Choosing the right kind of wood stove type is a matter of understanding your specific stove, the wall and ceiling clearance you have to work with, and your budget. Most wood stove pipe is made out of 22 or 24 gauge stainless steel and comes in either single or double wall construction. Single construction stainless steel wood stove pipe is easy to find in most local hardware or building supply stores and is the least expensive option. Single construction stainless steel wood stove pipe requires at least 18 inches of clearance from the stove to the chimney, and is available in black, blue and galvanized outer finishes. It is easy to work with, lightweight, and conducts heat very well, so your room will warm up rapidly if you choose to install this type of pipe.
On the down side, single wall construction wood stove pipe wears out quickly. The type of steel used in single wall construction wood stove pipe is actually eaten away over time by the exhaust produced by the burning wood. Single wall construction wood stove pipe has to be completely replaced every three to five years to remain safe and functional. So while single wall wood stove pipe is cheap to buy and easy to work with, you will have to replace it on a regular basis, which for some people is a major drawback. Double wall construction wood stove pipe is made with a stainless steel inner wall and a black steel outer wall.
Double wall wood stove pipe is harder to find but is often available at construction supply retailers, or it can usually be special-ordered from wood stove supply stores. Because double wall wood stove pipe is better insulated than single wall wood stove pipe, double wall pipe only requires six inches of wall clearance and eight inches of ceiling clearance. It is definitely the pipe to use if you are working in tight quarters. Double wall wood stove pipe also lasts many more years than single wall pipe.
On the down side, double wall wood stove pipe is much heavier than single wall pipe, and it is much more difficult to work with (or at least clumsier). Double wall wood stove pipe also costs more, (although, keep in mind that you will not be replacing it nearly as soon as you will single wall pipe, so that cuts down on the real cost over time). Double wall wood stove pipe is a good choice for durability and clearance, but it isn’t the cheapest way to go. How do you choose which wood stove pipe is best for your application? If there ever was a time to get professional advice, choosing the right wood stove pipe is it. Ask your wood stove retailer about pipe installation and clearance, and make sure you understand how to properly vent your stove and where to place it. Check out all the building codes in your area and talk with your home insurer before you make a single purchase.
Wood stoves are great money savers once property installed, but they can be tricky to install correctly and efficiently. Each situation will be different. Once you understand the safety requirements, go with the best wood stove pipe you can afford so you can spend your time enjoying your stove, not replacing the corroded pipe every few years.
