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Thinking about having a wood burning stove installed? There is a little more to consider than simply choosing the stove you like the look of. The chimney or flue route, stove size, fireplace opening, hearth and layout of the property can all affect what is possible.
You do not need to work all of this out yourself. This guide explains the main decisions worth understanding before you buy, so you have a clearer idea of what to expect and can avoid choosing an appliance before you know whether it suits the property.
In many homes, yes. Having a traditional chimney can make the flue route more straightforward, but you do not necessarily need an existing chimney to have a stove installed.
If there is an existing chimney, its condition and suitability need to be considered before connecting a stove. Older chimneys may require a suitable liner or remedial work as part of the installation.
If there is no chimney, an insulated twin-wall flue system can often provide a new route for the flue. Whether this is suitable depends on the property, proposed stove position and the route available through or around the building.
An existing chimney does not automatically mean it is ready for a wood burning stove. The flue needs to be considered alongside the appliance and the condition of the chimney. Depending on the installation, a suitable chimney liner or other work may be required.
No chimney does not necessarily mean no stove. An insulated twin-wall flue system can create a new flue route, either through the property or externally where appropriate. The layout of the building, stove position and required clearances all influence the route.
Bigger is not automatically better. The stove’s heat output should suit the room and property rather than simply filling the available fireplace opening.
Output is normally measured in kilowatts (kW). Room size is useful when estimating the requirement, but ceiling height, insulation, glazing, the age of the property and how open the room is to adjoining spaces can all make a difference.
The physical dimensions matter too. The stove, fireplace opening, hearth and flue arrangement all need to work together, so it is sensible to consider the complete installation before committing to a particular appliance.
The position of the stove affects much more than how the finished fireplace looks. It also determines where the flue needs to travel and what obstacles or clearances need to be considered.
With an existing chimney, much of the route may already be determined. With a twin-wall system there can be more flexibility, but the building layout, floors, roof position, nearby openings and combustible materials can all affect the final design.
The stove needs to sit within a suitable fireplace and hearth arrangement. The exact requirements depend on the appliance and the proposed installation, so the stove should not be considered in isolation.
Some homes already have an opening that can be prepared for a stove. Others may need alterations, a new hearth or a purpose-built false chimney breast to create the desired appearance and accommodate the installation.
We recommend checking the proposed installation before committing to a stove. It is easy to choose an appliance because you like its appearance, only to discover that its output, dimensions or flue requirements do not suit the property.
Looking at the installation first means the likely flue route, chimney condition, hearth, fireplace opening and suitable stove output can all be considered together. You can then choose an appliance with a much clearer idea of what will actually work.
A stove installation is about more than fitting the appliance into the fireplace. The stove, hearth, flue system, ventilation and carbon monoxide alarm all need to be considered as part of the completed installation.
Surrey & Sussex Stoves provides HETAS-registered stove installations across Surrey, Sussex and surrounding areas. Where applicable, the completed installation is certified and we will explain the basic operation and care of the appliance before we leave.
There is no single price that suits every property. Cost can depend on whether there is an existing chimney, its condition, whether a liner or twin-wall flue is required, the hearth and fireplace work involved, the chosen stove and access to the property. A quotation based on the actual installation is much more useful than a generic figure.
It depends on the work involved. A straightforward installation and a project involving chimney repairs, building work or a new twin-wall flue system are very different jobs. We can give you a better idea of the likely timescale once the proposed installation has been assessed.
The stove and flue system need to be looked after properly. This includes burning suitable fuel, following the appliance manufacturer’s instructions, keeping the carbon monoxide alarm operational and arranging appropriate chimney sweeping and maintenance based on the appliance and how it is used.
You do not need to have all these decisions made before getting in touch. Send us a few details about the property and what you have in mind and we can help you understand the sensible next step.