What Flue Pipe Do I Need for a Wood Burning Stove?
What Flue Pipe Do I Need for a Wood Burning Stove?
If you’re installing a wood burning stove, one of the first questions you may ask is: what flue pipe do I need for my wood burning stove?
In many installations, the visible pipe connected directly to the stove is a single wall vitreous enamel stove flue pipe. It provides a strong, heat-resistant and attractive connection between the stove and the appropriate chimney or flue system.
In this guide, SNH Tradecentre explains the difference between single wall stove pipe and twin wall flue, common sizes such as 5 inch / 125mm stove flue pipe, and the fittings you may need.
Quick Answer: What Flue Pipe Do I Need?
For the visible connection immediately above many wood burning and multi-fuel stoves, black single wall vitreous enamel flue pipe is commonly used. Popular sizes include 125mm (5 inch) and 150mm (6 inch). However, the correct size and type must always be confirmed from your stove manufacturer’s installation instructions.
What Is Stove Flue Pipe?
Stove flue pipe carries combustion gases from a wood burning or multi-fuel stove towards the chimney or main flue system.
Single wall stove pipe is commonly manufactured from steel with a durable vitreous enamel coating. Matt black is particularly popular because it matches the appearance of most traditional and contemporary wood burning stoves.
You may also see this type of pipe described as:
- Stove flue pipe
- Wood burner flue pipe
- Wood burning stove pipe
- Single wall flue pipe
- Single wall stove pipe
- Vitreous enamel flue pipe
- Black stove pipe
- Stove connector pipe
- 5 inch stove pipe
- 125mm stove flue pipe
Do I Need Single Wall or Twin Wall Flue Pipe?
This is one of the most common questions when planning a wood burner installation. Although the two products form part of a flue system, they perform different jobs.
Single Wall Vitreous Enamel Stove Pipe
Single wall vitreous enamel flue pipe is commonly used for the visible connecting section between the stove and a suitable chimney or chimney system.
Because it is single wall, the outside of the pipe becomes extremely hot and must be installed with the required clearances from combustible materials.
Twin Wall Insulated Flue
Twin wall flue has insulation between an inner and outer wall. It is commonly used where an insulated chimney system is required.
Twin wall systems may be required when there is no suitable existing chimney or where the installation passes through different parts of a building.
Single wall stove pipe and twin wall insulated chimney systems are not interchangeable. Always follow the appliance and flue manufacturer’s installation instructions.
What Size Flue Pipe Does My Wood Burning Stove Need?
The correct flue diameter is determined primarily by the stove manufacturer’s requirements and the design of the complete chimney system.
Two common stove flue pipe sizes are:
| Imperial Size | Nominal Metric Size | Shop Stove Flue Pipe |
|---|---|---|
| 5 inch | 125mm | View 5 Inch / 125mm Stove Pipe |
| 6 inch | 150mm | View 6 Inch / 150mm Stove Flue Pipe |
Can I Use 5 Inch / 125mm Flue Pipe on a Wood Burner?
Yes, 125mm / 5 inch stove flue pipe is widely used with many modern wood burning and multi-fuel stoves.
However, you should never choose the flue diameter simply because it fits the stove outlet. Check the stove manufacturer’s instructions and ensure the complete installation is correctly designed.
Why Choose Vitreous Enamel Stove Flue Pipe?
Attractive Finish
Matt black vitreous enamel complements most black steel and cast-iron stoves.
Heat Resistant
Designed for the high temperatures produced by suitable solid-fuel appliances.
Professional Appearance
The smooth enamel surface creates a neat and professional-looking stove installation.
Range of Fittings
Straight lengths, bends, offsets, access-door components and adaptors are available.
What Parts Do I Need to Connect My Wood Burner?
The exact components depend on your installation. A typical stove flue system may use several different fittings.
Straight Stove Flue Pipe
Straight lengths provide the main connection between the stove and the next section of the chimney or flue system.
Stove Pipe Bends
Stove pipe bends allow changes in direction where a completely vertical installation is not possible.
Stove Pipe Offsets
An offset can help connect a stove where the appliance outlet does not line up directly with the chimney connection. A purpose-designed offset can also reduce the number of individual joints required.
Stove Pipe With Access or Sweeping Door
Access-door or sweeping-door components can provide a convenient inspection and cleaning point where required.
Adaptors and Connectors
An appropriate adaptor may be required when transitioning between single wall stove pipe and another chimney or flue system.
Looking for 125mm Black Stove Flue Pipe?
SNH Tradecentre supplies 5 inch / 125mm black vitreous enamel stove flue pipe and fittings, including straight lengths, bends, offsets and access-door components.
Shop Stove Flue Pipe at SNH TradecentreWhich Way Up Does Stove Flue Pipe Go?
The orientation of the pipe and its male and female connections should always follow the flue manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Correct orientation is important because stove pipe joints are designed to help keep condensate and deposits contained within the flue system.
Can Single Wall Flue Pipe Go Through a Wall or Ceiling?
Single wall vitreous enamel connecting flue pipe should not simply be continued through combustible walls, floors, ceilings or roof structures as a replacement for an appropriate insulated chimney system.
Where the chimney passes through or close to building structures, correctly specified chimney components and suitable clearances will be required.
How Much Clearance Does Stove Flue Pipe Need?
Single wall stove pipe can become extremely hot. The correct distance from combustible materials depends on the stove, flue product and installation design.
Always follow:
- The stove manufacturer’s installation instructions
- The flue manufacturer’s instructions
- Applicable UK Building Regulations
- The advice and requirements of the competent installer
Can I Install Wood Burner Flue Pipe Myself?
Wood burning stove and chimney installations are safety-critical. The completed installation must comply with the applicable Building Regulations.
Many homeowners choose a competent installer experienced in solid-fuel appliances so that the stove, chimney and ventilation arrangements can be correctly installed and certified where appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stove Flue Pipe
What flue pipe do I need for a wood burning stove?
For the visible connecting section above many wood burning stoves, single wall vitreous enamel stove flue pipe is commonly used. Always check the manufacturer’s specified diameter and installation requirements.
Is 5 inch flue pipe the same as 125mm?
In the UK stove-flue market, products commonly described as 5 inch stove pipe are generally nominal 125mm systems. Always check the stated product dimensions before ordering.
Is 125mm flue pipe suitable for a wood burner?
Many wood burning stoves use a 125mm / 5 inch flue connection, but the correct diameter must be confirmed from the appliance manufacturer’s instructions.
What is the difference between stove pipe and chimney pipe?
Single wall stove pipe is generally the connecting flue immediately above the appliance. Twin wall insulated chimney systems are designed to create an insulated chimney where required.
Is vitreous enamel flue pipe suitable for wood burning stoves?
Yes. Appropriate vitreous enamel pipe is widely used as a connecting flue pipe for wood burning and multi-fuel stoves when installed according to the product and appliance manufacturer’s instructions.
Why Buy Stove Flue Pipe from SNH Tradecentre?
SNH Tradecentre supplies plumbing, heating and stove products to trade and DIY customers across the UK.
Our stove flue range includes 125mm / 5 inch black vitreous enamel stove pipe together with bends, offsets, access-door components and other fittings for wood burning and multi-fuel stove installations.
By stocking a range of compatible components, we make it easier to select the parts required to create a neat and professional stove-to-chimney connection.
Find the Right Flue Pipe for Your Wood Burning Stove
Check your stove manufacturer’s instructions to confirm the required flue diameter, then choose the correct vitreous enamel stove pipe and fittings.
5 Inch / 125mm Stove Pipe 6 Inch / 150mm Stove Flue Pipe