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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.
Looking into 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 much more.
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£2,300
Table of Contents
How Much to Install a Log Burner?
How much does it cost to install a log burner with a chimney?
It will cost £1,200 to install a log burner if a chimney is already present, including 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 will cost £2,300 to install a log burner if no chimney is present, including installing a twin wall chimney system and installing a log burner to HETAS standards.
A log burner, or wood burner as they are also called, is considered a desirable addition to your home that could add as much as 5% to the value of your home. They can add cosy warmth to a room in a way that a radiator just can’t.
They are seen as having a timeless appeal, and their image has moved on radically from the ‘farmhouse’ connotations they had in the 1970s.
Since the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has approved their installation in city areas, they are making an appearance in smart towns and city neighbourhoods.
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 burners are also 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 kilowatt-hour (kWh), whereas mains gas costs between 7p to 10p per kWh. It is possible to get locally sourced wood at a lower cost, but this may have a higher moisture content (which makes it less efficient).
It is recommended that you always engage a HETAS-registered installer and do not attempt to fit your own log burner. This article will highlight the cost of installing your log burner as well as some important points to consider.
To find the best price for installing a log burner, you should compare up to 3 quotes from professional tradespeople. Save money, stress and time finding a qualified builder by using MyJobQuote’s easy form.
Enter details of your job, and you’ll be connected with 3 friendly and trusted professionals to help with your new log burner installation. We work with hundreds of tradespeople specialising in a variety of areas to help with everything you need. For an instant price guide of quotes for installing a log burner, use MyJobQuote today!
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."
Cost of Log Burner Installation
| Job Description | Material Cost | Labour Cost | Total Estimated Cost | Time Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installing a 'Twin Wall' Chimney (no chimney present) | £1,100 | £150 – £200 Per Day (depending on labourer) | £1,150 - £1,200 | 4 – 5 hours |
| Cleaning and Lining Existing Chimney | £1,200 | £150 – £200 Per Day (depending on labourer) | £1,250 - £1,300 | 3 – 4 hours |
| Installing Log Burner | £500 - £1,000 (low-end) | £150 – £200 Per Day (depending on labourer) | £550 - £1,100 | 2 – 3 hours |
| Installing Log Burner | £2,000 - £3,500 (high-end) | £150 – £200 Per Day (depending on labourer) | £2,050 - £3,600 | 2 – 3 hours |
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If you're having a brand new log burner installed and have no in-use fireplace, you'll need to factor in the additional cost of opening up a fireplace.
Here's what you need to know based on a low-end and high-end installation:
| Job Description | Material Cost | Labour Cost | Total Estimated Cost | Time Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Opening Up a Fireplace (using low-end materials) | £480 | £160 | £640 | 8 Hours |
| Opening Up a Fireplace (using high-end materials) | £1,680 | £960 | £2,640 | 2 Days |
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Additional Log Burner Installation Costs
Once your log burner has been installed, you'll need to start thinking about the additional maintenance costs that come with it now it's operational.
Here's what you need to know:
Chimney Sweeping Costs
Although it may sound antiquated, 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 will also help to prevent chimney fires, while a build-up of soot can lead to dangerous accumulations of carbon monoxide as a result of the smoke not being able to flow away.
The cost of chimney sweeping ranges from £70 to £120. 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
This means for heavy use during the winter months, you'll be looking at an additional maintenance fee of £210 to £480 per year. You should calculate your potential use and find your yearly fees for chimney sweeping to ensure your budget allows.
Chimney sweeping costs will be higher for appliances without a chimney liner - as we'll discuss now.
Installing Chimney Liner Costs
Although not essential, chimney liners can be beneficial with log burner installations as they can help to improve efficiency, safety, and maintain proper airflow if your chimney's flue is too wide for the log burner, or has been damaged from years of use.
The cost to install a chimney liner depends on the type of liner you choose, with stainless steel liners costing £350 to £700, while pumice, concrete, and clay liners cost £500 to £900.
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 the most common chimney liners, and it is known for its durability and heat-resistant properties.
Installing Chimney Cowl Costs
Another cost associated with log burner installation is the inclusion of a chimney cowl. These help to prevent downdraft - which happens when wind effectively "pushes" smoke back down through your chimney - stops birds from nesting in your chimney stack and can help to keep rain out.
Although they're not essential, they can help to improve the efficiency of your log burner, and typically chimney cowls cost around £200. As your contractor will be working at height, scaffolding hire might be necessary, which can bump the costs up by £40 to £80.
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. Chimney leadwork replacement costs around £570, and again, 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. Damaged flashing can lead to water leaks, and can severely impact the structural integrity of your chimney if left untreated.
What to Consider When Installing a Log Burner
There are a few important things to consider when considering installing a log burner.
Do You Have an Existing Chimney?
The cost of installing your wood burner will depend on whether you already have a chimney in place or not.
If you already have a chimney, then your installation costs will be in the region of £1,200 plus the cost of the log burner. This will include cleaning and then lining the chimney to make the burner more efficient.
However, if you do not have a chimney, then the installation costs will be nearly twice as much, at around £2,300. In addition, you need to account for the cost of your choice of log burner as you will need a ‘twin wall’ chimney to be fitted.
Log Burner Placement and Distance from Combustible Materials
Each manufacturer will give guidance on how far away from any combustible material, such as plasterboard or timber stud wall, their log burners need to be located. Always seek the advice of a trusted professional.
You need to think carefully about the size of the room and make sure there is enough space around the burner free of combustible materials.
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."
Log Burner Size Calculation
You will need to take into account the size of your room and the size of the space that the wood burner will be fitted into. An average size room of 12m² in a fairly modern home built after 2000 will need a stove of 2kW to 5kW.
If your room is an open-plan living area and your house is a period property, then you will need a stove of up to 8kW output. A stove over 5kW will require a wood burner fan — and for that, you should consult a HETAS registered installer to advise you on the best choice for your needs.
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.
Can I Install a Log Burner Myself?
Fitting a log burner yourself is not recommended, as all solid fuel heating installations - including your log burner - have to be approved by a HETAS-registered installer. HETAS-registered installers are certified and qualified to install these heating types in compliance with recognised industry safety standards.
If you try to install a log burner yourself, the appliance will be deemed to be illegal, as it hasn't been installed by a HETAS contractor. This means that your home insurance will not cover any accidents that happen due to incorrect installation.
Incorrect log burner installation can have stratospheric consequences, from carbon monoxide build-up in your home to the ignition of chimney fires, both of which can result in death.
You shouldn't 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
- Get at least 3 quotes for the cost of a wood burner installation - MyJobQuote can connect you with local log burner installers near you for free, no-obligation quotes.
- Check that your heating engineer is HETAS-registered. This means that they can self-certify that their work is in line with UK building regulations.
- Ask your HETAS-registered installer to calculate the output of your log burner, considering the size of your room, and the size of the space that the woodburner will be fitted into.
- Ask if you need to be in the house whilst the work is going on, and what you need to do to prepare for installation.
- 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. Your heating engineer can advise on this, and whether any remedial work needs to be carried out.
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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 Woodburner 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
