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Hearth Size and Requirements for Woodburning and Multifuel Stoves (UK Building Regulations)

When installing a wood burning or multifuel stove, it is essential to follow UK Building Regulations to ensure both safety and legal compliance. Here’s what you need to know about hearth sizes and types:

A sleek black woodburning stove installed on a clear glass hearth set in a warm and inviting Scandinavianinspired living room The environment features whitepainted walls natural wood flooring and smooth minimalist furniture Soft seatinga charcoalcolo-1

Hearth Thickness and Material

  • For Stoves With Hearth Temperature ≤ 100°C (UKCA-Approved):
    • All the stoves we sell are UKCA approved. This means that they are tested and certified to not exceed a hearth temperature of 100°C.
    • For these stoves, only a non-combustible hearth with a minimum thickness of 12mm is required.
    • Suitable materials include slate, stone, marble, granite, concrete, glass, or ceramic tiles.
    • A constructional hearth (thicker, structural slab) is NOT required for our stoves. 
       

Hearth Minimum Dimensions (for Non-Combustible Hearths)

  • Freestanding Stoves (not inside an existing fireplace/recess):

    • The hearth must extend at least 300mm in front of the stove and 150mm to each side.  (PLEASE NOTE - THIS CAN BE GREATER IF SPECIFIED BY THE STOVE MANUFACTUTER - PLEASE CHECK WITH US PRIOR TO PURCHASE IF UNSURE)
    • The overall minimum hearth size should be at least 840mm x 840mm. 
       

  • Stoves Installed Inside a Fireplace Recess:

    • The hearth should project at least 500mm into the room from the fireplace opening, and extend at least 150mm beyond each side of the recess. 
       

Additional Key Points

  • No Combustibles Underneath: No combustible material should be placed beneath the hearth unless there is at least a 50mm air gap, or the combustible material is at least 250mm below the top of the hearth. 
     
  • Maintain Proper Clearances: Always follow the stove manufacturer’s instructions and UK Building Regulations for minimum distances from combustibles around the stove and hearth area. 
     
  • Always Check Your Stove’s Manual: Regulations are minimum standards, but the installation manual for your specific stove may require more stringent measures.

Why Non-Combustible Hearths Are Sufficient for Our Stoves

All models we offer are UKCA approved, meaning they are designed and tested so that their base will not cause the temperature of the hearth to exceed 100°C. As a result, a simple 12mm non-combustible hearth is sufficient, and a constructional hearth is not required for any stove purchased from us.

If in doubt, consult a qualified HETAS installer or your local Building Control for guidance.