Can you have a log burner in a conservatory? Absolutely. Having a log burner in the conservatory changes the way you can use this extra space. Here are the key considerations you will need to remember.
A conservatory serves as the perfect intermediary area, merging the cosiness of indoor environments with the beauty of the outdoor scenery via abundant natural lighting and a seamless blend of natural textures and greenery. It creates a unique fusion between a living space and a garden, making it clear why the addition of a stove in your conservatory can extend the pleasures of summer into cooler evenings or through changing weather conditions! Furthermore, for many homes in the UK or Republic of Ireland, the conservatory becomes an unusable room in the winter months – so the log burner in this space becomes even more valuable.
A conservatory is a beautiful addition to any home, offering an extra space that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Many homeowners choose to use their conservatory as a second living room or even a dining area, and adding a log burner can make it even more cosy and welcoming.
However, before making any changes to your conservatory, it’s important to consider the options available and any regulations that you should be aware of.
A wood burning stove can be a wonderful addition to any conservatory, providing warmth and creating a welcoming atmosphere. However, there are a few key points to consider before installing your log burner.
Firstly, it’s important to ensure that your conservatory is suitable for a wood burning stove. A log burner should be kept away from combustible materials and doors, and your installer will also need to consider whether a prefabricated metal chimney can be short and self-supporting (within regulation), or whether it needs to be attached to the main building wall to get past the roof level. (The Scandi-style wood burning stove shown above is the Nordpeis Quadro 2 log burner).
Another thing to consider is the ventilation in your conservatory – or, perhaps more appropriately, the air supply your log burner needs. Some wood burning stoves offer an excellent solution for conservatories by providing the option of a direct external air supply. This feature enables the appliance to take combustion air directly from outside the property, thus reducing internal drafts. With an integrated external air connection, the Stovax Futura log burner is a great example.
You will also want to use a carbon monoxide detector as an extra safety measure.
When installing a wood burning stove in your conservatory, it’s important to comply with the relevant regulations. A log burner must be installed by a professional who is qualified and registered with a competent person scheme. They will be able to advise you on the appropriate stove for your conservatory, as well as any installation requirements. For example, you may need to install a non-combustible constructional hearth, depending on the type of log burner you choose.
If you prefer the convenience of a gas fire, this can also be a great option for your conservatory. Gas fires are easy to use, and require less maintenance than a real wood burner. However, there are a few things to bear in mind when considering a gas log burner for a conservatory.
As with a wood burning stove, you will need to consider factors such as the size of the conservatory, the insulation, and the ventilation. A professional will be able to advise you on the best type of fire for your needs.
Like a real log burner, it is important to consider minimum distances to combustibles, and the same assessment for a prefabricated chimney will need to take place. With gas fires and stoves, balanced flue installations are well-suited, and make a smart choice for a chimneyless installation. The freestanding gas log burner shown above is a Onyx Liv 3 Gas Stove.
Any gas fire must be installed by a Gas Safe registered engineer, who will be able to ensure that the installation is safe and complies with relevant regulations. In addition, it’s important to have a carbon monoxide detector installed in your conservatory, to provide an early warning of any potential problems.
If you prefer a more low-maintenance option, an electric fire could be a good choice for your conservatory. Electric fires are easy to use and require no maintenance, making them a great choice for those who want a hassle-free option.
Electric fires can inject a little heat into the room during cooler evenings without the need to turn on any central heating. During summer months, the visual effect can be used in isolation to add atmosphere without adding more heat, or the thermostatic control can be used to maintain temperature should the party continue into the cooler small hours of the night!
If you are looking for the best spot to place your electric fire, access to a socket for power is about the only consideration. With no flue requirements, an electric stove can be placed anywhere. The warm air is circulated by a fan, so will spread rapidly and can act as a warm air ‘curtain’ across cool areas. Keep combustible materials or furniture away from the outlet as per the installation instructions of the appliance.
Relax. You don’t need a chimney or flue for an electric stove or fireplace. Just a standard 13A wall socket. (If there is no available 13A socket, seek advice from a qualified electrician who will inform you of the available options within building regulations.)
An electric stove like the Gazco Marlborough2 shown above can be placed almost anywhere, but if you are building a media wall or faux chimney breast to house your electric fire, and don’t fancy your chances at DIY, you may want to enlist a professional to do the work for you.
One question you might ask is ‘Do you need planning permission to put a log burner in a conservatory?’ In general, you do not need planning permission to install a log burner in your conservatory, as long as the installation complies with relevant building regulations. However, if your property is a listed building or is located in a conservation area, you may need to obtain planning permission before making any changes to the property. It’s important to check with your local authority to see if any restrictions apply in your area. A qualified professional will be able to advise you on any requirements specific to your installation, such as whether or not you live in a Smoke Control Area.
This comes entirely down to personal preference. Conservatories generally have a fairly high heat loss, but you do not want to overheat either.
If choosing a wood burning stove, it is better to drive a stove hard rather slumber it, so for most installations a 5kW appliance will be more than enough for the majority of the year.
Likewise, a 5kW gas fire should be plenty for a conservatory installation.
If choosing electric, most of our Gazco electric fires are a suitable match for a small to medium conservatory, generally offering up to 2kW heat output. Freestanding electric fires add a striking focal point with flexible positioning and no installation. Accessories like mood lighting kits can also add a little extra ambience to the room.
Yes. It is best to discuss your options with your fitter as conservatories come with different material roofs such as glass, plastic and tile. There are innovative roof flashings on the market that are suitable for non-standard roof finishes.
As mentioned earlier, electric fires do not require a chimney, and balanced flue gas fires offer a great solution in a space that does not have an existing chimney. But if you do need a chimney, Stovax Professional XQ is the perfect solution. This is a complete twin wall internal or external flue system that allows you to install a wood burning stove where none currently exists.
The answer is yes, but it is important to ensure that your installation is safe and complies with relevant regulations. Always use a qualified professional to install your fire, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using it. With a little care and attention, a log burner can be a great addition to your conservatory, providing warmth and creating a welcoming atmosphere for you and your family to enjoy. Visit your local retailer to find the best log burner for your home.
Want to know if you can install a log burner in a garden room or your shed? Read our article on everything you need to know, from regulations to flue requirements.
The freestanding electric fire shown above is the Sheraton 5 electric log burner.
Posted by Annabelle Carvell on April 11, 2024
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Do you fit log burners in conservatory
Hi Gary, we don’t offer fitting ourselves as a manufacturer but many of our retailers do offer fitting as well. You can find your nearest retailer here.