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myLog Burner Installation Cost
At a Glance
- The average log burner installation cost is around £2,800 in the UK.
- Installing a wood burner takes approximately 1 to 2 days to complete.
- How much it costs to install a log burner with and without a chimney in 2026.
- How long installing a log burner usually takes and what's involved.
- How to easily find and hire a local log burner installer using MyJobQuote.
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£2,800
Table of Contents
How Much Does Installing a Log Burner Cost?
In 2026, the average wood-burning stove installation cost is around £2,800. However, log burner installation prices can range from £1,400 to £6,000+, depending on whether you have a suitable chimney or not, and the quality of log burner you choose. Unless stated otherwise, all costs on this page include VAT and cover both supply and fitting.
If you are looking to install a log burner and already have a chimney, it's likely that it will need some work to be able to accommodate a new log burner. Some chimneys may already be suitable for a new log burner, but this is rare.
If you don't have a chimney, you will need a twin-wall flue installed, either internally or externally, which increases the cost of installing a wood burner in the UK.
House is a new build with no chimney. I want to replace the electric fire with a log burner, but need to know if it's possible without a chimney?
"You do not need a chimney to install a log burner, but it will require more work. This will involve installing a twin-wall flue system through the roof or wall of your building."
Log Burner and Wood-Burning Stove Installation Prices
The table below shows typical complete log burner installation costs depending on your current chimney setup and the level of burner you choose.
| Installation Type | Budget Log Burner | Mid-Range Log Burner | Premium Log Burner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Existing chimney (no major work needed) | £1,400–£2,000 | £1,900–£2,800 | £2,700–£4,000+ |
| Existing chimney (includes cleaning & liner) | £2,000–£2,800 | £2,200–£3,200 | £3,200–£4,500+ |
| No chimney (twin-wall flue system) | £2,500–£3,500 | £3,000–£4,500 | £4,500–£6,000+ |
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What Makes Up the Cost? (Fitting, Flue, and Parts)
The table below breaks the totals above down into their main components, so you can see roughly what you're paying for. All figures include VAT.
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Fitting labour, liner and certification, existing usable chimney (burner supplied separately) | £1,000–£1,700 |
| Twin-wall flue system, supplied and fitted (no chimney) | £1,900–£3,300 |
| Twin-wall flue kit, supply only | £530–£1,300 |
| Chimney liner only, supplied and fitted | £800 |
| Chimney sweep before installation | £85 |
| Hearth, supply only | £150–£380 |
| Carbon monoxide alarm, supply only | £15–£40 |
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Fitting is usually the single largest line item, and the burner itself typically accounts for a similar share of the total. Parts such as the liner, hearth and alarm add up but are individually much smaller costs, which is why a straightforward job into an existing chimney can still land within the £1,400 to £2,000 budget range shown in the table above.
Low-end log burners will typically have basic functions and finishes, while high-end versions will include premium materials and advanced heating controls.
High-quality finishes can be nice to have, but it can be more cost-effective to have a mid-range model that does the job well, striking a balance between efficiency and cost.
Log Burner Installation Cost Calculator
What to Consider When Installing a Log Burner
Do You Have an Existing Chimney?
We've covered the cost of adding a chimney above, but at a glance:
- If You Have a Chimney — You'll potentially need it cleaned and lined, and then your log burner can be installed.
- If You Don't Have a Chimney — You'll need a twin-wall flue system installed ahead of your wood burner installation.
Installing a Log Burner into an Existing Fireplace
If you already have a working open fireplace, fitting a log burner into it is usually more straightforward than adding a chimney from scratch, but there's still work involved before the stove goes in.
- The chimney will need sweeping to clear any existing soot build-up.
- A suitable liner is usually required, even if the fireplace has been used before.
- A register plate is fitted to seal the gap above the stove and support the flue pipe.
- Your installer will check the existing hearth meets the non-combustible clearance the appliance needs, and may need to replace it.
Because this scenario needs a sweep and liner but no new chimney structure, it typically falls into the "existing chimney, includes cleaning and liner" pricing band above, around £2,200 to £3,200 for a mid-range burner.
Have You Thought About Log Burner Placement and Clearance?
Each manufacturer will give guidance on how far away from combustible material (such as plasterboard or timber stud wall) the log burner needs to be located for safety.
Your installer will be able to advise on this and choose a location that is within the safety parameters.
Does my log burning fire need a chimney flue liner and will it make much difference to the heat on the chimney breast? Is my fire still safe to use in the meantime?
"Your chimney will need a good fuel liner and it will need to be swept before the installation of a new fire. I would also strongly recommend, as I do to all my customers, to have a carbon monoxide alarm installed if you have a gas fire or log fire."
Have You Done Your Log Burner Size Calculation?
To calculate the right size for your stove installation, you'll need to choose a model with a suitable output for your space.
For example, an average, medium-sized living room or kitchen-diner would typically require a log burner of around 3kW to 4.5kW.
However, if your room is open plan, with high ceilings, or if your home is a period property, then you will likely need something more powerful, up to an 8kW output.
Example Log Burner Outputs
As a general rule, divide the volume of your room (in cubic metres) by 14 to calculate the minimum required output in kilowatts (kW).
Here are some examples:
| Example Room Scenario | Room Size (m²) | Room Volume (m³) | Recommended Log Burner Output |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small living room/snug | Up to 12m² | 28 to 30m³ | 2 to 3 kW |
| Medium living room/kitchen-diner | 13 to 20m² | 35 to 50m³ | 3 to 4.5kW |
| Spacious living room/open-plan space | 21 to 30m² | 55 to 70m³ | 4.5 to 6.5kW |
| Spacious open-plan area/lounge | 31 to 45m² | 75 to 110m³ | 6.5 to 8kW |
| Large space with high ceilings | Over 45m² | 110+m³ | 8kW+ |
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These figures are estimates, and assume a ceiling height of around 2.4m.
Environmental Impacts and Energy Efficiency
Log burners are an increasingly popular way to reduce domestic gas consumption and make use of a locally sourced fuel instead.
Well-seasoned wood you source locally and season yourself typically costs around 6p to 10p per kWh. Bought, nationally delivered kiln-dried logs cost more, at around 14p to 29p per kWh. As of the Ofgem price cap for 1 July to 30 September 2026, mains gas costs 7.33p per kWh.
It's possible to get locally sourced wood at a lower cost, but check what you're buying. In England, wood sold in quantities under 2 cubic metres has to be certified "Ready to Burn" at 20% moisture or less. Larger loads can be sold unseasoned, but the supplier has to tell you how to dry and store it. Burning it before it's dry gives you less heat for your money and more soot in the chimney.
When considering a log burner, it's important to understand both its environmental impact and energy efficiency.
Here are some of the key points to consider when looking at how eco-friendly and effective your wood-burning stove installation can be in comparison to other fuel types and heating sources:
- When sustainably sourced, wood is a renewable energy source and often considered a carbon-neutral process.
- CO₂ is released during the wood burning process. However, this is offset by roughly the same amount emitted by growth on newer trees.
- Modern Defra-approved stoves burn wood more cleanly and efficiently, reducing harmful emissions.
- Efficiency typically ranges from 70% to 85%, depending on how dry the wood is that's burnt and the quality of the stove itself.
- Using dry, well-seasoned wood is key to maximising efficiency and minimising pollution.
A wood burner provides effective direct heat, although if the wood is wet or the log burning stove hasn't been well-maintained, this can have an impact on the local air quality.
However, with regular maintenance and correct use, installing a modern log burner can help to reduce environmental impact.
Will a wood burning stove improve or decrease my home's EPC rating?
"We believe a wood burning stove can actually improve your EPC rating. You’d need to ensure you have purchased an approved make and model - also, using the correct fuel is a must!"
Choosing a Log Burner
There are log burners to suit all budgets, but there are some points that need to be considered when making your choice.
More expensive burners may be made of thicker steel and have a longer life, and the glass may also be thicker and last longer than a cheaper model.
A more expensive burner may be more aesthetically pleasing, as more time may have been spent on the design.
Additional Log Burner Installation Costs
Additional log burner costs in the UK include essential ongoing maintenance as well as variables during the installation itself.
Opening Up a Fireplace Cost
If your property has a fireplace, but it's currently bricked up, in poor condition, or is simply too small for your log burner, you'll need it to be modified. This will mean budgeting for the cost of opening up a fireplace.
| Job Description | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Opening Up a Fireplace (using low-end materials) | £300–£500 |
| Opening Up a Fireplace (using high-end materials) | £800–£1,200 |
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The distinction between the high-end and low-end costs lies in the features you choose:
- Low-end materials will use standard finishes to create a functional fireplace.
- High-end materials will create a decorative finish, usually involving premium materials such as stone or brick.
Prices will vary depending on location. You'll find higher labour costs in London and the surrounding areas compared to the north of the UK.
Chimney Sweeping
Chimney sweeping is essential ongoing maintenance for homeowners with log burners.
Not only does it help to improve the efficiency of the burn, but it can also help to prevent chimney fires.
Without regular sweeping, soot can build up in the chimney, which can lead to dangerous accumulations of carbon monoxide due to the smoke being unable to flow away. In the worst-case scenario, chimney fires also become a risk when the chimney or flue system isn't well-maintained.
The cost of chimney sweeping is around £85.
How often you need your chimney swept depends on your log burner usage:
- Occasional Use on Weekends a Few Times a Month — Once a year.
- Regular Use Several Times a Week — Twice a year.
- Consistent Daily Use Throughout Winter — Every 3 to 4 months.
How does this impact ongoing costs? For heavy use during the winter months, you'll be looking at an additional maintenance fee of £315 to £420 per year.
Installing a Chimney Liner
To use a log burner, installing a chimney liner is often required. Scenarios where this may be the case include:
- If your chimney or flue system is too wide for your log burner.
- Your chimney is unlined, or has been damaged.
- You need to improve efficiency, safety, and maintain proper airflow.
The cost to install a chimney liner depends on the type of liner you choose. They commonly cost around £800.
The type of chimney liner you choose depends on the condition of your existing chimney.
Clay liners are commonly seen in older chimneys, while stainless steel is one of the most modern and suitable chimney liners, known for its durability and heat-resistant properties.
Installing a Chimney Cowl
Another cost associated with log burner installation is a chimney cowl. Unlike chimney liners, they're a nice-to-have.
Chimney cowls can help to:
- Prevent downdraft (which happens when wind effectively "pushes" smoke back down through your chimney).
- Stop birds from nesting in your chimney stack.
- Help to keep rain and other debris out.
Although they're not essential, chimney cowls can help to improve the efficiency of your log burner. Typically, chimney cowls cost between £200 and £250.
As your contractor will be working at height, scaffolding hire might be necessary, which can bump the costs up by £300 to £600.
Replacing Leadwork on Chimney Costs
If your chimney is old and has experienced damage over the years, it might be time to replace the leadwork or flashing.
Left untreated, damaged flashing can cause:
- Water leaks
- Structural damage to your chimney over time
Chimney leadwork replacement costs around £570. If scaffolding is needed, the costs will be even higher.
It's important to keep up with your chimney's maintenance, both internally and externally, to ensure it's working as it should.
Building Regulations and Planning Permission
Never had a log burning stove in your property? Here's what you need to know about rules and regulations.
Building Regulations for Log Burners in the UK
Legally, all wood-burning stoves have to comply with Part J of the Building Regulations, and a few related rules apply alongside it. Broadly:
- The log burner must be CE (Conformité Européenne) or UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marked, and any stove sold new in the UK now meets Ecodesign minimum efficiency and emissions standards. Separately, if you live in a smoke control area, your stove must also be on Defra's list of exempt appliances before you can legally burn wood on it — that is a different approval from the marking, and not every new stove has it.
- The flue pipe must be appropriately sized for the appliance and heat output to meet ventilation requirements.
- The new hearth must be non-combustible and set at the required distance for the appliance, whether it's a new addition or part of the existing fireplace surround.
- Check the log burner's manufacturing guidelines to understand how far away any combustible material, such as plasterboard or timber stud wall, must be from the log burner and wood-burning stove.
- A carbon monoxide detector needs to be fitted in the same room.
- The work must be signed off. An installer registered with a solid fuel competent person scheme (HETAS, NAPIT, OFTEC, APHC, BESCA or Certsure) can self-certify it. Otherwise, it must be notified to your local authority building control.
The above is the position in England. Wales has its own Approved Document J covering the same ground, Scotland works to the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004 and its technical handbooks, and Northern Ireland uses Technical Booklet L.
Remember: You need to receive a certificate of compliance once your log burner has been installed.
Smoke Control Areas and Log Burners
If your address is in a smoke control area, you can't legally release smoke from a chimney. Wood counts as an unauthorised fuel in these areas, so you can only burn it in an appliance Defra has exempted for that purpose. A stove being CE or UKCA marked and Ecodesign compliant doesn't automatically mean it qualifies.
In England, a chimney emitting smoke in a smoke control area can lead to a fine of up to £300, and buying unauthorised fuel to use in a non-exempt appliance can lead to a fine of up to £1,000. Whether your address falls inside a smoke control area is something your local council can confirm.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland run their own smoke control arrangements, so check with your council if you live outside England.
Planning Permission for Log Burners in the UK
Will you need planning permission to fit a log burner? In most cases, no.
However: You may need planning permission if any of the following apply:
- You live in a listed property (you will need listed building consent).
- You live in a conservation area where external appearance changes are restricted, or in a flat or maisonette, which has no permitted development rights, so a new flue needs planning permission.
- You need to install a new external flue outside of permitted development.
Can I Install a Log Burner Myself?
No, you should not attempt to fit your own log burner or wood-burning stove.
Fitting a stove is notifiable work. It has to comply with Part J of the Building Regulations, and the installation has to be certified, either by a registered installer who signs off their own work, or by your local building control after an inspection you pay for. An uncertified stove is difficult to insure and will come up when you sell the house.
HETAS-registered installers are qualified to install these heating types in compliance with recognised industry safety standards.
DIY log burner installation is not recommended.
Incorrect log burner installation can have major consequences, from carbon monoxide build-up in your home to the ignition of chimney fires, both of which can result in death.
You should never cut corners with heating installations.
Why not use MyJobQuote to find and hire a local tradesman and have your log burner or wood-burning stove installed?
We had a wood burner installed around a month ago. The company that installed it told us that they could self-certify. The problem is that I can't get in touch with them, and I'm beginning to be concerned that I shouldn't use the burner?
"If the company are HETAS registered, you can call HETAS who will act as a go-between to get you sorted. It is your responsibility to check the credentials of the installer before you use them.
Failing the installer coming back to register the stove, you can contact your local building control office who will certify it at a cost or you can take out an insurance indemnity."
Failing the installer coming back to register the stove, you can contact your local building control office who will certify it at a cost or you can take out an insurance indemnity."
Checklist: How To Find and Hire a Log Burner Installation Specialist in the UK
When you start your search for a wood burner installation specialist near you, here's what you should keep in mind to find the best trader for the job:
- Do they offer written quotes? Aim to get at least 3 quotes from local wood-burning stove installers using MyJobQuote, making sure the fees are itemised so you can understand the total cost.
- Is the installer registered with a solid fuel competent person scheme? Your installation has to comply with Building Regulations, and an installer who is part of HETAS, NAPIT, OFTEC, APHC, BESCA or Certsure can certify their own work. This means no separate building control application, and a certificate of compliance you'll want if you ever sell the property. An installer who isn't registered can still do the job legally, but the work has to be notified to your local building control and inspected, which you'll usually pay for. Councils set thier own prices for this, but expect to pay around £370 to £530.
- Will the installer calculate your burner's output? Ask your installer to calculate the output of your log burner or new wood-burning stove, considering the size of your room, and the size of the space that the wood burner will be fitted into.
- Does the installer have insurance? Professional installers should have public liability insurance to cover themselves and you in the event of any issues during fitting.
- Is there a warranty? Ask your installer about warranties and guarantees offered on the log burner, both for the appliance itself and the labour.
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FAQs
What Size Wood Burner Is Best for Me?
It's best to speak to your heating engineer to calculate the right size for you. To do this, your contractor will consider your room size, as well as the space you have to install the log burner, to figure out the best heat output for safe usage.
How Much Should I Spend on a Log Burner?
Typical log burner costs range from £400 to £700 for budget models, £700 to £1,500 for mid-range models, and £1,500 to £3,500 for high-end appliances. The type you choose is dependent on your budget and the aesthetic you're looking to achieve, with higher-end models typically using quality materials.
Is a Log Burner Different to a Multi-Fuel Stove?
Yes, multi-fuel stoves can burn more than one type of solid fuel, including wood, whereas log burners can only burn wood.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Log Burner per Hour?
If you're using wood (seasoned logs), the cost will be between £0.24 and £0.40 per hour, and smokeless fuels between £0.32 and £0.48 per hour. These figures are based on locally sourced, seasoned logs. If you buy nationally delivered kiln-dried logs instead, expect to pay roughly two to three times as much per unit of heat.
Are Log Burners Cheaper to Run Than Gas Central Heating?
This depends on how you source your wood. If you use locally sourced, well-seasoned wood, running costs are broadly similar to gas: 4kW of heat from gas central heating in 2026 costs between £0.28 and £0.40 per hour, while a log burner using locally sourced wood costs £0.24 to £0.40 per hour.
If you buy nationally delivered kiln-dried logs instead, expect to pay two to three times as much per unit of heat, which makes a log burner more expensive to run than gas. Total running costs will also differ depending on your usage habits, stove efficiency, and how hot you like your home.
Will a Log Burning Stove Add Value to My Property?
Yes, a log burning stove offers a level of cosiness not possible with traditional radiators, and can help to increase your property's value. It's a popular home upgrade and is attractive to potential buyers.
