How To Build An Outdoor Wood Burning Furnace

How to Build an Outdoor Wood Burning Furnace

Outdoor wood burning furnaces are an efficient and environmentally friendly way to heat your home or shop. They can be used as a primary or secondary heat source, and they can be built to fit any budget. Building an outdoor wood burning furnace is not a difficult task, but it does require some planning and preparation. Here are the essential steps involved:

1. Choose a Location

The location of your furnace is important for several reasons. First, you want to make sure that it is in a safe place, away from any flammable materials. Second, you want to make sure that it is in a convenient location, so that you can easily access it to add wood and clean it out. Third, you want to make sure that the location has good airflow, so that the furnace can draw in oxygen and exhaust smoke.

2. Gather Your Materials

The materials you will need to build an outdoor wood burning furnace include:

Firebricks
Mortar
Sheet metal
Chimney pipe
Damper
Fire grate

3. Build the Firebox

The firebox is the heart of the furnace. It is where the wood is burned and the heat is generated. The firebox should be made of firebricks, which are resistant to high temperatures. The firebricks should be laid in a mortar bed, and the joints should be sealed with mortar. The firebox should be large enough to accommodate the amount of wood you will be burning, but it should not be too large, as this will waste heat.

4. Build the Heat Exchange

The heat exchange is what transfers the heat from the firebox to the air. The heat exchange can be made of sheet metal or cast iron. The sheet metal heat exchange is less expensive and easier to build, but it is not as durable as the cast iron heat exchange. The heat exchange should be placed above the firebox, and it should be large enough to absorb the heat from the firebox.

5. Build the Chimney

The chimney is what vents the smoke from the furnace. The chimney should be made of stainless steel or galvanized steel. The chimney should be tall enough to create a good draft, but it should not be too tall, as this will waste heat. The chimney should be capped with a damper, which will help to control the airflow.

6. Install the Fire Grate

The fire grate is what supports the wood in the firebox. The fire grate should be made of cast iron or steel. The fire grate should be placed at the bottom of the firebox, and it should be large enough to support the amount of wood you will be burning.

7. Test the Furnace

Once you have built the furnace, it is important to test it to make sure that it is working properly. To test the furnace, start a fire in the firebox and let it burn for a few hours. Make sure that the furnace is drawing in oxygen and exhausting smoke properly. Also, make sure that the heat exchange is transferring heat to the air. If the furnace is not working properly, you may need to make some adjustments.

8. Enjoy the Warmth!

Once you have tested the furnace and made sure that it is working properly, you can start enjoying the warmth! Outdoor wood burning furnaces are a great way to heat your home or shop, and they can save you money on your energy bills.

Conclusion

Building an outdoor wood burning furnace is not a difficult task, but it does require some planning and preparation. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can build a furnace that will provide you with years of warmth and comfort.