all other sides.

How far does a wood stove need to be away from a brick wall?

In the US, there should be a 36" clearance between any point on the stove and any point on a combustible wall.

How close can a stove be to the side wall?

Ranges. Electric Ranges require 0" side wall clearance above the counter height but up to 6" is recommended to avoid possible heat damage to surrounding surfaces.

How much clearance do you need for a wood stove?

At least 36 inches of clearance must be allowed between the top of a stove and an unprotected ceiling.

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.

What is the close clearance for a wood burning stove?

Clearance to Combustible Materials: A minimum clearance of 36 inches from the sides and rear of the wood stove to any combustible materials. A minimum clearance of 36 inches from the top of the stove to the ceiling or any combustible materials above it.

What is the best thing to put behind a wood burning stove?

Replacing the back wall with heat-resistant materials, like heat-resistant stones or a specialized wood stove heat shield, can be cumbersome and aesthetically displeasing. A simpler, more elegant solution is to use a cast iron fireback as a heat shield for the wood stove.

Can I use cement board behind my wood stove?

The industry's solution for heat shields

By using an approved heat shield system, the required distance between the stove and adjacent wall can be significantly reduced. PermaBASE® Building Products are the industry-preferred choice and the only cement board approved for heat shield applications.

Do I need a permit to put a wood stove in my house?

Do I need a permit to install a wood burning stove or fireplace? Yes, a Building Permit is required for wood burning stoves or fireplaces.

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

Manufacturer's specifications for clearances should be followed. If none are available, standard clearances are thirty-six (36) inches from a stove to a combustible wall or ceiling. A wall of wooden studs covered with sheetrock is considered to be a combustible wall.

Can cement board be used 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.

How much does it cost to install a wood burning stove in Canada?

The total cost of all these factors will range from $3000 to $4000. However, this price range is likely to increase if you decide to customize the stove, or if you are selective about the material you want.

How far does a wood stove need to be from the wall with a heat shield?

FAQs. Do I need a heat shield for my stove? The Fire Protection Association recommends that the common radiant-type stove must be spaced out by 900mm (36 inches) from a combustible wall. Using a heat shield can reduce the space required to 95mm as stated by HETAS.

What are the requirements for a wood stove chimney in Canada?

The building code requires that the top of the chimney extends not less than 1 m (3 ft.) above the point it exits the roof and 600 mm (2 ft.) higher than any roof, building or other obstacle within a horizontal distance of 3m (10 ft. ).

What is the 3 2 10 chimney rule?

This rule means that your chimney's shortest side needs to be at least 3 feet above the roof penetration, and its top has to be 2 feet higher than any part of the building that's within 10 feet.

How far should my stove be from the wall?

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.

What is the clearance for a wett wood stove in Canada?

The clearance for an uncertified radiant stove is 1200 mm (48 in.) and for a stove with a sheet metal jacket or casing the clearance is 900 mm (36 in.). The clearances are large because they apply to all shapes, sizes and designs of stoves that have not been tested to determine the actual clearances.

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