Average Installation Cost of a Wood Stove

Fireplace Models

• Wood stoves come in two models: those that stand alone and those that are inserted into a fireplace. A fireplace insert is easier to install since all of the necessary ventilation is already provided, and there is usually no need for any further insulation to protect the room's floors and walls from the heat. With a stand-alone model, building codes are strict concerning the material under the stove, the distance of the stove from the walls and the type of ventilation required, all of which add to the installation's labor and cost.

Cost Factors

• Installation costs can vary from several hundred dollars to several thousand for a wood stove installation, reports the Fireplace & Woodstoves website. Factors that affect the price include the type of stove to be installed, the construction of the home, placement of the stove, building code requirements for your area and the typical labor costs in your community. The more work that needs to be done, the higher the cost of the installation will be.

Zip Code Comparisons

• The DIY or Not website provides a handy calculator for finding the average costs of wood stove installation based upon zip code. For example, as of October 2011 in Gary, Ind., the cost for a professional installation is $3,619, while doing it yourself is only $1,760. In Washington, D.C., the price differential is $3,567 to $1,793, and in San Francisco, the professional cost jumps considerably to $4,615 while the do-it-yourself cost is a moderate $1,998.

After-Installation Costs

• After the installation, there are still costs associated with using a wood stove. Unless you have a source of free firewood, it must be purchased every year. This can get quite expensive if you wait until the last minute and are buying at the time of highest demand, which means the highest price. Even free firewood requires equipment to cut, split and transport the wood. Additionally, a well-used wood stove should have the chimney professionally cleaned every year so that it continues to operate safely.