In the following cost guide, we will discuss Log Burners, their cost, and how long the installation process takes and what steps are involved.
This article is perfect for those planning a wood burning stove installation whether it is an electric log burner or gas log burner.
A log burner is, as the name suggests a heater that is fueled by burning timber logs.
Among the reasons for their popularity is that it can save on fuel costs, acts as one of the more eco-friendly options and beyond that, log burners can add a great aesthetic to a living room while providing warmth.
On average, it costs between £1100 and £2200 to have a wood burning stove fitted.
You may find cheap, budget log burners for as little as a few hundred pounds although budget log burners will generally cost around £1400 to £2000.
A freestanding wood burner installation will cost about several hundred pounds less than an inset model for which structural support is more applicable.
The wood burner cost is about £800 to £1600 to install a 5kw log burner, £1300 to £2500 for an 8kw log burner, £1300 to £2700 for a 10kw log burner or £1300 to £3100 for a 15kw log burner.
As you can see, log burner prices can vary greatly and more so as the power of a log burner increases.
This is due to the fact that the prices generally rise with the power output of a wood stove burner but there are still many budget options, average priced burners and those at the more expensive end of the price range.
As for the labour cost, it will likely set you back between £300 and £700.
This will depend on the charge set by the contractor which will vary from region to region across the UK.
As for the supply costs, the log burner itself will probably cost somewhere in the range of £600 to £1700.
The overall cost, including both the labour and supply fees will depend not only on the type and size of the log burner fireplace but also on the chimney type and what sort of flue liner is used.
In addition, ease of access will also shape the total cost.
As for the varying labour costs, to give some examples, heating engineers charge about £50 to £60 in London, approximately £60 in Newbury but only around £40 in Manchester or £35 in North Lincolnshire.
In general, it is more affordable to hire a heating engineer in Scotland, the north of England or Northern Ireland than it is in say London or the southeast of England.
| Type of Log Burner | Labour Cost | Supply Cost | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5kw Log Burner | £300 to £700 | £500 to £900 | £800 to £1600 |
| 8kw Log Burner | £300 to £700 | £1000 to £1800 | £1300 to £2500 |
| 10kw Log Burner | £300 to £700 | £1000 to £2000 | £1300 to £2700 |
| 15kw Log Burner | £300 to £700 | £1000 to £2400 | £1300 to £3100 |
We’ll now discuss the various options of wood stove burner on the market.
Each type has its own pros & cons and estimated price tag which we’ll explore in each of the following subsections.
Regardless of which type you prefer, when choosing a log burner, you should pay attention to its energy efficiency rating and guarantee, if there is any.
The most common type of log burner is one that is freestanding. This is also a cheaper alternative to an inset fire.
This type of stove is detached from any other elements and is either held up on a pedestal, block base, log store or, more often, legs.
They are popular because of the various possibilities offered by these stoves when it comes to design, function, efficiency and installation location.
This contrasts an inset fire which is connected to a chimney.
On average, it costs about £1100 to £2200 to have a freestanding stove fitted.
There are also multi-fuel log burners on the market.
✔ Cheaper than an inset fire.
✔ Can be located almost anywhere in a room.
✔ Offers many options in terms of function, efficiency and design.
✔ May be moved from one spot in the room to another.
✖ Requires more space.
This type of wood stove burner is built into the wall and connected to the chimney.
Depending on the appliance you purchase, you can enjoy a high degree of efficiency and heat output without a loss over choosing a freestanding option.
The installation cost will likely end up a bit higher with a log burner although a range of £1100 to £2200 is still a fair estimate.
It is just that the cost of fitting an inset burner will likely end up in the higher end of this range than if you were to have a freestanding burner installed.
Even though inset burners tend to cost more as appliances, the installation can be a bit easier, thus reducing the labour cost and in some cases cancelling out the extra cost of buying a dearer appliance as compared with having a freestanding log burner installed.
Inset log burners are perfect if the room is lacking in space.
It’s important that the installation allows the heat to warm the room rather than escaping through the chimney.
This option is less popular than that of a freestanding wood stove.
✔ Uses up less space.
✔ Setup may be easier.
✔ Ideal for rooms with limited space.
✖ Likely to cost more.
An alternative fuel option which still may include the burning of logs is that of multi-fuel stoves.
You may choose to burn wood or an alternative smokeless fuel source. Often these burners can also be fueled by peat or coal.
This makes multi-fuel burners more efficient.
In addition, it is perfect if you need to vary the heat output of your log burner throughout different times of the year.
It may set you back somewhere in the range of £1900 to £2500 to have a multi-fuel burner installed.
This option is not as popular as regular log burning stoves.
✔ Can often use coal, peat and smokeless fuel.
✔ Usually do not need to be located outside.
✔ Less likely to produce carbon monoxide if wood is not being used.
✔ Slightly lower fire risk.
✖ Could be more expensive.
You may want to choose your log burner based on the power output, below we have broken down the cost of a log burner based on the size.
Now that we’ve covered fuel and design types, let’s look at the different sizes of log burner.
First, there is the option of a small log burner with a power output of around 4 to 6kW.
This type is of course the cheapest option and will likely come with a price tag of about £500 to £1000.
Small log burners are most suited to rooms that have about 60-85 cubic metres of space.
As with a midsize or large wood stove, this can come in an inset or freestanding form.
✔ Cheapest type.
✔ Very well suited to small rooms.
✖ Not appropriate for medium or large rooms.
For mid-sized rooms, a medium log burner is the right choice.
With a power output of around 7-9kW, this option is perfect for rooms that have somewhere in the range of 85m3 to 125m3 of space.
With an average cost of £1000 to £1800, it would be an unnecessary expense and too overpowering for a small room although generally not powerful enough for a room with more than 125 cubic metres of space.
✔ Ideal for a medium room.
✔ Not overly expensive.
✖ Only suited to mid-size rooms.
✖ More expensive than less powerful options.
Beyond this, there is the option of a 10-15kW log burner.
This suits a room with anywhere from 125m3 to 210m3 of space.
For a room even larger than this, there are more powerful burners, even those with an output of 20kW!
As for the log burners in the aforementioned range, these would generally cost somewhere between £1000 and £2400 depending on factors such as quality and their specific output (i.e. 13kW or 15kW).
This is the most expensive type of log burner by size.
✔ Perfect for a large spacious room.
✔ Great power output.
✖ Often more expensive.
Let’s take a look at what installing a log burners entails. We’ll now break down each of the steps involved in the process:
Firstly, you’ll need to decide which log burner you want to buy.
As discussed in the previous section, there are a variety of options to choose from and as mentioned toward the beginning of this guide, there are also a range of different log burners when it comes to power output.
To figure out what power output is right for your room, you can make the following calculation;
Cubic Space14 = kW Output of Room
To figure out the cubic space of a room, you simply multiply the width by the height by the length.
Once you know the design, fuel and power output you’re looking for, you can begin your search online such as by shopping websites like Wood Burner Warehouse and UK Stoves.
It has been legally required since 2005 to inform your local authority’s building control department of your installation plan before fitting any new heating appliance. However, you will generally not require planning permission approval.
Your permitted development rights, where approval is not needed will apply to most work where an external flue, chimney, or soil and vent pipe is being installed, altered or replaced.
This is the case, so long as:
As for being on designated land or having a listed building, you should contact your local authority either way, to verify that the work may go ahead as different rules can apply to properties that fall under either of these categories.
In most cases, you will need building regulations approval before having a log burner fitted.
If you are having an inset fire installed, you will need to have your chimney inspected and cleaned prior to the work beginning.
There are a range of building regulations that apply which a building control officer will be able to evaluate such as the need for a flue with sufficient draught and that a smokeless fuel stove with a power output of less than 20kW does not have a diameter smaller than 1.25cm.
To act in accordance with building regulations, you may need to send in an application to Building Control, which can be done online.
On average, this will cost between £150 and £200.
Next, it’s time to have the wood stove burner installed. A freestanding wood burner needs to be set up in an appropriate area of the room.
It’s important that the spot is chosen with its heat emittance in mind. An inset stove must be fitted into the wall and connected to the chimney.
The extent of the work required will depend on how suitable the existing recess of the chimney is.
Should the current recess prove too deep, wide, high, etc. then work will be needed so that the installation can be completed successfully.
If a new chimney system is required, this will add about £500 to your overall bill.
As discussed earlier, you may want a full renovation.
This may include adding fresh chimney liner and a new hearth & stove among other additional work.
After having the log burner fitted, the labourer will begin to clean up the installation area or/and commence any additional work which you may choose to pay for. Such work may include a chimney sweep and liner which will cost about £800 to £1100.
To have a new hearth fitted will cost around £150 to £250, to have a backplate added will set you back about £40 to £60 while on average, it will cost between £150 and £250 to have a new chimney flue installed..
Would you like to fit a log burner yourself? Thankfully, it is perfectly okay for a DIY enthusiast to fit a wood burning stove by themselves.
However, as discussed, you will need building regulations approval and you may need planning permission approval, depending on the circumstances.
As we discussed in the previous section, in most situations, permitted development will apply.
Part J of the building regulations apply specifically when it comes to having a log burner installed.
A building control officer will need to sign off on the work.
There are of course a range of risks and hazards involved in fitting a log burner DIY.
For one, you might end up with a botched installation.
This would just mean that you’ve wasted your time and will need a professional to come in and fix the installation.
However, you may risk harming yourself such as if working beneath a chimney if soot or any other objects fell down onto you.
Beyond that, you risk making unnoticed errors which could increase the risk of issues arising in the future such as carbon monoxide poisoning.
It’s also important that you pick an installation area that is sufficiently free of obstacles.
While you do not need qualifications to fit a wood stove, it is important that you are aware of the regulations and procedures involved in the installation work.
So unless you know exactly what you’re doing, it’s best to hire a professional contractor.
Either way, you should strongly consider fitting a carbon monoxide alarm to stay on the safe side.
As with any installation work, there are a range of disadvantages and potential issues to consider.
This is regardless of whether you fit the wood stove DIY or have a professional do so.
Disadvantages of a Log Burner:
If you fail to receive planning permission approval (where required) or building regulations approval, you will need to reapply.
In this scenario, you will be given the feedback necessary to understand why your application was rejected.
That way, you can adjust your installation plans accordingly and apply again with a much better chance of success.
If you are unsure of anything, consider asking a professional as they will be able to help you out in this area or perhaps get in touch with your local council.
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In many cases, it should last 30-50 years although in the case of stainless steel flexible liner, its life expectancy is only 15-20 years.
In order to do so, you will need to fully open the air controls and then add large logs before placing smaller logs atop them.
Add a firelighter in the middle of the stack and stack kindling atop the logs, crisscrossing every layer.
Place another firelighter into the log burner, this time on top of the stack of kindling.
This firelighter should then be ignited. The stove door should be left slightly ajar as this will ensure that sufficient oxygen reaches the flames.
As soon as the kiddling is on fire, shut the door. Wait until the actual logs have ignited and are properly burning.
At this point, you may set the air controls of your stove to regular mode instead of keeping them fully opened.
A building control officer will generally be the one to sign off on this work.
Roughly 10-20 years.
Among the best options are ash, oak and birch.
They can be but it largely depends on where you purchase the timber fuel from. Sourcing it locally is the most environmentally friendly option.
