How much does it cost to install a wood-burning stove?

Prices above include labor and materials.

At the end of the day, your wood-burning stove installation cost depends on your circumstances. Get a more accurate idea by getting a free estimate from a nearby pro. In the meantime, check out the other factors that can impact the wood stove installation costs.

The cost to install a wood stove can vary based on quite a few factors. Here's a look at some of the things that might make your bill go up or down.

Size and heating capacity.

Prices above include labor and materials.

The larger the stove and higher the heating capacity, the more you can expect to pay, on average.

Labor costs.

Hiring professionals to install a wood-burning stove is a significant (but important) cost. On average, national labor costs range from $806-$1,262.

There's way more to installing a wood-burning stove than just unboxing it. Your contractor will custom-fit the stove to your space, construct a chimney, add a stove pipe, and install an entire ventilation system.

Material costs.

The wood-burning stove itself, chimney components, hearth materials, venting systems, fireproof flooring, and any additional components needed for the installation can add up fast. And the higher the material grade you choose, the more expensive the bill will be.

Cast iron wood stoves tend to be the most expensive, but their heavy-duty construction likely means they will last for years to come. Stainless steel stoves are usually less expensive, and they have the bonus of heating up faster than cast iron.

You also need to decide between catalytic wood stoves and non-catalytic wood stoves. Catalytic wood stoves are more efficient and can produce lasting heat because they burn up all of a fire's byproducts. However, they are more expensive. And you'll need to replace the catalyst honeycomb every 10 years or so.

Removal of existing stove.

If you already have a stove, you may need to remove it to make room for the new one. Likely, it'll take a pro to dismantle and disconnect everything.

You'll also need to find a way to dispose of the stove. If it's made of steel or iron, you might be able to sell it for scrap. However, you might need to rent a truck and hire some laborers to get it to the junkyard.

Electrical considerations.

Wood-burning stoves may require electrical components for features like blowers, fans, or electronic ignition systems. You may need to hire an electrician to install or upgrade electrical circuits, outlets, or switches. The extent of electrical work required and any necessary upgrades will impact the overall cost.

Fuel cost considerations.

You'll need to factor in the ongoing cost of purchasing and storing wood logs (or bags of pellets, if installing a pellet stove) into your budget.

New home vs. remodeling project.

Installing a wood-burning stove in a new home is usually simpler. That's because you don't have to build the stove around existing structures. That said, you're building from scratch, which may increase the overall cost. 

Remodeling or retrofitting a space for a wood-burning stove in an existing home may require modifications to meet safety standards and structural considerations. You can't just plop it into your existing fireplace. This can lead to additional costs for ensuring compatibility with the existing layout and integrating the stove effectively.

Then again, if you have a solid system already in place and just need to fit in the new stove, it could end up being cheaper.

Flue system installation.

It is possible to install a wood-burning stove without a traditional chimney. However, you will need to install a twin (or dual) wall flue system that goes through the roof or exterior wall. This is trickier than installing a wood stove in a home that already has a chimney. And you'll need to factor in the labor costs, as well as the cost to make structural modifications to your home.

Modifying an existing chimney to suit your wood-burning stove may also require alterations and chimney liners with appropriate materials. All of this will contribute to the overall cost. For example, a double-wall chimney pipe is a preferred material because it decreases moisture and soot buildup in the vent. However, it may be more expensive.

Permitting costs.

Compliance with local building codes and regulations often involves acquiring permits, which have associated fees. Paying these fees can start to add up, especially if you have to make modifications to keep things up to code. You may even need to pay to have a city inspector come out and check your work.

Permit fees vary wildly across the country, so check with your local government for the estimated cost.

Trying to install your wood-burning fireplace on a budget? We've got you. Consider these tips to save money before, during, and after your installation.

Compare prices to find a deal.

Take the time to shop around and compare prices from various suppliers, both online and in local stores. Look out for sales, seasonal discounts, or clearance deals to secure the best prices on wood-burning stoves and required materials.

Consider last year's model.

When the newest models hit stores in spring, dealers have to get rid of remaining inventory to make space. That means they might be willing to sell older models at cheaper prices.

Look for price drops around late winter or the end of March. You might even be able to score a deal on a floor model if you don't mind a few scratches.

Try a freestanding wood stove.

Freestanding stoves are generally more affordable and easier to install compared to built-in or insert stoves that may require a more complex installation. Therefore, they can cost slightly less. Shop around and compare prices before you make a decision.

Reuse an old chimney.

If feasible, use an existing chimney to vent the wood-burning stove. Reusing an existing chimney can save significant costs associated with building or modifying a new chimney or flue system.

Pro tip: Always have the existing chimney inspected first to make sure it's compatible with the wood-burning stove.

Build your own hearth and surround.

Build the hearth and surround yourself using affordable and readily available materials like concrete, bricks, or tiles. You might even be able to salvage or repurposed materials. Visit surplus or recycled construction material warehouses. You might be able to find the parts you need to build a hearth without breaking the bank.

Schedule your installation during the off-season.

Contractors are usually busiest in fall and winter. This is when people panic to get their homes ready for cold weather. If you wait to install your wood-burning stove until the spring or summer, you may find that local contractors are not in high demand. And they may be charging less than usual.

Regularly maintain your new stove.

To save money in the long run, follow some recommended maintenance tips. For example:

• Clean the chimney regularly. Keeping your chimney clean prevents creosote buildup. This reduces the risk of chimney fires and the need for costly repairs.
• Burn seasoned wood. Use only dry, seasoned wood to reduce creosote buildup and improve efficiency. This can also help prolong the life of your stove and chimney.
• Inspect and maintain seals and gaskets. Check and replace damaged seals and gaskets. This will help you maintain proper air control and improve efficiency.
• Monitor and clean the ash pan. Regularly empty and clean the ash pan to maintain optimal airflow and prevent damage to the stove.
• Schedule professional maintenance: Arrange for periodic professional inspections and maintenance to identify issues early and ensure your stove is operating efficiently.

Let's take a quick look at the costs involved with DIY-ing this project instead of hiring a professional to install your stove:

• You'll save on labor. You can save a little money on the upfront cost of installing a wood-burning stove by doing it yourself. For example, you won't have to deal with labor costs. This could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
• You'll still need to pay for materials. This includes the stove, venting, and more. And if you want to put in a chimney, you'll likely need specific equipment that you might not have in your standard toolkit — not to mention a tall ladder. It might not make financial sense to invest in these tools if you're only going to use them once.
• You'll pay for mistakes. Be honest with yourself about your skills and limitations. There could be real (and expensive) repercussions if you don't install the stove correctly.
• You'll have to navigate permitting fees on your own. The permitting process can often be difficult to navigate, especially if this is your first time dealing with the local bureaucracy. But local professionals deal with this all the time. They know how to fast-track projects so they're not stuck in approval limbo forever. If your project has to go on hold for three months while you're waiting for permit approval because you filled out a form wrong, that delay may cost you even more.

A wood-burning stove can be worth the cost, depending on what you value. Here are the reasons why installing a wood stove is (and isn't) worth the cost:

Potential energy savings.

Depending on the cost of wood and other fuel sources in your area, you may be able to save money on energy. For example, you may find that lowering your thermostat and using the wood stove in one of your rooms lowers your monthly energy bill. Do the math to figure out if a wood stove is the best option for lowering your monthly bills.

Cozy ambiance.

Another benefit is that wood-burning stoves add a cozy and comforting ambiance to any space. The sight, sound, and smell of a crackling fire can enhance the overall atmosphere, creating a warm and inviting living environment. For many people, this alone is worth the cost.

Related: 18 ways to make your home cozy.

Labor intensive.

That said, you do have to consider the downsides of a wood-burning stove. You will need to constantly feed the stove with wood to keep your home warm. This is far more labor-intensive than simply flicking the thermostat up a few degrees.

Number of rooms and home size.

Wood-burning stoves also aren't ideal for heating large houses with many rooms. You may want to explore other options for efficiently heating your home, such as:

• Furnaces 
• Boilers
• Heat pumps
• Active solar heating
• Electric resistance heating
• Radiant heating

Safety and fire risks.

And, of course, you do have to consider the fire risk that wood-burning stoves pose. Be sure to follow wood stove safety tips to keep the chances of a house fire as low as possible.

It's not easy installing a wood-burning stove on your own. There's a lot to consider, and it often doesn't make sense to tackle this project by yourself. Instead, hire a local professional. 

Thumbtack can help with that. Download Thumbtack today, and start contacting nearby professionals for free cost estimates on your wood-burning stove installation.