Wood stove installation: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What wood stove installation is

Wood stove installation sets a wood stove on a hearth pad with heat shielding and the correct clearances, then connects it to a flue connector and a chimney system sized for the stove. Done right, the stove heats the room and the smoke leaves cleanly through the chimney.

Signs you need it

  • You want supplemental heat for a room, or a backup heat source during power outages.
  • You are replacing an old stove that leaks smoke, has cracked firebox panels or no longer draws well.
  • The existing chimney has been inspected and is sound enough to take a stove connection.
  • You are adding a stove where there is no existing flue, which means a new chimney or a new thimble through a wall.
  • The room has a floor that must be protected under and in front of the stove.
  • Smoke leaks around the stove door or the pipe joints when the stove is burning, which means the connection needs to be redone.

What the pro does

  • Check the chimney, the flue size and the stove outlet size, and confirm the stove is listed for the chimney system you plan.
  • Set the hearth pad under the stove and extend it to the required distance in front and to the sides.
  • Install the heat shielding on the walls behind and beside the stove, with air gaps where the listing calls for them.
  • Connect the flue connector, the stovepipe and any wall thimble, keeping the pipe run as short and as level as the layout allows.
  • Install the chimney liner or connect to the existing chimney, and install the cap and the spark arrestor at the top.
  • Burn a test fire at a low setting, check the draft and smoke path, and confirm the stove and pipe stay within their listed clearances.

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Stove size and type, such as a small freestanding stove or a larger model with a heavier firebox.
  • Whether the chimney is usable as is, or needs a new liner, a new chimney or a cap.
  • Wall shielding needed to meet the clearances, which depends on the wall material.
  • Hearth pad size, material and the extension required by the stove.
  • Length and number of bends in the stovepipe, and whether a wall thimble is needed.
  • Access to the roof and the chimney, which can add labor and safety work.
  • Whether the room needs framing or finish work to fit the stove and its shielding.

What a written quote should spell out

  • The stove model and its listing, including the chimney system it is approved for.
  • The hearth pad material and its size and extension.
  • The heat shielding material, its size and the clearance dimensions on each side.
  • The flue connector and stovepipe, with their length and the number of bends.
  • The chimney liner, cap and spark arrestor, listed as separate items.
  • The test fire and the draft check, and warranty terms.

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Is the stove listed for the chimney system you plan to use, and is the listing in writing?
  • What clearances will you use from the stove to the walls and the ceiling?
  • How long will the stovepipe be, and how many bends will it have?
  • Will the chimney need a new liner, and what size will it be?
  • Will you install a spark arrestor and a cap at the top of the chimney?
  • Who pulls the permit, and will the install be inspected?
  • What happens if the chimney draws poorly after the install?

Red flags

  • The pro reduces the clearances to the walls to make the stove fit.
  • The pro uses a flue pipe that is undersized or is not listed for the stove.
  • The pro uses a chimney that has not been inspected or lined.
  • The pro does not test a fire or check the draft before leaving.

What you can do yourself

You can clear the room and mark the planned stove and hearth location, keeping combustibles well away from the stove during the install. Chimney work, the flue connection, the heat shielding and the test fire should be set up by a licensed contractor. Once it is installed, follow the manufacturer guidance for the first burns and keep the stove and pipe clean.

Licenses and permits

Wood stove installation is commonly done by licensed contractors, and it often requires a permit and an inspection for the chimney and the venting. Check with your state or local licensing agency for the rules that apply to your installation.

Wood stove installation questions

Does a wood stove need its own chimney?

It needs a chimney system that is sized and listed for the stove. The stove, the connector, the liner and the cap all have to match. A technician checks the chimney first.

How far does the stove have to be from the walls?

The distance depends on the stove and the wall material. The manufacturer's listing gives the clearance to combustibles, and shielding can reduce it when the listing allows. Measure the clearances on the installed stove.

Why does my stove smoke back into the room?

A poor draft, a blocked pipe, a chimney that is too small or too cold, or a damper or door that is not sealed can cause back-smoking. A technician tests the draft before the stove is used.

Can I use an old stovepipe?

Only if it is listed for the stove and is in good condition. Old pipe that is thin, rusted or loose at the joints should be replaced.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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