On average, installing a wood-burning stove costs $3,000. However, prices range from $1,500 to $4,000, depending on the type of stove and project scope.
Wood-burning stove installation costs between $1,500 and $4,000, with most people paying around $3,000. Your final project price will depend on the type and material of the stove, labor and permitting costs in your area, the amount of prep work required, and other factors.
The cost of installing a freestanding wood stove depends on several factors, including the type, material, and size of the stove. Here’s what to consider when budgeting for a new wood-burning stove.
There are two main types of wood-burning stoves—catalytic and non-catalytic—and the type you choose will impact your overall project cost. Catalytic wood stoves are more efficient than their non-catalytic counterparts, which also makes them more expensive.
The stove’s material also influences how much it will cost. Wood-burning stoves are made from cast iron or steel, with cast iron being the pricier option.
| Material | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Cast iron | $350–$5,000 |
| Steel | $700–$3,200 |
A wood stove’s heating capacity indicates how much space it can heat. As you shop around for stoves, you may notice that manufacturers describe each product’s heating capacity in square footage and British Thermal Units (BTUs). They’ll also list the maximum log size that can fit in the firebox.
As you might expect, stoves with higher heating capacities and larger maximum log sizes come with heftier price tags.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a good rule of thumb is that a wood-burning stove rated at 42,000 BTUs can heat 1,300 square feet, while a stove with a 60,000-BTU output can heat a 2,000-square-foot space.
On average, labor costs on a wood stove installation project range from $500 to $3,000, but they can vary significantly based on how much work is required.
For example, let’s say you’re installing a wood stove from scratch. Not only will your contractor have to set up the stove itself, but they may also need to install other necessary features, including a ventilation system, non-combustible wall coverings, and a hearth pad. All of this extra work will increase your labor costs.
But if your project is more straightforward (for example, you’re replacing an existing wood-burning stove or already have a working ventilation system), you’ll pay less in labor.
Installing a wood stove often requires permits. Permitting costs vary by location, but they average $50 to $250. Your contractor should pull these permits on your behalf, but it doesn’t hurt to double-check with them.
Along with the upfront costs of wood stove installation, you’ll also want to consider ongoing expenses, including operating costs and maintenance.
As the name would suggest, a wood-burning stove runs on wood, so make sure to account for this expense if you plan to install one. Logs are sold by the cord, and a full cord of wood costs $120 to $900, depending on your location and the type of wood. You’ll need at least two cords if you plan to use your stove as your main source of heat during the winter.
Don't burn pressure-treated lumber, painted or varnished wood, driftwood, or engineered wood in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. When burned, these types of wood can release toxins into the air and make you sick.
You should empty the ashes, clean the glass, and dust the exterior of your wood stove regularly. These are all easy tasks that you can tackle in under an hour.
You’ll also want to schedule an annual chimney inspection to make sure that your chimney is clean, undamaged, and free from debris. The average chimney inspection costs $450, but it can range from $100 and $5,000, depending on the condition of your chimney and work required.
When you’re performing routine maintenance on your wood stove, it’s a good idea to inspect its components at the same time, including the gasket, baffle, and bricks. If anything is damaged or malfunctioning, you may need to call a professional to repair or replace the broken parts.
Here’s how much you can expect to pay for common wood-burning stove repairs:
| Repair | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Chimney obstruction | $120–$360 |
| Faulty gasket | $20–$50 |
| Loose stove pipes | $75–$130 |
Labor makes up a significant chunk of the cost of installing a wood stove, so if you’re on a tight budget, it may be tempting to tackle the installation yourself. However, this isn’t a DIY-friendly job, so don’t try it.
Incorrect wood stove installation can increase the risk of fire, carbon monoxide poisoning, and damage to your stove or home. By hiring a local wood stove company, you can be sure that your stove is safe and compliant with local laws and building codes.
While you’re in the process of installing a wood-burning stove, you might decide to tackle some related projects at the same time. Here are some common add-ons and their costs:
Chimney repair costs: $160–$750
Fireplace removal costs: $4,000–$10,000
Fireplace remodeling costs: $400–$2,000
Flooring installation costs: $1,500–$4,900
Installing a wood-burning stove can get pricey, but these tips may help you cut costs:
Install during off-peak season: Fall and winter tend to be the busiest times of year for wood stove professionals. If you can hold off until spring or summer to install a new stove, you might score a discount.
Compare prices: Try to get bids from at least three wood stove installers in your area. Not only will this let you compare contractors on price, but it will also help you weigh their experience, customer service, and communication.
Research tax incentives: By installing or switching to a high-efficiency wood stove, you may be eligible for tax credits or rebates. These programs are available from the federal and many state governments, which you can find out more about on the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Star website. Pellet stove installations may qualify, as well.
Yes, you can use an existing chimney with a wood-burning stove—as long as it meets certain requirements. Importantly, the size of the stove’s vent pipe needs to be compatible with the size of your chimney flue. Your contractor can let you know whether or not your chimney is suitable for a wood stove installation.
It’s best to install a wood-burning stove in a central location on the ground floor of your home. For many people, this means putting it in the living room. It also makes sense to install a wood stove in your living room if it has a working chimney that you can use to vent the stove’s exhaust.
One of the main disadvantages of wood-burning stoves is that they use wood as fuel. This requires a lot of work on your end, including buying or chopping wood, cutting it into the right size to fit into your stove, and adding more logs to the fire throughout the day. You’ll also need to have a dry place to store the wood.
