The short answer
A complete wood burning stove installation in the UK typically costs £1,000–£4,000+, commonly landing around £2,250. The breakdown is usually a £500–£2,000 stove, plus £500–£1,500 for fitting and £500–£1,800 for a chimney liner if your flue needs one. Homes with no existing chimney need a twin-wall flue system, which pushes the figure toward the top of the range. The price depends on your stove choice, your chimney's condition and whether a new hearth is needed — so an on-site survey gives the accurate number.
The headline price hides a lot. Most of the cost difference between two homes comes from the flue and chimney work, not the stove. Here is how an installed price typically breaks down, with figures that are ranges, not quotes.
Typical UK costs
- Stove (appliance only)£500–£2,000
- Fitting labour£500–£1,500
- Chimney liner (if needed)£500–£1,800
- Twin-wall flue (no chimney)£1,500–£3,000
- Typical all-in£1,000–£4,000+
What drives the price
- The stove itself: a basic 5kW steel stove starts around £500; cast-iron, larger or premium models run to £2,000 or more.
- Chimney or flue route: an existing brick chimney usually just needs a stainless liner; a home with no chimney needs an insulated twin-wall flue, which is the single biggest cost swing.
- Hearth: Building Regs set minimum hearth size and the floor must be non-combustible — a new hearth adds cost.
- Chimney condition: a sweep, a CCTV survey or repairs to an old chimney can add to the bill.
| Element | Typical figure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stove appliance | £500–£2,000 | size, material & brand |
| Installation labour | £500–£1,500 | complexity of the job |
| Chimney liner | £500–£1,800 | if existing chimney is lined |
| Twin-wall flue | £1,500–£3,000 | where there is no chimney |
Indicative UK figures for general guidance. Sources: HETAS guidance, Energy Saving Trust.
Why two quotes can differ so much
The biggest reason quotes vary is the flue. A home with a sound, correctly sized brick chimney may only need a liner and a stove, sitting at the lower end. A home with no chimney needs an insulated twin-wall flue routed through the roof, which is more material and more labour. A genuinely lower number that skips a proper chimney inspection is not really cheaper — it risks a flue that fails Building Regs or a smoke test on completion.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to install a log burner in the UK?
A full installation typically costs £1,000–£4,000 or more, commonly around £2,250. The stove alone is usually £500–£2,000, with the rest covering the flue or liner, hearth and labour.
Why is fitting a stove so expensive if there's no chimney?
Without an existing chimney you need an insulated twin-wall flue routed up through the roof. That is more material and more labour than simply lining an existing brick chimney, often adding £1,500–£3,000.
Does the price include the chimney liner?
Not always. A stainless steel liner for an existing chimney typically adds £500–£1,800. Ask each installer to itemise the liner separately so quotes are comparable.
Sources & further reading
Figures on this page are typical UK ranges drawn from published sources and depend on your specific home. They are guidance, not a quotation or guaranteed saving.