When we moved in here we were certain we wanted a wood stove for heating our home because it would be much cheaper than our other option (propane), there was no risk of a shortage (we could be certain we had enough wood before the season, but last year our neighbors got shorted through the season on their propane), and in the event of a power outage (we are told it happens fairly often living out here) we could still heat our home in the winter, and cook on it. \u00a0Well we got to thinking that our main stove does a great job of heating our main home, but our school room is located in the three-season room off the back of the house. \u00a0considering how many walls and doors the heat would have to get around to heat that room we figured we should put in a small wood stove dedicated to that room only. \u00a0We could open the windows that go into our home and share the heat if the back of our home needed heat, but that wasn’t the main objective. \u00a0I wanted some place cozy and roomy where we could continue our homeschooling through the cold months without having to resort to the kitchen table. \u00a0With six kids, two who are too young to do school but certainly not young enough to not get into trouble and make messes, having a dedicated room for our schooling has always been a blessing.<\/p>\n
We found a used stove (a boxwood stove) that heats up to 500-800 sq. ft. \u00a0has two cooking spots that lift out (the whole center can actually lift out for larger dishes, grilling, etc.) that also included a blower to help circulate heat, and some single wall pipe for around $200. \u00a0We had to purchase chimney pipe, flashing, storm collar, roof support and additional indoor pipe all with store rebates that came back from our wood stove purchase. \u00a0We installed it ourselves, with our recent first-time successful wood stove installation a few months prior still fresh in our mind. \u00a0The floor of the school room is cement, so we did not have to worry about a hearth pad or anything. \u00a0It had to sit 3ft. off the wall, however, we chose to put it kind of in the middle of the back quarter of the room, well over 3ft. off the wall because we wanted to put in a kitchen.<\/p>\n
We will buy cabinets and counter top with a sink when the opportunity presents its self. \u00a0I will buy them used and am pretty crafty so I’m not too concerned about how they look. \u00a0The bathroom is directly behind the wall we will be putting the counter on, including the water access, so we should have no issues working the sink into the plumbing. \u00a0I have a small dorm-style fridge I will be keeping out there to hold ingredients for the next days meals so that I can prepare our supper as our homeschool day goes on. \u00a0We have a rather odd homeschool schedule and do our schooling in the afternoons and evenings, after my husband has left for work.<\/p>\n
Considering 3 sides of the room are mainly window I think this would be a fantastic spot for my summer kitchen as well. \u00a0It can be completely shut off from the main house so if we purchase a cheap stove sometime between now and next canning season, I will be able to can out there without heating the home. \u00a0I am not interested in canning on the wood stove, so I would put an electric or gas\u00a0stove out there (not sure what we want just yet) \u00a0next to the counter, open up all the windows and get to canning! \u00a0Or have another oven available for Thanksgiving dinner. \u00a0\ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n
Here are some pictures of the current arrangement. \u00a0I will be setting the little dorm fridge out here tomorrow. \u00a0once we get cabinets and counter top, all of that will be taken out. \u00a0I have trim for the window, just need to remind myself to do it when I have time, then I have a cute black bar to hang under the window that will hold my storage cups, trivet and anything else I can hang from a hook. \u00a0I have realized that the single wall pipe allows for a lot of heat to escape. \u00a0I would like to switch that out to double walled pipe to help with efficiency. \u00a0Also, this stove would benefit from a grate to hold the wood (and heat) closer to the top of the stove, I think we would use less wood that way.<\/p>\n\n\t\t