Today we’re going to cover how to install a wood burning stove in your home, and the various factors you’ll need to consider.
From old Irish cottages to sturdy American log cabins, and everything in between, wood burning stoves have retained their charm and utility right through to the 21st century. The fact that they’re pleasing on the eye has probably helped during the Instagram generation as well…
Generally, a wood burning stove will consist of a solid metal (usually cast iron or steel) closed firebox, often lined by fire brick, used in households across the world. They will also have/need a chimney flue of some sort, and a heat resistant floor pad/hearth.
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How to Install a Wood Burning Stove
There are many things to be considered when it comes to wood-burning stove installation. From analyzing whether you have an existing chimney breast or fireplace to the size of your room, the age of your property, and how well insulated your home is. All these factors need to be considered before you move forward. This also includes whether or not you’re putting the stove in a smoke controlled area (please check with your local council or county regulations here).
If you’re happy that you have a safe and appropriate space then let’s move on.
Things You’ll Need:
Before you get started, even after reviewing your space, there are still a few boxes we need to tick. Below is a list of the various elements required in the setup and installation of a wood burning stove:
- Stove clearance
- Certified wood-burning stove
- Local codes and requirements for the stove (specific to your location)
- Floor pad
- Wall heat shield
- Certified professional installer
- Stovepipe
- Chimney
Every house is different, so the specifics may change but the majority of modern homes come with a chimney, meaning you’ll not have this issue when it comes to installation.
However, if you don’t have an old fireplace or existing chimney space then you’ll have to construct the required opening. Obviously this will increase the time and prices needed to get the end result.
How Much Does Installing A Wood Burning Stove Cost?
Again, this will depend on your location but the below should act as an approximate guide:
Average Wood Burning Stove Installation Cost:
Average Cost $3,250
Highest Cost $5,000
Lowest Cost $1,500
The average cost to install a wood burning stove is $1,200 to $4,500. This consists of a wood-burning stove, costing anywhere between $400 to $3,500, a stove insert which can run from $1,200 to $3,400. Woodstove installation costs $250 to $800 for labor and installing a ventilation system or chimney costs $300 to $3,500.
Can I Install a Wood Burning Stove Myself?
Installing a wood burning stove yourself isn’t safe or recommended. This is a technical job requiring all the know-how, experience and expertise you would expect. Technically it’s possible, but that doesn’t mean you should do it…
Instead, hiring a trained and certified professional to install your stove is a better choice. When committing to adding a stove to your home, it’s better to be happy and confident that everything is as safe as possible.
Fixing a wood burner or multi-fuel stove is not something that you should do on your own. An ill-fitted stove could result in it becoming a fire danger. Still, there’s also the potential for it to release lethal carbon monoxide into your home and create more deterioration.
The Benefits of a Wood Burning Stove
There are so many benefits of wood burning stoves, although you might expect bias from the CosyWarmer team!
For a start, wood burning stoves can be a cost-effective way to add value to your home. If you already have an old fireplace and chimney space, by introducing a stove you’re effectively closing up a draughty space within your home and minimizing future heat loss.
The next benefit is the lack of maintenance required. Obviously you’ll need to clean and empty the stove, as every fire will create an ash pile, but beyond that you should be fine. Stoves are made of sturdy stuff so you’re investing in something that should last decades.
The final headline benefit is that you’re using a renewable energy source to heat your home. We know stoves aren’t as green and clean as wind or solar, but by burning wood you’re burning something that can be replenished, unlike coal for example.
Also, you should be able to support your local economy with many farmers and similar agri-businesses offering firewood during the winter months. Always a plus!
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We hope this helps answer some of the most important questions when it comes to installing a wood burning stove.
As we’ve said, they add so much to a home and we hope you take the plunge! You can thank us later when you’re curled up beside that classic warm glow…
For everything else home heating, stick with CosyWarmer.com