With open-plan kitchen extensions becoming a staple of modern UK living, many homeowners are looking for ways to make these bright, sociable spaces feel warm and cosy — especially in the colder months. One increasingly popular question is: can I install a woodburning stove in my kitchen extension?

The short answer is yes — in most cases, you absolutely can. But there are some important factors to consider before you get started. From flue positioning and building regulations to air supply and design choices, this guide from Manor House Fireplaces & Stoves will walk you through everything you need to know to safely and stylishly install a woodburner in your new kitchen space.

Why Install a Woodburner in a Kitchen Extension?

The kitchen is often called the heart of the home — and with a woodburner, that’s quite literally true. Here are some key reasons why homeowners are turning to solid fuel stoves for their kitchen extensions:

• Creates a warm and inviting atmosphere
• Adds a striking focal point in large, open spaces
• Helps reduce reliance on central heating
• Complements both rustic and contemporary interiors
• Adds character and value to the home

Whether you're aiming for a country cottage feel or a minimalist Scandi look, a woodburning stove can enhance the space both visually and functionally.

Can You Install a Stove in a New Build or Modern Extension?

Yes — but it often requires a twin-wall flue system because newer homes and extensions usually don’t have a traditional chimney. These modern flues are designed for use where no masonry chimney exists and can be run vertically through the roof or externally up a wall.

Twin-wall flues:

• Are insulated to keep gases hot and prevent condensation
• Must be correctly routed and terminated 600mm above the roof (or more depending on positioning)
• Are available in different finishes — black, silver, or even coloured — to suit your design

Our HETAS-registered engineers will conduct a full survey to determine the safest and most efficient flue route based on your room layout and roof structure.

Do I Need Extra Ventilation?

Yes — ventilation is crucial. Woodburners need a steady supply of air for combustion, especially in energy-efficient homes or airtight modern builds. Without proper airflow, your stove won’t burn efficiently, and there may be safety issues like smoke spillage.

UK Building Regulations (Document J) state that:

• Any stove over 5kW output must have an external air vent
• Even under 5kW, you may still need a vent if the house is highly insulated

Solutions include:

• Wall vents (with built-in draught-proofing)
• External air kits (allowing air to feed directly into the stove)

We can assess your property’s ventilation needs and recommend the right solution to ensure safety and efficiency.

Where Should the Stove Be Positioned?

Choosing the right location for your stove is about more than just aesthetics — it’s also about safety, heat distribution, and access to the flue route.

When planning your layout, consider:

• Keeping the stove away from flammable kitchen materials (e.g. cabinets, curtains)
• Ensuring the flue path is direct and avoids unnecessary bends
• Avoiding placing the stove directly under rooflights or structural beams
• Ensuring easy access for fuel loading and ash removal

Common positions include:

• Corner installs for space efficiency
• Central wall placement for visual symmetry
• End-of-room zoning to separate dining from cooking areas

Remember, any woodburner must be installed a safe distance from combustibles, which varies depending on the model and materials nearby.

What About the Hearth?

Every stove must be installed on a non-combustible hearth. The hearth’s role is to protect the floor beneath the stove from heat and stray embers.

Key hearth requirements:

• Must extend at least 300mm in front of the stove
• Should project 150mm either side of the stove
• Must be at least 12mm thick for low-heat output stoves
• Should sit level and be made from non-combustible materials like glass, slate, stone, or concrete

For contemporary kitchen designs, glass hearths are very popular due to their subtle, clean appearance.

What Are the Building Regulations?

In the UK, woodburner installations must comply with Approved Document J of Building Regulations. You’ll also need a HETAS Certificate of Compliance upon completion, which verifies the installation is safe and legal.

Regulations cover:

• Flue type and termination height
• Ventilation provision
• Hearth and floor protection
• Distance to combustible materials
• CO alarm installation

Hiring a HETAS-registered installer (like us) means you don’t need to apply separately for Building Control approval — your installer will handle compliance, certification, and notify your local authority on your behalf.

What About Safety?

In a kitchen, where you already have appliances, hot surfaces and potential fire hazards, safety is paramount. Here’s how to keep things safe with a woodburner:

• Install a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm within 3 metres of the stove
• Keep flammable items (tea towels, wooden utensils, etc.) well away
• Store logs safely away from the fire (they look great in built-in wall recesses!)
• Clean your flue annually to reduce the risk of chimney fires

All of our installations come with a user handover and safety briefing, so you feel confident using your stove from day one.

Choosing the Right Stove for Your Kitchen Extension

Size and style matter when it comes to selecting the right stove. Too small, and you won’t get enough warmth. Too big, and the room may overheat.

For kitchen extensions, we typically recommend:

• Output of 3kW–5kW
• Slimline or compact stoves that suit modern layouts
• Ecodesign Ready models (more efficient and cleaner burning)
• Low clearances to combustibles if space is limited

We stock a variety of high-performance models that are perfect for modern kitchens — from Scandinavian-style cylindrical stoves to classic cast iron units.

Why Choose Manor House Fireplaces & Stoves?

We’ve been helping homeowners across Warwickshire install safe, stylish, and efficient woodburners for over 30 years. When you choose us, you benefit from:

• Expert advice tailored to kitchen extensions
• HETAS-registered installation team
• Full design, survey, supply and fitting service
• Showroom displays to explore different stove styles
• Honest pricing and trusted customer care

Ready to Warm Up Your Kitchen Extension?

A woodburner can bring warmth, character and value to your kitchen extension — but only when installed correctly. Contact Manor House Fireplaces & Stoves today to arrange a consultation or visit our Kenilworth showroom to see the latest stove models in person.