Building an outdoor wood stove can be an enjoyable weekend project that will provide you with heat and security. We are going to go over the steps for building your own, including what materials you need, how long it takes, and other tips.
Wood stoves are a great way to heat your home when the weather outside is frightful. This guide will help you build an outdoor wood stove that can be used in any season, and also serves as a decorative piece for your yard.
We’ll start with what you need to get started:
- A metal firebox (purchased at Home Depot) about 18″x24″x36″. The bottom of this should be flanged so it sits securely on top of the burner pipe.
- A 3/4 inch galvanized steel pipe that is 6 ft long and threaded on one end (threaded end goes inside fire box). Make sure the threading matches up with threads on other ends of pipes you may purchase.
- One elbow joint for the pipe.
- A tee joint for the pipe.
- Two caps for the pipe.
- A drill with a bit that is slightly larger than your screws.
- An adjustable wrench.
Once you have all of your materials, it’s time to start building! The first step is to drill some holes in the bottom of your fire box. This will allow air to flow up through the wood and help it burn more efficiently. The number and size of the holes depends on how big your pipe is, but we recommend drilling about six ½ inch diameter holes.
Next, screw the flange from the bottom of your fire box to the top of your burner pipe. Make sure it’s tight and secure.
Now, connect the elbow joint to one end of your pipe, and the tee joint to the other. The elbow should be pointing up, and the tee should point down.
Attach a cap to each end of the pipe.
The last step is to attach the stove to your chimney. We recommend using a Class A chimney liner, but if you don’t have one, you can use metal flashing. The top of the flashing should be at least 18 inches above the roof line, and extend out at least six inches on all sides.
What is a Wood Stove?
A Wood Stove is a device that uses wood as fuel to generate heat. It is usually a freestanding unit with a chimney. Some wood stoves are also designed to cook food.
There are many different types of wood stoves, from small portable units to large stoves that can heat an entire house. The type of wood stove you choose will depend on your needs and what you are using it for.
Some things to consider when choosing a wood stove include:
- The size of the unit.
- The type of fuel it uses (wood, pellets, gas).
- The heat output (BTUs).
- How easy it is to use and maintain.
- The price.
If you are looking for a wood stove that can heat your entire house, be sure to choose one with a high heat output. If you are just looking for a small unit to use in your backyard, there are many portable options available.
Wood stoves come in both combustion and non-combustion models, depending on whether or not they need an external source of combustion. Combustion stoves use wood as the primary fuel and require ventilation to allow heat to escape up the chimney. Non-combustion units do not have a venting system because they rely on electricity or gas for their power supply.
There are many factors to consider when choosing a wood stove, but with so many different options available, there is sure to be one that fits your needs. Follow the link below for more information on how to choose the right wood stove for you.
Why choose an outdoor Wood Stove?
Outdoor Wood Stoves are much cheaper than indoor wood stoves. They also require less work to install and use, so they’re easy for both homeowners and professional contractors to set up in a basement or garage. These factors have helped make outdoor wood stoves the top choice of many heating professionals across North America over the past several years.
For homeowners, the leading advantage of an outdoor wood stove is that it’s much more affordable than indoor stoves. An outdoor stove will also require less work to install and use; thus making them easy for both homeowners and professional contractors alike. The affordability factor has made these heating appliances top choices across North America over the past several years.
When looking for an outdoor wood stove, make sure to find one that is certified to meet EPA emission standards. Outdoor stoves that don’t comply with these standards can release harmful particles and gases into the environment, which is why it’s important to select a model from a reputable manufacturer.
For professional contractors, the leading advantage of an outdoor wood stove is that it’s affordable and can be installed much easier than indoor stoves. An oversized unit should also be chosen over a smaller model, in order to ensure the safest and most efficient operation possible.
When looking for an outdoor wood stove make sure to find one that meets EPA emission standards; this is because outdoor stoves that don’t comply with these standards can release harmful particles and gases into the environment. It’s important to select a model from a reputable manufacturer in order to ensure their safety while operating.
Outdoor Wood Stove features to consider
There are several considerations to take into account before purchasing an outdoor wood stove. They include:
- Size of the Stove – The size of your chimney or flue is often proportional to how much heat you want, but also in relation with the type of fuel that will be used (burns more efficiently). If you plan to use wood, then it should be slightly larger than the flue size. If you are planning to burn pellets or even coal, consider buying a stove that will only take up about half of your chimney width allowing for easier removal and cleaning.
- Design – You can choose between free standing stoves which have their own base so they can be placed on any flat surface, but they are less sturdy than other outdoor wood stoves that require a hearth. You can also choose between wide open door designs or smaller narrow doors which will keep the heat inside your home better.
- Safety – Outdoor Fire Pits and Wood Stoves need to have adequate safety measures for both you and your home. It is important to have a sturdy handle and good ventilation so you can safely remove it from the fire pit or chimney even when hot.
- Materials – Outdoor wood stoves are made out of different materials, but steel is often considered being one of the best options as it cooks evenly without creating an excess amount of smoke. Steel is more expensive than other options, but it will last longer and provide the most even cooking.
- Cleaning – Outdoor Wood Stoves come with a variety of cleaning styles ranging from lift out grates to ash removal by tilting your stove back. If you plan on buying one that does not have an easy way to empty ashes, you will have to buy a shovel or ashpan.
- Accessory – Outdoor Wood Stoves are popular with people who want an outdoor fire pit and cooking area all in one unit, but some models also come equipped with chairs and tables that can be folded away when not needed. These units typically cost more than just the stove itself, but they can be a great addition to your backyard.
When considering these features, it is important that you choose the outdoor wood stove that best meets your needs. By taking into account how you will use the stove, the size of your chimney or flue, and what material the stove is made out of, you can be sure to find an outdoor wood stove that will be a great addition to your home.
How to build a outdoor Wood Stove (Step by Step)
Steps to build a Wood Stove:
- Tools Needed for the job.
- Materials Needed for the project.
- Safety Advice.
It is not very easy to build a Wood Stove, but if you are willing to learn how, follow the instructions carefully and everything will go smoothly. Let’s get started!
Tools you will need: Hammer, saw, drill, screwdriver and level.
Materials needed: bricks, metal sheeting (or roof tiles), insulation material (such as fiberglass or mineral wool), stove pipe and a door.
Safety advice: Wear gloves when handling the metal sheeting and make sure to use goggles when drilling.
- To begin, you need to build the foundation for your stove. The foundation should be sturdy and level, so take your time when building it.
- Once the foundation is complete, you can start building the actual stove. Start by measuring and cutting the metal sheeting to size. It’s best to use a metal saw for this, but a sharp knife will also do the job.
- Next, you need to drill some holes in the metal sheeting. This is where the stove pipe will go later on. Make sure the holes are big enough for the stove pipe to fit through.
- Now it’s time to start building the brickwork. Put a layer of bricks in the bottom, then add insulation material and another layer of bricks on top. Repeat this until you have built your stove to an appropriate height.
Materials
- Wood! (duh) For your stove to reach its full potential, you’ll need a dry supply of wood. This will be different depending on where you live and the size of your heater, but it typically ranges anywhere from one cord up to four cords per year. The former is what most people can handle without needing a tractor or an excessive amount of manpower.
- A metal barrel! This will be the body of your stove. You can find them for free at many places, such as construction and demolition sites, just make sure it doesn’t have any harmful chemicals or paints on it. 55 gallon drums are a good size, but you could go smaller or bigger if you like.
- Some stovepipe! This will be the chimney for your stove. It needs to be stainless steel, galvanized, or black iron pipe with a minimum of 0.035” thickness. You can buy it new from a store, or salvage it from an old heater or furnace.
- insulation! This is important for two reasons: to keep the heat in, and to protect you from the hot metal. You can use fiberglass batting, rockwool, or any other type of insulation.
- a drill! Or some other way to make holes in your barrel.
- screws! Lots of screws.
- a metal saw! It’s important to have good tools for this project. You can also use an angle grinder with a cutting wheel, or any other type of saw that will cut through your barrel material.
- The stove pipes are connected by “stove pipe joints” which slide together and fasten with screws.
- a stove thermometer! This is important to have in order to monitor your stove’s temperature and make sure you’re not burning your house down.
- Some kind of sealant! You can use high-temperature silicone, high-temperature gasket maker, or stove cement.
Tools
You will need the following tools and materials to build your outdoor wood stove:
- Tape measure.
- Plywood (at least ½ inch thick).
- Circular saw or hand saw.
- High temperature paint or stove polish.
- Stove gasket or high temp silicone sealant.
- Stove pipe.
- Hinges.
- Screws.
- Latch.
If you are not comfortable using power tools, or if you do not have the necessary tools on hand, you may want to consider hiring a professional carpenter to help build your outdoor wood stove.
Building the Base: The base of your outdoor wood stove is extremely important. You will need to measure the length and width of your outdoor wood stove, before building a base for it.
Once you have determined the proper measurements, cut two pieces from ½ inch plywood using a circular saw or hand saw. The height of each board should be equal to the measurement from ground level up to the top of your stove.
Safety Precautions
When building an outdoor wood stove, it is important to take safety precautions. Some of these include:
- Making sure the area around the stove is clear of any flammable objects.
- Building the stove in a well-ventilated area.
- Not using the stove if there is a risk of rain or snowing.
- Do not use the stove when you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, medication, etc.
When building an outdoor wood stove it is important to take safety precautions into consideration. Some safety precautions that should be taken include: making sure there are no flammable objects in the surrounding area; build a well-ventilated stove; do not use the stove when there is a risk of rain or snowing; and do not use the stove when you are tired, under the influence of drugs, alcohol, medication, etc.
It is also important to keep in mind that an outdoor wood stove should never be used as your main source of heat. It should only be used as a supplemental heat source.
An outdoor wood stove should never be used as your main source of heat – it should only be used as a supplemental heat source. Make sure to keep this in mind when using the stove. Following these safety precautions will help ensure that you and your family stay safe while enjoying the benefits of an outdoor wood stove.
An outdoor wood stove should never be used as your main source of heat – it should only be used as a supplemental heat source. Make sure to keep this in mind when using the stove, following these safety precautions will help ensure that you and your family stay safe while enjoying the benefits of an outdoor wood stove.
Environmental Protection
One of the biggest benefits of using an outdoor wood stove is that it’s great for the environment. By burning wood instead of other fuels, you’re doing your part to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Outdoor stoves also produce less ash than indoor stoves, so there’s less cleanup required.
One of the biggest benefits to using an outdoor stove is that it’s great for the environment. By burning wood instead of other fuels, you’re doing your part to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Outdoor stoves also produce less ash than indoor stoves, so there’s less cleanup required.
Safety Tips
When building an outdoor wood stove, always take into account safety. Make sure the area is clear of debris and combustible materials before starting construction. When finished, allow the stove to cool completely before using it. And finally, be sure to follow all manufacturer instructions when assembling and using your stove.
Now that you’re familiar with the basics of how to build a outdoor wood stove, you should be able to get started.
Just be sure to take your time and follow the safety guidelines, and you’ll be enjoying a warm fire in no time!
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when building your stove:
- Make sure the area is clear of debris and combustible materials before starting construction.
- When finished, allow the stove to cool completely before using it.
- Be sure to follow all manufacturer instructions when assembling and using your stove.
- If you’re not comfortable with building the stove yourself, consult a professional for assistance.
That’s it for now! Be sure to check back soon for more tips on how to build an outdoor wood stove. In the meantime, happy building!
FAQs
How much does the outdoor wood stove cost?
The outdoor wood stove typically costs between $200 and $600. However, the cost can vary depending on the materials you use.
Can I build an outdoor wood stove out of recycled materials?
Yes! You can use a variety of recycled materials to build your own outdoor wood stove.
What are the dimensions of an outdoor wood stove?
The dimensions of an outdoor wood stove vary depending on the design you choose. However, most stoves are between 24 and 36 inches wide and 18 and 24 inches tall.
Can I use my outdoor wood stove to heat my home?
Yes! An outdoor wood stove can be used to heat your home or other buildings.
Can I use my outdoor wood stove in the winter?
Yes! An outdoor wood stove can be used year-round to provide warmth and comfort.
What are the safety precautions for using an outdoor wood stove?
When using an outdoor wood stove, always follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety precautions. Be sure to keep the stove area clear of flammable materials and never leave a burning stove unattended.
How do I clean my outdoor wood stove?
The best way to clean your outdoor wood stove is to consult the manufacturer's instructions. However, most stoves can be cleaned with a wire brush and/or steel wool.
How do I install an outdoor wood stove?
When installing your own outdoor wood stove, always consult the manufacturer's instructions and safety precautions. Depending on the design of your oven, you can build it into a wall or simply put it in front of an existing fireplace opening.
Conclusion
By now we have made some good progress on the outdoor wood stove. We started off by discussing our options of what type of stove is best for your needs. Then we discussed the different types of materials you can use to make one, their pros and cons, as well as best practices on how to create a stable structure that will last years into the future with minimal maintenance!