DIY question: Installing Jotul F500 into existing fireplace

[Dyne127]

Hey guys...I have a quick DIY question. I just picked up a used Jotul F500 and I would like to install the stove inside of an existing fireplace in my living room (over 100 year old brick and stone). The stove fits snugly inside but I am a little concerned about the clearance from the top of the stove to the top of the fireplace opening. There is only 3” of clearance from the top of the stove to the brick above it. Is this minimal clearance going to be an issue? Would it be worth it to buy the shorty leg kit to bring my clearance to 5”? I will be installing a 6” double walled stainless steel liner and rear heat shield as well. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Nick Mystic]

I have a Jotul F600 installed in a similar manner in front of my fireplace (only a few inches recessed into firebox of fireplace). I don't see a problem with the clearance to the top of the inside of your fireplace, rather the concern is the clearance to the fireplace surround and mantle in your photo. Are they combustible? They look like wood, but I guess they could be plaster or some similar material. At any rate, if they are combustible it doesn't look like you have sufficient clearance. You can see the distance in my avatar photo, which is 22 inches. The bottom of my wooden mantle was getting too hot, so I added a heat shield.

 

[Dyne127]

Thank you for the response. Do you happen to have any more photos of your installation?


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[Nick Mystic]

Here are a few photos of my stove.

 

[Nick Mystic]

Here are two more photos that show the stove from the side. As you can see it is only sitting back inside the fireplace a few inches, which allows me to use the side door for loading.

 

[begreen]

The clearances to the brick look fine, it's the clearances to the wood mantel that need to be watched and honored. Use a single-wall, insulated, heavy-duty liner for best results.

 

[Dyne127]

Single wall eh? I was curious about this. Double wall wouldn’t be worth it? I have basically a straight shot up and out (22’). Any recommendations on brand? Thank you for the response!


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[begreen]

Double-wall (2 ply) doesn't seem to stand up well. The money is better spend on a heavy liner. Here are some places that sell them:
https://chimneysweeponline.com/foreverflex.htm
https://www.woodlanddirect.com/Chimney/Chimney-Liners
https://www.rockfordchimneysupply.com/chimney-liners/316ti-flexible-chimney-liners

 

[begreen]

How deep is the mantel trim above the stove? How deep is the mantel shelf?

 

[xman23]

Dyne, I assume you will need a block off plate and need to resolve the clearance mantel. So the stove can breath, I would get the stove pulled out of the fireplace as far as possible. As Nick did, add a fireproof hearth pad,
The Oslo's exhaust collar can be either straight up or straight out the back. I'm not positive, but I think you can rotate the one you have,

 

[Dyne127]

Thank you everyone for the responses. They are extremely helpful. I ended up taking the wall down to see what I am up against. The wheels are starting to turn....that rock breaks up the room so nicely. What do you guys think? Keep the stone or wrap the face back up with sufficient clearance from the top of the stove? Maybe wrap it in some nice barnwood and add a nice mantle?

View attachment 247184

 

[begreen]

I'm not sure I would have studded the surface and put on plywood. Stone might work, if it is in character with the period of the house. Barnwood is nice, but doesn't seem to be consistent with the interior scheme. Watch clearance to combustibles over the stove.

 

[Dyne127]

Oops..the order of the pictures caused some confusion. I removed the plywood and studs today. I edited the last post with just a picture of the end result.


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[Simonkenton]

You have a timber framed house, and I must say those rough hewn ceiling joists and the stone fireplace look familiar.
I wish you would post a picture of the exterior of the house.

 

[Dyne127]

That fireplace is beautiful. We have an old brick/cedar farmhouse built in 1820. The character is amazing. They just don’t build houses like this anymore.