What Does Minimum Distance to Combustibles Mean?
Why Is Minimum Distance Important?
Wood Burning & Multi-Fuel Stove Safety Guidance
When fitting a wood burning or multi-fuel stove, it is vital to ensure the safe distance between your appliance and any surrounding materials that could catch fire. This is called the minimum distance to combustibles. Protecting your home and family starts with following these clearance rules.
What Are Combustible Materials?
Combustibles are items or building materials that can burn or be damaged by heat. In the home, common combustible materials around stoves include:
- Wood and timber (beams, paneling, flooring, window and door frames, skirting boards)
- Plasterboard (all types, including pink fire-retardant boards)
- Soft furnishings (curtains, blinds, carpets, rugs, cushions)
- Upholstery (sofa, armchair, fabric walling)
- Furniture (shelving, tables, units)
- Plastics (cable sheaths, electrical sockets, plastic covers)
- Wallpaper and decorative finishes
- Books, papers, wall hangings
Important: All plasterboard—including pink “fire retardant” board—is regarded as a combustible material.
What Is the Required Minimum Distance?
The minimum safe distance to combustibles varies from one stove model to another. Each stove is tested by the manufacturer to specific standards, and the tested measurements are unique for every product.
- Always consult your stove’s manual or data plate to identify the correct minimum distance for your model.
- These distances can change. If exact clearance is critical (e.g., a unique fireplace project), please contact us to confirm the very latest requirement for your stove.
The minimum distance to combustibles is a legal and safety requirement. Never guess or use another stove’s figures!
What About Non-Combustible Materials?
Non-combustible materials do not catch fire or release flammable vapors when heated. Examples include:
- Brick
- Stone
- Tiles and ceramics
- Concrete
- Marble
- Glass
- Metals (steel, cast iron, etc.)
Unless stated otherwise in your stove manual, there is no minimum distance required from your stove to non-combustible materials.
However, we always recommend providing 75–100mm (3–4 inches) of free space between your stove and any non-combustible wall or surface. This gap allows for airflow to protect the steel body of the stove and prolong its lifespan.
Summary Checklist
- “Minimum distance to combustibles” is the safe gap required to any item that could catch fire.
- Common combustibles: wood, plastics, plasterboard (including pink fireboard), soft furnishings, and wallpaper.
- Each stove is different. Find your exact clearance in the stove’s official product guide.
- Distances can change. For total certainty, email us at support@moderngroupuk.com with your stove details.
- Non-combustibles (brick, stone, tile, etc.): no minimum unless your manual says otherwise, but allow 75–100mm for airflow as best practice.
Still Unsure? We’re Here to Help
If you’re uncertain about clearances, your materials, or how safe your planned installation is, don’t take chances.
Get expert advice: Contact us at support@moderngroupuk.com
Your safety is our top priority. Always follow tested guidance and check if you are unsure.