To the OP: I would advise to you to spend as much as needed to have a professional install your wood stove and the stove pipe for it. Also, you can check with the local fire marshal on recommendations relating to local installer, since these must know the fire codes relating to stoves and stove pipes.
In relation to cast iron or steel, it does not matter which one you buy as long as a new model that is on the list of the EPA recommended stoves. There will be two types, catalytic and non-catalytic that burn cleaner than the old stoves.
This one I had professionally installed, and a series of photos showing the work was provided to my home insurance company. It was expensive, but well worth it. The stove is a Jotul 500-F series, non-catalytic, but clean burning. The pipe (double wall, insulated, stainless steel) is made by Excel. The stove has both floor and wall shields, so it can be installed within 12" from the wall. I made the hearth myself as follows: 3/4" plywood on the floor, topped by 1/2" Backer Board, and then ceramic floor tiles on top.
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