Installing a shepherd's hut wood burner kit may initially seem complex. However, it doesn't have to be as complex as it sounds. With some planning and preparation, this can be a relatively simple operation, taking little time and effort.

Considerations Before Installation

Before any installation or building project, there are some regulations and requirements that must be met. First and foremost, in the UK, Approved Document J contains all the rules for combustion appliances.

While it may be challenging to do in a small space like a shepherd's hut, it's essential to meet the regulations as well as possible. You may also need to check your local municipal bylaws to ensure the installation follows the rules.

HETAS provides an advisory document to help accommodate the differing circumstances offered by a smaller-type building. It rephrases the requirements as delivered in Document J and makes them accessible for both DIYers and professionals.

If you look to pages 20 and 21, you'll find all the information that's specifically relevant to shepherd's huts.

What You Need: Tools and Equipment

You will need some essential tools and equipment when you're getting ready to install a wood burner in a shepherd's hut. Some of these include the following:

  • Basic measuring and marking:
    • Tape measure
    • Permanent marker pen
    • Spirit level (also called level)
    • Alternative for marking: Pencil (especially for delicate surfaces)
  • Drilling:
    • Cordless drill
    • Drill bits (various sizes, at least your recommended sizes are good to have on hand)
  • Fastening:
    • 10mm ring spanner
    • Alternatives: Adjustable wrench (can handle various nut/bolt sizes), socket wrench set (more versatile for different bolt heads)
  • Cutting:
    • Cordless jigsaw (for cutting shapes)
    • Alternative: Hacksaw (for straight cuts in metal or wood)
  • Optional (for sheep wool insulation):
    • Sharpened metal rod

Choosing a Wood-Burning Stove for a Shepherd's Hut

When preparing to install a shepherd's hut wood burner kit, some essential characteristics must be considered before purchasing. Below, we'll discuss some of the primary considerations when choosing a wood burner kit.

  • Size: Since shepherd's huts are a little small, you must choose a stove that fits comfortably into the space. Larger huts may comfortably accommodate a medium-sized wood burner or stove, but most will require a small or mini burner.
  • Heat output: The next thing to consider isn't a matter of size but volume. In a building as small as a shepherd's hut, too much heat output can be as damaging as too little. The heat output of the stove is measured in kilowatts (kW). Generally, you will need 1 kW of heat output for every 10 square metres of floor space.
  • Flue type: Depending on the layout of your hut, how well it is insulated, and the type of fuel you're planning on burning, you may need to choose between several different devices and types of flues.
  • Safety features: Look for a stove or burner with all the safety features you want, including a spark arrestor and a safety rail.
  • Cooking facilities: When choosing a heating device for your shepherd's hut, consider whether you want something that will simply warm the space or something that you can cook on as well. If you opt for a dual-purpose stove, then you need to choose one with a hob of the right size and characteristics.
  • Budget: Your budget is a significant factor in any purchase, including a shepherd's hut wood burner kit. You want to choose something that's easily affordable but still has all your desired characteristics. If you must choose, it's better to save up for something slightly more expensive than to buy something cheap that won't meet your needs.

These are just a few of the things worth considering when you're trying to choose a stove or wood burner kit for your shepherd's hut. In addition to these basic practicalities, you should also consider your preferences. Choosing a stove or burner for aesthetic reasons is perfectly okay as long as it's practical.

Choosing a Flue System for your Shepherd's Hut Wood Burner Kit

Once you've chosen a burner for your space and are sure that it will work well within your hut, it's time to consider the flue system. The stove or burner's effectiveness will depend in part on how well your flue works within the space.

Before you can do this, you need to know the size of the stove's outlet. We stock both 5-inch and 6-inch flue kits, so we can help you irrespective of the outlet size.

The next thing you need to consider is the type of fuel you'll be burning. You may be surprised to know that flues for different fuel types can vary significantly in their composition. For instance, if you're using a multi-fuel stove, the steel will have a different composition than a flue for a stove that only burns wood.

This is because different kinds of steel may react to various compounds, and assorted fuel types release different chemicals and compounds when they combust. Smoke from a charcoal fire is vastly different to the smoke from a wood fire.

Fortunately, we stock flue kits that will work for both systems. Whether you decide to use a 5-inch or 6-inch system, burn wood or install a multi-fuel stove, our twin-wall flue kits have everything you need.

Thanks to the additional insulation, and the fact that the kit contains everything you need, you can install your new shepherd's hut wood burner kit in no time.

Depending on your needs, the kit contents may change somewhat. However, this is one example of what you can expect the kit to contain:

  • 1 x Wall Support 50 - 75mm
  • 2 x Straight length 1000mm with locking band
  • 1 x Telescopic wall sleeve 175 - 330mm
  • 1 x 45° TEE with two locking bands and cap
  • 2 x 45° Oval Trim Collar
  • 1 x 45° elbow with locking band
  • 1 x Base support 50 -150mm (flue to wall)
  • 1 x Rain cap

Installing Your Shepherd's Hut Wood Burner - Step by Step

Now that we've discussed selecting your wood burner or stove and the flue kit let's examine how to install your new system. We’ll be discussing how to install a flue through the roof of your hut, which is the most common option, but it’s worth noting that you can also install the flue pipes through the hut’s wall.

Step 1: Finalizing the Stove's Position

The first thing you need to do when you're preparing to install a stove or burner is establish where you're going to put it.

Important things to bear in mind are:

  1. You need to plan enough space for the hearth, not just the stove (the device's dimensions + 150 mm on three sides for the hearth and 225mm on the fourth side).
  2. You must ensure that there is at least 150mm of space between the device and any surrounding elements, such as the wall and other furniture. This is required by law.
  3. There needs to be at least 225mm of space between the front of the stove and the front of the hearth.

You also need to ensure that the hearth is positioned so that the flue does not interfere with any of the existing roof support beams.

Step 2: Preparing the Hearth Area

When installing a combustion device of any kind, it's essential to ensure that you follow the directions for creating space between the device and any combustibles. Part of this preparation involves installing a hearth area. Fortunately, hearths are relatively easy to find and install. The only fundamental requirement is that the hearth be non-combustible and at least 125mm (or ½-inch) thick.

Step 3: Marking and Cutting a Hole in the Roof

Now that you've prepared the hearth, you can place the stove on it. Run a plumb line from the flue collar's centre to establish the flue location's centre point on the roof. Mark a circle of the appropriate diameter from the centre point using a marker.

Once you've marked the appropriate location, you can drill out the hole using a hole saw of the proper size.

Step 4: Make the Hole Large Enough for the Trim Plate

While you now have a hole large enough to accommodate a stove pipe, you must also accommodate the trim plate, insulation, and clearance space.

Let's say the flue pipe you are using has an internal

diameter of 100mm. However, you also need to consider the 25mm of insulation around it, and building codes require at least 50mm of clearance between the flue and combustible materials like the ceiling.

Because of the insulation, the total diameter of the hole you need to cut for a flue pipe with a 100mm internal diameter is 250mm. This measurement considers the flue pipe diameter (100mm), insulation thickness (2 x 25mm), and required clearance (50mm).

To make this easier, place the inside of the trim plate on the ceiling. This plate will cover the hole once the flue is installed. Use the plate to trace a circle on the ceiling. This will mark the size of the hole needed for the flue pipe.

Drill eight holes around the outside edge of the circle you just marked to make cutting easier. Then, use the jigsaw to cut out the hole you've marked on the ceiling.

Step 5: Make a Hole in the Roof

Now that you have the inside hole, it's time to cut a hole through the metal exterior roof.

First, use a punch to create a small center point hole on the metal roof where the flue pipe will go. Then, use a drill to make another hole that marks the edge of the metal you need to cut away. You want a closer fit in this case, so if your flue pipe has a 150mm diameter, a 160mm hole will leave a small 5mm gap for clearance. That's more than sufficient in this case.

Now, cut the hole. The best tool for this job is a small metal nibbler attachment for a drill. However, you can use tin snips or a small angle grinder if you don't have one.

Remove any insulation in the gap between the ceiling hole and the roof hole, then resize it and put it back so it fits neatly around the holes. Ensure good clearance between the pipe and any insulation (at least 50mm).

Step 6: Install the Trim Plate and Flashing

The trim plate covers the hole in the ceiling and creates a neat finish around the flue pipe. It should fit snugly around the pipe and extend slightly beyond the ceiling hole.

You can install it by applying a thin bead of heat-resistant silicone sealant to one side of the trim plate and pressing the plate firmly into position on the ceiling around the flue pipe.

Silicone Flashing is optional and provides an additional watertight seal around the flue pipe where it exits through the roof. You install it by applying a bead of heat-resistant silicone sealant beneath the flexible edge of the flashing and then securing the flashing in place with self-tapping screws.

Step 7: Install the Rest of Your Flue Kit

Now that you have everything else, it's time to install the flue kit. Most flue kits come with basic instructions, so it should be relatively simple, but here's a basic rundown:

  1. Connect the stovepipe adaptor (if required) and stovepipe to the stove outlet. You can use fire cement to secure the connection if desired.
  2. Assemble the flue pipe segments as noted in the instructions and secure them together.
  3. Run the flue pipe through the trim plate in the ceiling and the flashing in the roof.
  4. Connect the flue pipe to the stove pipe (using an elbow or adaptor if necessary).
  5. Use the provided fasteners to provide additional support to the flue pipe.
  6. Install the rain cap on the flue outlet to prevent rain and debris from falling down the flue.
  7. Test the appliance to ensure the flue isn't leaking, and seal any joints with fire cement (as required).

Final Thoughts

Installing a shepherd's hut wood burner kit isn't nearly as difficult as you might think. And, if you're busy installing one of our twin flue kits when you run into trouble, you're more than welcome to contact us. We'd love to help you make your installation a success.

*note regarding advisory document and document J.