Wood burning stove
Wood Burning Stoves: The Complete Guide to Choosing, Installing & Maintaining Your Stove
A wood-burning stove is one of the most efficient and attractive ways to heat your home. Whether you’re replacing an open fire or installing a stove for the first time, choosing the right appliance and having it professionally installed is essential for safety, performance, and compliance with UK regulations.
At London Fireplace Specialist, we supply and install high-quality wood-burning stoves across London, offering expert advice from initial consultation through to HETAS-compliant installation.
What Is a Wood-Burning Stove?
A wood-burning stove is a closed heating appliance designed to burn seasoned or kiln-dried logs efficiently. Unlike an open fireplace, a modern stove provides significantly more heat while using less fuel and producing lower emissions.
Benefits of a Wood-Burning Stove
- High heating efficiency
- Lower heating costs
- Attractive focal point in any room
- Reduced emissions with Ecodesign models
- Reliable heating during power cuts
- Suitable for traditional and contemporary homes
Do I Need a Chimney?
No. If your property doesn’t have an existing chimney, a twin-wall insulated flue system can usually be installed through the roof or an external wall.
Do I Need a Chimney Liner?
In most existing masonry chimneys, yes. A stainless steel chimney liner:
- Improves chimney draft
- Protects the chimney structure
- Reduces creosote build-up
- Helps ensure compliance with building regulations
- Improves the efficiency of your stove
What Wood Should I Burn?
Always burn:
- Kiln-dried logs
- Properly seasoned hardwood
- Wood with less than 20% moisture content
Avoid:
- Painted wood
- Treated timber
- MDF
- Chipboard
- Household waste
How Much Does a Wood-Burning Stove Installation Cost?
Costs vary depending on the installation, but typical prices are:
- Stove only: £800–£3,000+
- Chimney liner installation: £900–£1,800
- Complete installation: £2,000–£5,000+
A site survey will provide an accurate quotation.
How Long Does Installation Take?
Most installations are completed within one day, although more complex chimney or fireplace alterations may require additional time.
Why Choose London Fireplace Specialist?
- HETAS registered installers
- Gas Safe engineers
- NACS chimney sweeping
- Fully insured
- Experienced installation team
- Expert advice from survey to completion
- Serving homes across London
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need planning permission?
Most installations do not require planning permission, although listed buildings and conservation areas may have additional restrictions.
Can I install a stove in an existing fireplace?
Yes. Most existing fireplaces can be adapted to accommodate a wood-burning stove.
How often should my chimney be swept?
At least once a year if burning wood regularly.
How long do chimney liners last?
Typically 15–30 years depending on the liner grade, fuel quality, and maintenance.
Can I burn coal?
Only in a multi-fuel stove designed for smokeless fuels.
Do I need a carbon monoxide alarm?
Yes. A carbon monoxide alarm should be installed in the same room as the stove.
Will a stove heat my whole house?
A standard stove primarily heats the room it’s installed in, although larger models or boiler stoves can provide heat to additional rooms or central heating systems.