1. Stove Pipe Buying Guide (Introduction)
A stove pipe (sometimes called flue pipe or connector pipe) is the section of pipe that connects your wood-burning or multi-fuel stove to your chimney or flue liner. It carries hot flue gases away from the appliance and toward the chimney system.
2. Types of Stove Pipe
| Type | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single Wall | Internal use only (within the room) | Affordable, good for short runs; must not pass through walls/ceilings |
| Twin Wall | Going through walls, ceilings, or outdoors | Insulated, safe near combustibles, meets building regs for full flue runs |
| Enamelled | Decorative finishes, living areas | High-heat paint or vitreous enamel in black/grey/ivory |
| Flexible | Connections in tight spaces (not common for visible stove pipe) | Usually part of liner kits, not standard stove pipe |
3. Choosing the Right Stove Pipe
1. Diameter
Must match the stove’s flue outlet exactly.
Common sizes:
- 5" (125mm) – used for smaller stoves and DEFRA-exempt models
- 6" (150mm) – standard for most wood-burning stoves
- Larger stoves may require 7" or 8"
Important: Never reduce the diameter of the stove’s outlet without expert advice.
2. Length & Sections
- Sold in fixed lengths: 250mm, 500mm, 1000mm, etc.
- Adjustable lengths or slip joints are available for a more precise fit
- Use 45° or 90° bends if needed to navigate around obstacles, but minimize bends for better draw
3. Material & Finish
- Mild steel with black high-temp paint – standard for most stoves
- Vitreous enamel – for premium finish, scratch-resistant, and better corrosion resistance
- Stainless steel – more industrial look or for twin wall systems
4. Installation Tips
- Single wall pipe should only be used within the same room as the stove
- Must maintain at least 3x the diameter in vertical rise before a bend (if possible)
- Maintain clearances to combustibles (typically 3x pipe diameter for single wall)
- Pipe should slope upwards at a slight angle if going horizontally into a chimney
- Use fire cement or heat-resistant rope for sealing joints if required
We advise to have installed by a heating engineer, HETAS Engineer or suitably qualified tradesperson.
5. Common Stove Pipe Components
- Straight lengths (250mm, 500mm, 1m)
- Bends/elbows (15°, 30°, 45°, 90°)
- Adjustable or telescopic sections
- Pipe to liner adaptor (connects to flexible flue liner)
- Stove collar or spigot (from stove to pipe)
6. Compliance & Safety
- UK: Must follow Building Regs Part J
- US: Follow NFPA 211 or local codes
- Do not use single wall pipe through walls, floors, or ceilings — use twin wall pipe or connect to a liner via a register plate
- Check HETAS or certified installer guidelines
7. Price Guide (UK Example)
| Item | Approx. Price |
|---|---|
| 1m Single wall black stove pipe | £35–£48 |
| 45° or 90° bend | £48–£60 |
| Adjustable / telescopic piece | £95 |
| Pipe to liner adaptor | £45 |
8. Summary: What to Consider
- Match diameter to your stove
- Choose between single wall, flexible flue or twin wall depending on usage
- Think about aesthetic (enamel vs. matt black)
- Plan your run with as few bends as possible
- Ensure compliance with building regs
