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myLog Burner Installation Cost
At a Glance
- The average log burner installation cost is around £2,300 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 2025.
- How long this type of job takes, things you need to consider before getting a log burner installed, and expert advice from tradespeople on MyJobQuote.
- How to easily find and hire a log burner installer for this job.
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Looking for the cost of installing a wood burner in the UK?
In 2025, the average cost to install a wood burning stove is around £2,300. However, log burner installation costs will vary depending on various factors — such as whether you have a chimney or not.
This guide covers everything you need to know about log burner costs in the UK. Included is a breakdown of what's involved in the installation of a log burner, things you need to know, expert advice from tradespeople on MyJobQuote, and more.
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£2,300
Table of Contents
How Much to Install a Log Burner?
A log burner - also known as a wood burner - is a popular home upgrade, offering a level of cosiness not possible with traditional radiators, and can help to increase your property's value by up to 5%.
Since the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) approved their use in city areas, they're no longer exclusive to off-grid rural homes, and are now making an appearance in urban areas.
So, how much does it cost to install a log burner with a chimney?
- It will cost £1,200 to install a log burner if you already have a chimney.
This cost includes cleaning and lining the chimney, and installing a log burner to HETAS (Heating Equipment Testing and Approval Scheme) standards.
And, how much does it cost to install a log burner without a chimney?
- It costs around £2,300 to install a log burner without a chimney.
This price includes installing a twin-wall chimney system and installing a log burner to HETAS standards.
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."
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Cost of Log Burner Installation
Let's take a closer look at the cost of installing a log burner.
Wood Burner Cost
To start with, we'll look at log burner installation costs, presuming all your chimney work is already taken care of.
| Job Description | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Installing a Low-End Log Burner | £550 - £1,100 |
| Installing a High-End Log Burner | £2,050 - £3,600 |
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Low-end log burners will typically have basic functions and finishes, while high-end versions will include premium materials and advanced heating controls.
Installing a 'Twin Wall' Chimney and Cleaning/Lining Costs
Next, we'll look at the costs involved if your property doesn't have a chimney at all, or if your existing chimney needs some remedial work to be compatible with your new log burner.
| Job Description | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Installing a 'Twin Wall' Chimney | £1,150 - £1,200 |
| Cleaning and Lining Existing Chimney | £1,250 - £1,300 |
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To break down these extra costs:
- You'll need to install a twin-wall chimney if your property doesn't have one.
- If your home already has a chimney, but it's not up to standard, you'll need it to be cleaned and lined to comply with safety standards before the log burner is commissioned.
- You won't need to worry about either of these extra costs if your property already has a lined chimney.
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) | £640 |
| Opening Up a Fireplace (using high-end materials) | £2,640 |
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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.
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 chimney installed, and your log burner installed
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 HETAS 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 your log burner size, 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 - 30m³ | 2 – 3 kW |
| Medium living room/kitchen-diner | 13 – 20m² | 35 - 50m³ | 3 – 4.5kW |
| Spacious living room/open-plan space | 21 – 30m² | 55 - 70m³ | 4.5 – 6.5kW |
| Spacious open-plan area/lounge | 31 – 45m² | 75 - 110m³ | 6.5 – 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, locally sourced wood typically costs around 6p to 10p per kWh, whereas mains gas costs between 7p to 10p per kWh.
It's possible to get locally sourced wood at a lower cost, but this may have a higher moisture content, making it less efficient.
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 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 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.
Log burners provide effective direct heat, although if the wood is wet or the stove hasn't been well-maintained, this can have an impact on the local air quality.
However, with regular maintenance and used correctly, 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
To give you a clear picture of additional log burner costs, we've broken them down into sections - essential, common, and potential - for you to read at a glance.
Essential Ongoing Log Burner Costs
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.
The cost of chimney sweeping is around £95.
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 £285 to £380 per year.
Common Log Burner Installation Extras
Installing Chimney Liner
Chimney liners are often required with log burner installations. Scenarios include:
- If your flue 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 common modern chimney liners, known for its durability and heat-resistant properties.
Installing 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)
- Stops 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 £220 to £250.
As your contractor will be working at height, scaffolding hire might be necessary, which can bump the costs up by £40 to £80.
Potential Repairs and Maintainence Costs
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.
I need a quote for fitting a lawful log burner multi-fuel into a bungalow for disabled people. They already have a chimney, surround, and marble floor, as they used to have a gas fire fitted before an electric one was put in.
"You will need a HETAS registered installer to make sure the chimney can take the stove and liner, which will be required. Also, the surround/hearth more than likely will need replacing as single-piece marble does not take heat very well, and will generally crack over a short period of time. Best looking on the HETAS register to find a local installer to make sure it's done right and safely."
Can I Install a Log Burner Myself?
No - you should not attempt to fit your own log burner.
By law, all solid fuel heating installations - including log burners - have to be approved by a HETAS-registered installer.
HETAS-registered installers are qualified to install these heating types in compliance with recognised industry safety standards.
DIY log burner installation is illegal, and will invalidate your home insurance.
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.
Use MyJobQuote to find and hire a qualified HETAS-registered heating contractor, and have your log burner installed with peace of mind.
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 wood burner installations near you, here's what you should keep in mind to find the best trader for the job:
- Get at least 3 quotes from local installers using MyJobQuote.
- Check your heating engineer is HETAS-registered.
- Ask your installer to calculate the output of your log burner, considering the size of your room, and the size of the space that the wood burner will be fitted into.
- Make sure you know what maintenance is needed - chimney sweeping, maintenance of chimney liners, etc. - and be aware of these ongoing costs.
- Be sure to 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.
- Ask your installer about any warranties or guarantees with their work.
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FAQs
Can I Install a Log Burner Myself?
No, you can't install a log burner yourself unless you are a HETAS-registered heating engineer. Failure to certify the installation can render your home insurance null and void in the event of any accidents as a result of incorrect installation.
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 output for safe usage.
How Much Should I Spend on a Log Burner?
Typical log burner costs range from £500 to £1,000 for low-end models, while high-end appliances can be closer to £2,000 and £3,500. 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.
How Long Will It Take To Install a Log Burner?
It should take less than a day to install a log burner into your home, but the time required can increase if you have issues with your existing chimney stack (e.g. it needs a new liner or to be swept), and can increase significantly if you need a fireplace opening up before the log burner can be installed.
Sources
https://www.hetas.co.uk/consumer/certificates-of-compliance/
https://www.whitehorseenergy.co.uk/firewood/firewood-knowledge-base/reasons-to-get-a-woodburner-in-2022/
https://www.thestoveyard.com/pages/faqs
