Even at the height of summer, Canadians always have winter on our minds. We are the true North and many of us can’t imagine getting through the damp, cold, windy, and freezing majority of the year without a fire. 

In Canada, fireplaces are an important part of feeling comfortable and protected from the elements outside. According to Natural Resources Canada’s 2015 Survey of Household Energy Use, almost 65% of Canadian households have a fireplace, with most fireplace owners using theirs for both heat and aesthetics.

So, is Canadians’ love of fireplaces transferable to tiny homes? 

Yes, as long as you’re being safe!

Having an open fire in a smaller space reduces your fire safety, even compared to having a fireplace in a conventional home. According to ontario.ca, while fireplaces and wood-burning stoves do comply with the building code, they are not recommended for tiny homes. 

It may also be challenging to find space for the fireplace or wood-burning stove in a tiny house – beyond their own footprint, you also need to give them enough “breathing room” to ensure you’re not placing anything flammable too close to the fire. Not to worry, though – in a tiny house, the stove will be tiny too, like in this home in PEI:

Finally, make sure you have the right number of fire exits and working carbon monoxide detectors for the size and layout of your home. 

If you are considering adding a fireplace to your tiny house, speak to an experienced installer and choose a builder who has done this before. For example, Nelson Tiny Houses in BC have included wood-burning stoves in a number of builds, like this beautiful installation: