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How to build partition wall next to wood burner?

Hi, we are looking to get a wood burner installed in our living room. I want to install a 'non-combustible' partition wall in between it, and our TV area. I am looking at using the Siniat metal studding system and James Hardie 9mm cement boards, with fire proof insulation in between. I will then either plaster and paint, or tile.

Would this be OK, or are there any better ways? Would the cement board be Ok, or is there a better alternative?

Cheers, Wayne.

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EricL

Hello @waynehazell

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about installing your wood heater.

What you’re proposing is generally a sound approach, and a metal stud partition lined with fibre cement sheeting can form an effective non-combustible barrier when designed correctly. However, it's important to ensure that all materials selected for the wall system comply with your local council’s rules and regulations, as requirements can vary and may influence acceptable linings, insulation types, and overall wall construction in proximity to a solid fuel heater.

It’s important to understand that the wall itself is only one part of the overall safety system. Wood heaters require strict adherence to manufacturer clearance requirements from combustible materials, as well as compliant hearth construction, flue installation, and shielding where necessary. Key components generally include the wood heater unit, a compliant flue system (often stainless steel with proper shielding), a non-combustible hearth, heat shielding if required, and adequate ventilation. In Australia, installations must comply with AS/NZS 2918, which governs clearances, shielding, and flue requirements.

In terms of approvals, most councils require either a building permit or at least compliance with local regulations when installing a solid fuel heater, particularly because it involves roof penetrations and fire safety considerations. It’s always best to check with your local council or a private certifier/installer before proceeding. The installation of the fire safe walls along with the wood heater and flue is generally recommended to be carried out by a licensed or experienced professional.

This ensures compliance with standards, maintains warranty requirements, and is often necessary for home insurance validity. Overall, your wall system is a solid choice, but the success of the project will ultimately come down to ensuring the entire installation is compliant, well-detailed, and professionally executed where it matters most.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

waynehazell

Hi Eric,

Thank you for the reply, much appreciated. The burner is being installed by a licenced company, and all clearences to non combustable services have been checked. They will be dealing with all the permits etc.

It was just this wall, that I was unsure about - didn't want to mess around building a brick wall to be honest!

EricL

Hello @waynehazell

I certainly understand your desire to make the partition wall easy to build. In regards to my last post, a metal stud partition lined with fibre cement sheeting can certainly form an effective non-combustible barrier when it’s designed and installed correctly. That said, the finer details of how the wall is built are best discussed with your installer. Because they’ll be the one applying for the permit, the new wall will fall under their scope of responsibility as part of the overall installation not just the existing surrounding structure so they’re in the best position to guide you on what’s compliant and appropriate.

It’s also a good idea to refer to your wood burner’s manual, as it will outline the approved wall materials and required clearances. If you’re unsure, reaching out to the manufacturer can be really helpful too, as they’re familiar with the safety standards and regulations that need to be followed in your area.

While I can’t provide exact construction details, mainly because requirements can vary between states, I’d recommend having a quick look at your local council’s guidelines and then chatting through your plans with your installer. That way, you can be confident everything is safe, compliant, and covered under the permit.

Let me call on our experienced members @Nailbag, @Dave-1 and @Remarka6le for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Nailbag

Hi @waynehazell

Needing a permit to install one varies between the states. For example Victoria doesn't require one, but it must be installed by a licensed professional. So to @EricL point, I would check this.

Again as with @EricL recommendation, I would also check with the supplier/installer on the requirements for spacing between the heater and any wall regardless of type.

Remember, all stand-alone metal wood heaters radiant heat from all sides as well as top and bottom. So, creating a tight-ish space will most likely increase significantly the trapped radiant heat. This may have the potential to damage the rear and right side wall and possibly the ceiling and therefore be considered a high-fire risk.

Based on the return information on the suitability of your plan A, a plan B could be a wood heater thats designed to be built in. Something like a Jetmaster, which are an excellent high-efficiency brand. But to buy a new is ridiculously expensive. But are literally a dime a dozen in every size complete with flues on the 2nd hand market which, you could then get professionally installed. 2nd hand models are cheap because people are pulling out their wood heaters for more efficient heating options.

Nailbag

Dave-1

Good Afternoon @waynehazell

I would be letting your installer detail what type of wall should be specified and more specifiacally the spacing that is required around the heater. That distance you have sketched out in your picture is too small for the heater let alone the radiant heat that is pumped out from them. We had a pot belly stove in the loungeroom while growing up and even tho the specs were followed I can remember that really the distance should be extended. I also remember the plaster walll being very warm to the touch and on the other side of teh wall it was "warm" … YEah professionasl were not involved with the install. :/

You could check with the manufacturer for what they recomend (I would stick to what they say specifically) Cautious is how I would weigh the options up would be my approach to the minimum distances required.

Dave

waynehazell

H Dave, thanks for the advice - I have used the distances specified by both the installer, and the burner manufacturer, Pacific Energy, for distance to non-combustible services.

R4addZ

Hi @waynehazell

You will also need an electrician to move the powerpoints and aerial outlet.

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