Like-for-Like Log Burner Replacement — UK 2026 Cost Guide
£1,000–£2,200 total.The cheapest UK install scenario. Existing flue, existing hearth, existing chimney — you're just swapping the stove. New HETAS certificate required regardless.
The short answer
UK 2026 typical: £1,000–£2,200 total installed. The stove itself dominates the cost. Labour for the swap alone is £400–£800. New HETAS Certificate of Compliance is required (the old one covered the previous appliance specifically).
Get your replacement estimate
Pick 'Like-for-like replacement' on step 5 of the calculator. The scenario multiplier reflects the reuse of existing flue and hearth.
Open the calculator →What's included in the cost
- Disconnect old stove and dispose (£100–£200 for non-hazardous disposal)
- Pre-swap chimney sweep (£60–£90)
- Smoke test existing flue liner for leak detection and serviceability check
- Fit new stove to existing flue, register plate, and hearth (£300–£500 labour)
- Recommission: smoke test, draught test, spillage test, CO alarm verification (£50–£100)
- New HETAS Certificate of Compliance
Can you reuse the existing flue liner?
About 60% of UK chimneys with an existing liner can have it reused — but only after these checks pass:
- Smoke test: pellets dropped down the flue should produce smoke only at the termination, not through any cracks or joints
- Visual / CCTV inspection: inner liner wall intact, free of pitting, with no separation at joints
- Diameter sized for new stove: most UK stoves need 5" or 6" flues; the existing liner must match
- Grade matches new fuel: a 316 liner previously fitted for wood-only use shouldn't be repurposed for a multifuel stove that will also burn coal
See our chimney lining guide for the full liner replacement cost (£800–£1,800 if needed).
What can derail a like-for-like swap
- Failed liner inspection: discovering a deteriorated liner adds £800–£1,200 for a re-liner. Most common cause of cost overrun in swap scenarios
- New stove requires different flue diameter: going from 5" to 6" (or vice versa) requires adapter plates and potentially a new register plate section. £150–£400
- Hearth no longer meets current Part J: the new stove's certified base temperature might require a thicker constructional hearth than the existing superimposed hearth provides. Replacement hearth: £150–£600
- Updated Ecodesign requirements: from January 2025 only Ecodesign-Ready stoves can be sold or installed new. If you wanted a specific non-Ecodesign model (e.g. older Charnwood or Clearview), it must be sourced second-hand with proof of pre-2022 manufacture
Reddit-reported UK swap costs
r/DIYUK consensus for a straightforward 2024–25 UK swap with no liner issues: £1,200–£1,500 including stove, flue lining check, new cowl, register plate refresh, and registration. That breaks down roughly as £800–£1,000 for the new stove + £400–£500 for labour and minor parts.
HETAS certificate
A new HETAS Certificate of Compliance is required regardless of what was previously installed. The previous certificate covered the old appliance specifically. A HETAS-registered installer can issue the new certificate as part of the swap — typically delivered within 2 weeks of installation.
See our HETAS certificate guide for the full details.
Recommended swap stoves
Most UK owners replacing an old stove choose a mid-market 5kW wood-burner. The most-installed swap targets:
- Hunter Herald 5 Eco(£1,099) — UK's cheapest mid-market. Herald 5 review →
- Stovax Stockton 5(£995 street) — UK's most-installed. Stockton 5 review →
- Charnwood Country 4 BLU (£994) — under-5kW threshold. Country 4 review →
- Morsø 1412 Squirrel (£1,000–£1,200) — compact Danish. 1412 review →
Get 3 free quotes from HETAS-registered installers
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Find an installer →Frequently asked questions
How much does a like-for-like stove replacement cost?
UK 2026: £1,000–£2,200 total — the cheapest possible install scenario. Labour for the swap alone is £400–£800; the stove itself drives most of the cost (£500–£1,500 entry to mid-range). New HETAS certificate required regardless of what was previously installed.
Can I reuse the existing flue liner?
Sometimes — but only after a smoke test passes and the liner is sized correctly for the new appliance. Check on inspection: liner grade matches new fuel type (316 for wood, 904 for multifuel), diameter matches new stove (5" or 6"), and no pitting or separation at joints.
Do I need a new hearth?
Usually no — if the existing hearth meets current Part J dimensions for the new stove (840×840mm minimum, 300mm front projection, correct thickness for the stove's certified base temperature). Confirm with the installer at quotation.
Do I need a new HETAS certificate?
Yes — new installations require new certification regardless of what was previously installed. The previous certificate covered the old appliance specifically. A HETAS-registered installer can issue a new certificate as part of the swap.
Can I do a like-for-like swap with a non-HETAS installer?
Legally yes — but the consequences (Building Control £200–£400 fee, inspection delays, insurance complications) make the HETAS route more sensible. Don't skip certification just because it's a small job.