Wood stoves have become a staple in Australian homes for their warmth, efficiency, and timeless aesthetic. But what many homeowners overlook is the critical component that makes a wood stove functional and safe: the stove pipe. Selecting the correct stove pipe for your wood stove isn’t just about connecting metal pieces—it’s about ensuring efficient combustion, safe exhaust, and long-term performance.
At Stainless Flue AU, we specialise in high-quality flue kits, stove pipes, and wood heater accessories that meet strict Australian standards. In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into stove pipes for wood stoves—covering their purpose, types, sizing, safety regulations, installation, maintenance, and why Stainless Flue AU is the go-to choice for Australian homeowners and installers.
What Is a Stove Pipe?
A stove pipe is the pipe that connects the wood stove (heater) to the main flue or chimney system. It transports hot gases and smoke from the stove’s combustion chamber to the external flue system, which then vents them safely out of the house.
This component is crucial because it:
- Initiates the draft required for proper combustion
- Prevents smoke leakage into the home
- Protects ceilings and walls from heat damage
Key Components of a Stove Pipe System
A typical stove pipe for wood stove setup may include:
- Single-wall stove pipe
- Double-wall (insulated) stove pipe
- Elbows or bends (15°, 30°, 45°, 90°)
- Telescoping or adjustable lengths
- Adapter or reducer
- Firestops and ceiling spacers
- Wall brackets and ceiling plates
Single-Wall vs. Double-Wall Stove Pipes
🔹 Single-Wall Stove Pipe
- Material: Galvanised or stainless steel
- Thickness: Usually 0.6–1mm
- Heat transfer: High
- Clearance: Requires at least 450mm from combustibles
- Use: Indoors only (from stove to ceiling)
🔹 Double-Wall Stove Pipe
- Material: Two layers of steel with insulation
- Heat transfer: Lower, outer surface cooler
- Clearance: Reduced to 150mm
- Use: Recommended for tighter spaces and higher efficiency
At Stainless Flue AU, we provide both single and double-wall stove pipes, made from premium stainless steel and built to last in Australian conditions.
Sizing Matters: Stove Pipe Diameter
Your stove pipe must match the flue collar size of your wood stove. Most residential wood stoves use:
- 6-inch (150mm)
- 8-inch (200mm)
Sizing Tips:
- Never reduce pipe diameter below the stove collar size.
- A larger pipe can reduce draft, while a smaller one can cause smoke backup.
- Use a pipe reducer or increaser when connecting mismatched diameters.
Clearance and Safety Regulations in Australia
Wood stove and stove pipe installations in Australia must comply with AS/NZS 2918:2018.
Key Rules:
- Minimum vertical pipe length: 1200mm from stove top to ceiling
- Clearance from combustibles:
- Single-wall: 450mm
- Double-wall: 150mm
- Ceiling penetrations must use:
- Ceiling ring
- Firestop spacer
- Radiant shield or triple-skin flue
Using a compliant stove pipe is essential for your insurance and fire safety.
Installation Best Practices
Installing a stove pipe can be done by a confident DIYer, but for best results, a licensed installer is recommended.
Basic Installation Steps:
- Measure stove collar diameter
- Plan vertical rise (minimum 600mm before any elbow)
- Attach first pipe to the collar (crimped end down)
- Secure joints with screws or clamps
- Maintain required clearances from walls/ceilings
- Install ceiling plate and firestop if venting to a flue kit
- Seal joints with fire-rated silicone if required
Horizontal vs. Vertical Runs
🔼 Vertical Run (Preferred)
- Best for drafting
- Lower soot buildup
- More efficient heat and airflow
🔄 Horizontal Run
- Limited to short distances (less than 150mm)
- Must slope upwards toward flue
- More creosote buildup, risk of draft issues
Stove Pipe Elbows and Bends
Sometimes, you’ll need to use elbows to navigate beams, ceilings, or roof angles.
- 15° & 30°: Gradual bends for smoother flow
- 45° & 90°: Sharp turns—use sparingly
- Stainless Flue AU offers pre-made elbow sets for all common pipe sizes
Stainless Flue AU: Australia’s Stove Pipe Specialist
We’re proud to offer the widest range of stove pipes and flue components across the country.
Why Choose Us?
- ✅ 100% Australian Made
- ✅ Premium Stainless Steel (Grade 304/316)
- ✅ Compliant with AS/NZS Standards
- ✅ Custom fabrication available
- ✅ Fast delivery Australia-wide
Maintenance: Keeping Your Stove Pipe Clean
A dirty stove pipe leads to:
- Reduced draft
- Smoke leakage
- Risk of chimney fires due to creosote buildup
Maintenance Tips:
- Clean every 3–6 months
- Use a chimney brush with the correct diameter
- Inspect seals and joints regularly
- Replace rusted or corroded sections
Stainless Flue AU offers easy-clean pipe sections with access caps for faster cleaning.
Popular Stove Pipe Kits We Offer
| Kit Name | Includes | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Single-Wall Kit | Straight pipe + ceiling plate | Indoor-only setups |
| Double-Wall Deluxe Kit | Pipe + elbows + ceiling plate + firestop | Tight installations |
| Telescopic Pipe Kit | Adjustable pipe for custom heights | Retrofits and tricky installs |
| Complete Flue Kit | Stove pipe + roof exit flue + cowl | Full installations |
Wood Stove Brands Compatible with Our Pipes
Our stove pipes are compatible with most major wood heater brands:
- Nectre
- Masport
- Jindara
- Blaze
- Kent
- Saxon
- Osburn
Not sure about compatibility? Contact our team—we’ll confirm your stove model and match the pipe accordingly.
Client Testimonials
“Couldn’t be happier with the double-wall pipe from Stainless Flue. Excellent quality and fit perfectly with our Masport wood heater.”
— Liam M., Hobart
“Fast shipping, great support, and top-tier stainless steel. Our installer even commented on the quality of the flue components.”
— Janice T., Adelaide Hills
Shipping Across Australia
We offer fast and secure shipping across:
- NSW
- Victoria
- Queensland
- Western Australia
- South Australia
- Tasmania
- ACT
- Northern Territory
Whether you’re in the suburbs or the outback—we’ll get the kit to your door.
Stove Pipe FAQs
Q: Can I cut stove pipe to size?
Yes—use a metal cutting tool, and wear PPE. We also offer pre-cut lengths.
Q: Can I use stove pipe through the roof?
No. Stove pipe is only for interior use. Use triple-skin insulated flue for roof penetrations.
Q: How long will stainless steel stove pipe last?
With proper care, our stainless steel stove pipes can last 10–20 years or more.
Q: Do I need a damper?
In most Australian installs, dampers aren’t required. Modern stoves manage airflow automatically.
Final Thoughts
Installing a wood stove is an investment in warmth, self-sufficiency, and comfort. Don’t undermine that investment with a cheap, non-compliant stove pipe. Whether you’re a homeowner, builder, or installer, trust Stainless Flue AU for stove pipes built to perform in tough Aussie conditions.