wood-burning stove install question - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Hogweed · #1 12-12-2006, 06:44 PM

howdy,
i am trying to find some quotes for this job from a contractor. i want a wood-burning stove installed in my living room. there is no stove there now and no chimney so i will need everyhting (except the stove which i have). stove is a decent, newer one (englander brand), and i'm waiting for some quotes. i just figured i would get some "edumacated guesses" here in the meantime.
thanks,
gregg
also, opinions on the stove brand are welcome, too!

#2 12-12-2006, 07:57 PM

The chimney price will keep you warm until winter. The stove is ususally 25% of the investment.

A264172 · #3 12-12-2006, 07:58 PM

How many stories is the house?
The cost will depend a lot on where/what the chimney goes/through. Outside is cheapest I think, but worst for draft/creasote. Prolly lookin at class A double wall chimney.
Rough guesstimate... $2,000-4,000.
I here Englander's are fine stoves... made in VA... no frills good heaters.

Good info available here: http://www.hearth.com/econtent/index.php/forums/

Zeus · #4 12-12-2006, 08:17 PM

Not sure about code in your area, but you could be looking at substantial modifications for adding a wood-burning anything to an existing home. Hearth space, chimney reinforcement, ventilation, etc.

I'm looking into installing a wood insert into my existing wood-burning fireplace. I really like the Jotul inserts and stoves. Cast iron with good build quality. Not cheap, but they really stood out against some of the other brands I looked at (Napolean, Kozi).

http://www.jotul.com/

Hogweed · #5 12-12-2006, 08:33 PM

that's what i was afraid of! i have a friend/contractor coming out on the weekend to look at the job. i will need to build a hearth area and protect the combustible walls, but i'll do that. i just want the chimney done correctly and i can put the stove in. looks like the chimney will be major$$$$$

GottaDiesel · #6 12-12-2006, 08:53 PM

Yes. The double walled stainless "chimney" is going to cost you. Now. Here's where it's a great thing that you posted here...

When I was getting quotes to get a Vermont Castings the "installer" wanted FIVE times the price per length of the same exact stuff they had at Home Depot. So if he's a "friend" have the two of you go to the Home Depot, buy what you need, and then make sure you take care of him fair. The materials are NOT expensive. These guys make most of their money from the "fear factor" of having "fire" in the house... so they think they can charge you a lot. The most important thing is to make sure the run has as few turns as possible and is as short as possible. Remember the 10' rule, and make sure that when it passes through walls, floors, and roofs that the proper specifications are kept.

The hearth area isn't too big a deal, just remember to make sure and use 1/2" Durock under any tile that is with a certain distance of the stove... all the code, etc. is on the net... and your area may be unique.

Right now I'm looking at doing it in the Spring, my situation is that I REALLY do NOT want to go through the roof, I want to elbow 90* and go up the outside wall... the roof above is a walk-out deck and it'll look like hell... but I'm being told that the stove will work MUCH better if it is a line-shot straight up.

So I'm looking into alternatives.

Good luck.

Pete

danwatt · #7 12-12-2006, 09:03 PM

You could always put a wood burning stove in a 140:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=SCn-1oy7ABs

#8 12-12-2006, 09:08 PM

I will one up Gotta suggestion and say get a metalbestos chimney, the chimney is almost always where trouble starts so don't go cheap and have it inspected because if you have a fire that will be the first thing you insurance sompany will look for.

expect a 10% increase for a woodstove on insurance rates.

GottaDiesel · #9 12-12-2006, 10:08 PM

MM,

Thanks for the tip!

http://www.dukefire.com/metalbestos124.htm

Pete

raymr · #10 12-12-2006, 10:46 PM

I know I'll be flamed (heh) but what about a ventless gas unit? They even come with a remote. What the heck its the 21st century, right? Why deal with logs and ashes.

BobK · #11 12-13-2006, 07:20 AM

When I first was doing woodstoves back in the late '70s, real good flue pipe was over $2 an inch! Be sure to use all stainless pipe. I like the insulated pipe like the metalbestos stuff. I see the price has gone up a bit ($7 per inch-ouch). Still, anything but stainless will rust out faster than an old Fiat. At these prices, I would really shop around for awhile for price. If you are going any real height, it gets so painful brick starts to look good.

Hogweed · #12 12-13-2006, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raymr

I know I'll be flamed (heh) but what about a ventless gas unit? They even come with a remote. What the heck its the 21st century, right? Why deal with logs and ashes.

flamed-that's funny

i was just on lowes and home depot looking at them! thing is i already have the wood stove, but i'm thinking of selling it and going with gas or propane. any thoughts on these?
thanks,
gregg

A264172 · #13 12-13-2006, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hogweed

flamed-that's funny

i was just on lowes and home depot looking at them! thing is i already have the wood stove, but i'm thinking of selling it and going with gas or propane. any thoughts on these?
thanks,
gregg

I would avoid ventless... with a vent you have more room to have a problem with combustion and not die. You don't need much chimney for gas (read: a lot less expensive) There are a lot of real nice gas stoves out there.

Hogweed · #14 12-14-2006, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A264172

I would avoid ventless... with a vent you have more room to have a problem with combustion and not die. You don't need much chimney for gas (read: a lot less expensive) There are a lot of real nice gas stoves out there.

my bro has had one for many years and isn't, to my knowledge, dead (although he is kind of inanimate). the ones i'm looking at have a shut of system in the case of lack of fresh air. does the gas keep running?

GottaDiesel · #15 12-13-2006, 03:28 PM

I have a gas fireplace already. It's called my furnace.

Chopping wood is good for you.