Which Chimney Pipe Do You Need for a Wood Burning Stove?

The short answer: a complete wood stove venting system uses two pipe types. Single-wall or double-wall stove pipe connects the stove to the ceiling or wall. From there, UL 103 HT listed Class A insulated chimney pipe takes the gases safely through the structure and up above the roof. This page covers what each part does, how to size them, and the kits that combine everything for a complete install.

Class A Insulated Chimney Pipe for Wood Stoves

• The U.S. standard for safe wood stove venting. Class A insulated chimney pipe is double-walled, factory-built, and certified to UL 103 HT for solid fuel appliances. The inner stainless steel liner handles flue gases up to 1000 F continuously and 2100 F during chimney fires.
• Pass close to combustibles. The insulation layer between the inner and outer walls keeps the pipe surface cool enough for a 2 inch clearance to wood framing, drywall, and insulation. That makes it the only safe option for passing through walls, ceilings, attics, and roofs.
• Two sizes for residential use. Available in 6 inch and 8 inch diameters. Match the diameter to your stove outlet, never reduce below it.
• Better draft, less creosote. Insulated pipe keeps flue gases hot all the way to the cap. Hot gases draft strongly and deposit less creosote, which means safer operation between sweeps.

               

Connecting Stove Pipe: The Indoor Link to Your Chimney

Inside the room between the stove and the ceiling or wall transition, you don't use Class A chimney pipe. You use stove pipe, also called connector pipe. Two types are available:

• Single-wall black stove pipe: Lower cost, 24-gauge steel with a black matte finish. Requires 18 inches of clearance to combustibles. Best for installations where the stove sits well away from walls.
• Double-wall stove pipe: Reduces required clearance to 6 inches. Useful in tighter rooms where the stove sits closer to a wall, and it keeps more heat in the room because the outer wall stays cooler.

Stove pipe transitions to Class A insulated chimney pipe at the wall thimble or ceiling support box. The connector itself never passes through any structure.

Important: every U.S. install must comply with NFPA 211 and the IRC, plus the manufacturer's listed installation instructions and any local code amendments.

Complete Chimney Kits for Wood Burning Stoves

If you'd rather not piece a system together part by part, a complete chimney kit bundles every component you need in a single order. We offer kits for every common install route in U.S. homes:

• Through-Wall Kit: Stove pipe inside, Class A pipe out through the wall and up to the cap. The most common kit for installs where the chimney exits horizontally before turning vertical.
• Through-Roof Kit: Straight vertical run from the stove through the ceiling, attic, and roof. Best draft because it's fully vertical.
• Garage External Kit: Designed for stove installs in garages, workshops, and similar outbuildings.

Each kit includes the stove pipe, transition components, Class A chimney sections, wall or ceiling support, flashing, storm collar, and a UL listed cap with spark arrestor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chimney pipe do I need for a wood burning stove?

For most wood burning stoves you need two pipe types working together. Single-wall or double-wall stove pipe connects the stove to the ceiling or wall, then UL 103 HT listed Class A insulated chimney pipe takes the gases through the wall or roof and up above the cap. Match the diameter to your stove outlet, usually 6 inch.

Is Class A chimney pipe required for wood burning stoves?

Yes. If the chimney passes through any combustible wall, ceiling, or roof, NFPA 211 and the IRC require UL 103 HT listed Class A insulated chimney pipe. Single-wall stove pipe is for the connector run inside the room only.

What size chimney pipe do I need for my wood stove?

Match the appliance flue collar diameter. Most modern wood stoves use a 6 inch flue. Larger stoves and freestanding fireplaces may need 7 or 8 inch. Never reduce below the stove outlet, and avoid oversizing because it weakens draft and increases creosote.

Need Help Choosing the Right Chimney Pipe?

We've been helping U.S. homeowners install safe, efficient wood stove venting systems for over a decade. Whether you need a single component or a complete kit, our team can help you size it right the first time. Browse our Class A chimney pipe range, connecting stove pipe, and complete chimney kits, or reach out for personalized advice.