Heating With Wood

Wood Stove Accessories For Cast Iron Wood Stoves

There is nothing quite like having a good cast iron wood stove in the house. The radiant heat is comfortable, the atmosphere is enchanting and you even save money. There are really only a few wood stove accessories needed to complete the experience.

For starters, you really need to have a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the stove and chimney. A magnetic thermometer is very handy because it can be attached to the stove top or stove pipe.

This is important because it helps to reduce the risk of a chimney fire. If you burn green wood, or burn dry wood at too low a temperature, the combustion will be incomplete. These gases solidify in the stove pipe or chimney and become like a solid fuel, waiting to be ignited.

If this process is allowed to continue, and you build a very hot fire, the solid fuel will ignite and go off like a torch. It can become so intensely hot that the metal stove pipe will actually turn cherry red and become damaged. The wood nearby will catch fire and can burn the entire house down.

It is also important to set up a fireproof floor underneath the wood stove. This can be done in many ways, from the very simple to very attractive. One easy answer is a metal floor covering and these can be found at any store that sells wood stoves.

A very nice way to protect the floor is to lay tiles or bricks inside a frame. This adds a layer of protection and can be quite a lovely asset to the house. You can incorporate decorative bricks or tiles to add to the appearance.

Because wood heat tends to dry out the air, you should have some kind of steamer pot to place on the stove. You could just use a tea kettle,which works well. Or, you can buy a decorative enameled pot that accents the wood stove itself.

It is important to have a metal ash bucket in which to put ash and coals when cleaning the stove. If you use a plastic bucket you will likely have a problem with melting plastic from the coals. It is a good idea to have a metal shovel and fireplace rake to clean out the ashes.

Make sure to have good poker type tool to move the burning wood around. If you don't like the ones in the store, it is easy to take a stainless steel rod and bend the ends to form a hook and handle. This works great and will last a lifetime.

Another good idea is have a wooden box to keep the kindling in. Heating with wood is messy at best, and having a nice, solid box for the kindling will help reduce the mess somewhat. If you have a supply of birch bark, keep it in the box to use for starting fires.

Besides these accessories, you need to have a place to keep your wood dry and safe. You can keep wood in the basement or garage, but this is somewhat impractical for most people. A wood shed is the best answer.

Keeping wood in a shed has many advantages that a simple tarp does not. It is easier to stack, the cord is more stable, and it airs out better. The old blue tarp method works though, just not as well.

A reliable gas chain saw, chain, bar oil, 2 cycle oil, chain sharpening tools, splitting maul and some good gloves are all basic equipment.