For centuries, wood burning stoves have kept homes warm during cold winter months.
Although homeowners have many heating options at their disposal today, wood burning stoves continue to be a classic staple.
Going with a wood burning stove installation for your home adds a touch of warmth and coziness at an affordable price.
What Is A Wood Burning Stove?
A wood burning stove is a heating appliance fueled by wood or other wood-derived biomass. It is usually a free-standing unit installed independently of other heating systems.
A wood burning stove consists of a metal firebox and a ventilating pipe that directs the smoke and gases from the fire chamber to the chimney, allowing them to exit the property.
The wood burning stoves come in countless sizes and configurations, some of which are suitable for outdoor use, while others are for indoors.
There are small, portable wood burning stove models that homeowners can utilize on their camping adventures.
Indoor wood burning stove models have the capacity to keep a smaller room or even a large space toasty warm, depending on the size of the stove.
Wood Burning Stove Installation Cost
Since wood burning stoves come in numerous types and sizes, their installation expenses can vary significantly.
If your property already has the ventilation system necessary for a wood burning stove, the project can cost as little as $650 on the low end – installation included.
Keep in mind that you’ll only be able to keep one room heated with a $650 wood burning stove. Extras like a hearth pad are also not included in this price.
For the installation of a powerful wood burning stove that can heat over a thousand square feet of space, prices start around $2,000.
The average price for a complete wood burning stove installation is around $3,000, which includes chimney and ventilation expenses as well.
Finally, high-end wood burning stoves can cost more than $4,000. Add to this labor expenses, and the price of installing such a wood burning stove can end up costing over $7,000.
Wood Burning Stove Installation Cost Breakdown
Equipping your property with a wood burning stove involves several expenses besides the price of the unit itself.
Here’s a cost breakdown to help you come up with a budget:
| Cost Breakdown of Wood-Burning Stove Installation | |
|---|---|
| Stove | $350-$4,000 |
| Labor | $300-$1,000 |
| Chimney/Ventilation | $300-$3,000 |
| Hearth Pad | $200-$500 |
| Wall Covering | $50-$450 |
| Permits | $50-$250 |
Pro Tip: The heating capacity of a wood burning stove is expressed in British Thermal Units (BTU), and the higher the number, the larger the area the stove will be able to keep warm. For instance, a 60,000 BTU stove is suitable for a 2,000-square-foot space, while a 75,000 BTU one will be necessary if you want to heat up 2,400 square feet.
Wood Burning Stove Installation Costs By Brand
Here are some of the most popular wood burning stove brands and the prices you can expect:
| Brand | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| Drolet | $1,400 |
| England Stove Works | $1,500 |
| True North | $1,800 |
| Jotul | $1,000 |
| Ashley Hearth | $1,300 |
| Englander | $900 |
| Unforgettable Fire | $4,800 |
| Napoleon | $1,400 |
| Woodstock Soapstone | $2,400 |
| Vermont Castings | $1,200 |
| Lopi | $900 |
| Buck Stove | $1,600 |
| Pacific Energy | $1,700 |
| Country Flame | $1,800 |
| Hearthstone | $3,000 |
| Rais | $4,000 |
| Regency | $1,500 |
Wood Burning Stove Costs By Stove Type
Although wood burning stoves come in many shapes and sizes, we can generally put them into basic categories: non-catalytic, and catalytic types.
Basic wood burning stoves have no additional features, like blower fans, which makes them rather affordable.
Basic wood burning stoves start from around $500, but you might be able to find small, portable models even cheaper.
Basic wood burning stoves have a classic look and are also easy to maintain, but you must keep in mind that these stoves are less efficient than their more advanced iterations.
Non-catalytic wood burning stoves are equipped with a blower fan and sport a modern look.
However, the non-catalytic wood burning stoves are more expensive and start from $1,000.
Remember that wood burning stoves with a blower fan will require electricity, which can add a few hundred dollars to your expenses, should you need the assistance of an electrician.
Catalytic wood burning stoves are by far the cleanest solutions.
Catalytic wood burning stoves are the most expensive type, usually costing $500-$700 more than similar, non-catalytic options.
Although they start from $1,500, the catalytic wood burning stoves are the most efficient type among the three, which makes them a sound investment in the long term.
| Type | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Basic | $500-$1,000 |
| Non-Catalytic | $1,000-$2,000 |
| Catalytic | $1,500-$2,500 |
Wood Burning Stove Installation Cost By Materials
Wood burning stoves are made of either metal (steel or cast iron) or stone. Each of these materials comes with a different price tag and its own pros and cons.
Steel wood burning stoves are the most affordable.
However, this might come at the expense of aesthetics, as the Steel wood burning stoves are on the utilitarian side. Nevertheless, their material works just as well as wood burning stoves made from cast iron.
The average price of stainless steel wood burning stoves is between $800 and $1,600.
Cast iron wood burning stoves are more robust and, consequently, more expensive. However, cast iron comes with an air of old-time charm few other materials can imitate.
Cast iron wood burning stoves cost $2,000 on average.
Wood burning stoves can also be made from soapstone, which makes these units more efficient at retaining heat even after the fire inside is extinguished.
Soapstone wood burning stoves are $3,500 on average.
| Material | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Catalytic | $1,500-$2,500 |
| Steel | $800-$1,600 |
| Cast Iron | $900-$3000 |
| Soapstone | $2,000-$4,500 |
Did you know? Iron has always been the go-to material for wood burning stoves. However, at the time of their invention, iron wasn’t widely available. This actually prevented wood burning stoves from becoming widespread in their early years.
Cost To Install Venting For Wood Burning Stove
As long as your venting system is suited for a wood burning stove, its installation will be quick and easy.
If you need to install venting for your new unit, though, you can expect a few additional expenses.
Installation for venting starts around $300 but can cost up to $3,500 depending on how much work is necessary.
Cost Of Installing A Wood Burning Stove Without Chimney
It’s possible to skip chimneys altogether and install a wood burning stove with just a twin wall flue.
However, this might not be a significantly cheaper solution. The complexity of the project will highly depend on your property.
Similar to a chimney, a twin wall flue also runs anywhere between $300 and $3,000.
Consult professionals to find out which option would be more affordable for your property.
Cost To Install Wood Stove In Basement
Installing a wood stove in the basement can make your space more comfortable, though it comes with a couple of additional considerations.
The price of wood stove installation in a basement is slightly higher than adding the same unit to another part of your home.
The cost to install a wood burning stove in a basement starts from $5,000 (excluding chimney installation, which can add another $2,000-$3,000 to the price).
Not only can venting pose a challenge in this space, but you must also consider how drafts will affect the efficiency of a wood burning stove in your basement.
Nevertheless, a professional will be able to advise you on how to approach this project.
Prices By Installation Type
Some types of wood burning stoves can be installed inside an existing fireplace, while others are free-standing units.
Standalone wood burning stoves can be placed anywhere (as long as they are near your chimney and venting system).
The average price of a stand alone wood burning stove unit ranges from $1,600-$4,000.
On the other hand, installing a wood burning stove insert inside an already existing fireplace can be a cheaper solution.
You can get a wood burning stove insert installed for $900-$3,500.
| Installation Type | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Standalone | $1,600-$4,000 |
| Insert | $900-$3,500 |
Additional Factors That Affect Wood Burning Stove Cost
Many factors affect the final price of a wood stove installation project.
Besides the major factors already mentioned, you might want to also include a few additional ones in your calculations:
Size and Heat Output
Naturally, the larger the unit’s heat output, the higher its price tag will be.
However, it’s important to keep these numbers in mind.
Even if you are trying to find the cheapest solution, be sure the the wood burning stove option you choose is capable of heating up the required space.
Floor and Wall Protection
Unless you already have a spacious hearth for your new wood burning stove, you’ll likely need floor and wall protection installed.
In addition, considering the weight of the unit, the floor might require reinforcement.
Depending on the placement of the stove, wall protection might also be necessary.
Maintenance
All types of heating systems require maintenance, including wood burning stoves.
You’ll need to have your chimney cleaned regularly to remove buildup that can be a fire hazard.
The systems also need to be inspected regularly to ensure the indoor air quality is not adversely affected by the heating system.
Permits
Wood burning stove installation will probably require a permit.
The professionals who do the work for you will most likely take care of this, but it’s still important to be aware of this additional expense.
Detectors
Finally, where there is fire, there’s always a level of risk involved.
Installing a new wood burning stove might mean that you also need to invest in new detectors, particularly carbon-monoxide detectors.
Pro Tip: Combine aesthetics with safety and install a stylish tile or stone veneer wall protector behind your stove.
Wood Burning Stove Safety Tips
Here are a few safety considerations every wood stove owner should know by heart:
- Empty ash pans into metal containers outdoors
- Get the pipes and chimney cleaned regularly
- Keep your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in check
- Only burn approved materials
- Never use flammable liquids to light a fire
- Ventilate the room frequently
What Is A Wood Stove Catalytic Converter?
Stoves with a catalytic converter are a more advanced type of wood burning stove.
These stoves reuse the by-products created by burning to generate more heat, which makes them energy-efficient heating solutions.
What Is The Cost Of Adding A Wood Burning Fireplace To An Existing Home?
The cost of installing a wood burning fireplace runs in similar ranges as a wood stove.
You can get a wood burning fireplace installed for $1,900-$3,300.
However, fireplaces only radiate heat from one side, and much of their produced energy escapes through the chimney.
Free-standing wood burning stoves can heat up the space more efficiently.
How To Improve Wood Stove Efficiency
Wood burning stove efficiency starts at the purchase.
Firstly, newer models that meet EPA standards are very energy-efficient.
It might also be worth paying extra for a catalytic stove which is, by nature, more efficient than a basic wood burning stove.
Secondly, what you fuel your stove with also plays a role in its efficiency: only properly-seasoned wood is recommended.
In addition, make sure the firewood is cut into small enough pieces. The pieces need to be three inches shorter than the firebox for the best effect.
Is It Legal To Use A Wood Burning Stove?
Yes, wood burning stoves are legal. However, in many places, their installation does require a permit.
In addition, wood burning stoves need to meet the EPA’s standards for efficiency.
New stoves already follow these regulations, but if you’re purchasing a used model, doing some background research is recommended.
Does Home Depot Install Wood Stoves?
Home Depot sells a great selection of wood burning stoves. However, the installation of this type of heating system isn’t currently on their offer.
Does A Wood Stove Raise Your Insurance?
The answer to this question will highly depend on your insurance provider.
However, many companies will definitely raise their premiums because of such an addition. You can expect an increase of anywhere between 2%-5%, depending on the age and certification of your unit.
It’s best to inquire about the details with your provider and ensure you meet all their requirements for the lowest premium possible.
Can You Install A Wood Burning Stove Yourself?
Although the installation of a wood burning stove appears straightforward, it’s still a delicate process best left to professionals.
When such dangerous elements as fire and carbon monoxide are at play, cutting corners can place you and your loved ones in harm’s way.
Is Installing A Wood Burning Stove Worth It?
Wood burning stoves are well-loved for their versatility, efficiency, and affordability.
Not only is this solution relatively affordable to implement, but the fuel it uses is also among the cheaper options.
New models are generally energy-efficient and cheaper to operate than other types of heating systems, such as a furnace or a boiler.
In addition, wood is a renewable resource, so wood burning stoves are not nearly as harmful to the environment as one might think.
One of the drawbacks you must consider before investing in a unit is its heating capacity, though.
It can be difficult to heat an entire home with a wood burning stove, so they are often used as a supplement to another heating system.
In addition, using wood stoves can be tedious, as you’ll need to purchase firewood, constantly haul it inside and keep feeding it to the fire manually.
A Cozy Home
A stylish wood burning stove can cozy up your interior during the winter months.
Consult professionals to learn which installation option is the most suitable for your property, and setting up a unit won’t burn a hole in your pockets.
