Fireproof wall cladding behind a wood-burning stove: what applies?

A wood-burning stove radiates a lot of heat, also to the rear and sides. If it stands in front of a wooden wall or a wall with combustible cladding, the wall can heat up dangerously. Many people therefore look for fireproof wall cladding behind the wood-burning stove. Here you can read what the German rules require and which solutions the chimney sweep accepts.

What is required?

In Germany, the firing ordinances of the federal states (Feuerungsverordnungen) govern the clearances to combustible building components. In essence:

• Combustible building components must not heat up above 85 °C during operation.
• The manufacturer’s clearances are decisive. They are stated in the instructions and on the rating plate.
• If this information is missing, a minimum clearance of 40 cm to combustible components applies.
• For open fireplaces, 80 cm is required upwards and to the sides. With radiation protection ventilated on both sides, 40 cm is sufficient.

Whether your solution is sufficient is decided by the chimney sweep at the inspection. It is best to involve them at the planning stage. Outside Germany, check your local regulations.

When does the wall need protection?

Above all when the wall itself is combustible. This applies, for example, to wooden walls, wood panelling, half-timbering or timber stud walls. A wall shield also helps if the stove is too close to the wall.

Which materials are suitable?

• Non-combustible wall protection panels: for example made of calcium silicate or vermiculite. They insulate and do not burn.
• Radiation shield: a metal sheet with an air gap to the wall. The air behind it dissipates the heat.
• Tiles or natural stone: do not burn. On a wooden wall, however, they are often not enough on their own, because the heat passes through.

With any solution, pay attention to the manufacturer’s information and test certificates. And have it approved by the chimney sweep.

And the floor in front of the stove?

The FireMat is not a wall cladding. Its place is the floor directly in front of the stove opening. This area is particularly important on wood, parquet or laminate, because sparks and embers fall out here when adding wood and cleaning.

• FireMat Gold Edition: heat-resistant up to 800 °C. Ideal where embers often fall out.
• FireMat Silk-A Edition: with an AHV aluminium surface that reflects radiant heat. Also water- and oil-repellent.

Both are lighter and more attractive than a steel plate and certified by TÜV SÜD according to DIN EN ISO 11925-2.

Important: A covering made of non-combustible material is required in front of the stove opening, usually glass, tile or steel. The FireMat is not expressly approved for this. On top of the covering, however, it is an excellent addition that you simply remove and rinse. You can read everything about this in the guide Spark protection mat for the fireplace: what is allowed?.

Checklist for your wood-burning stove

1. Look up the clearances in your stove’s instructions.
2. Check whether the wall behind it is combustible.
3. If necessary, plan a non-combustible wall shield.
4. Place a floor plate made of glass, tile or stone in front of the stove: at least 50 cm to the front and 30 cm to the side.
5. Have everything approved by the chimney sweep.
6. Also place a FireMat Gold or Silk-A in front of the stove, especially on wooden floors.

Frequently asked questions

Is a plasterboard panel behind the stove enough?

That depends on the panel and the clearance. Do not rely on estimates here. Ask your chimney sweep.

Can I install the wall protection myself?

Many panels can be installed yourself. You still need approval from the chimney sweep.

Conclusion

Clear clearances apply to the wall behind the wood-burning stove. If the clearance is not sufficient, a non-combustible wall shield approved by the chimney sweep helps. For the floor in front of the stove, we recommend the Gold Edition as an addition on top of the floor plate.