Log burner in new build. Wood burner in new build. Gazco eStudio electric fire media wall. Can I have a stove in a new build?

Can I have a stove in a new build?

If you have moved into a new property, you may be wondering if you can have a stove or fire in a new build property. We have answered this for you for each fuel type.

Can I have a wood burning stove in a new build?

Yes. It is possible to install a wood burner in a new build. It is likely that your new build home does not have a chimney, but this does not mean you cannot have a wood burning stove as there may be options available to you.

Stovax Futura 5 wood burning stove

If you have a new build or home without a chimney, it is likely that you can have a pre-fabricated flue system installed (such as Stovax Professional XQ). This works in the same way a normal chimney would, and can run either internally or externally to your property. If you still enjoy the look of a conventional chimney for your log burner fireplace, you can choose for your flue pipe to be hidden behind a faux chimney breast.

It is important to remember that in airtight properties such as new builds, there must be an air vent permanently open to the outside. The size of the air vent opening is dependent on the heat (kW) output of the appliance in the room.

Some wood burning appliances have the option of an Outside Air Kit that ducts the air from outside the house directly to the appliance, without the need for an open vent into the room. Your Stovax retailer will be able to advise in detail and complete a site survey to determine the best options for your home.

Can I have a gas stove or fire in a new build?

Yes. It is possible to install a gas fireplace in a new build. There are many options available here.

Option 1: Conventional flue gas stove or fire

Whilst a conventional flue gas fireplace requires a chimney, you can have a pre-fabricated flue system installed – just like you would for a solid fuel stove or fire. The same air ventilation rules apply, but your local expert retailer will be able to advise you on what is best for your home, and your Gas Safe installer should ensure this is carried out correctly.

Option 2: Balanced flue gas fires and stoves

Balanced flue gas fires do not require a chimney, making them a good option for a new build property. They work in conjunction with glass-fronted gas stoves or fires, and are completely sealed from the room into which it is installed. This means there are no draughts, and heating efficiency is increased, with a twin-wall pipe venting directly to an outside wall. This also means no additional ventilation is required. You can read more about how a balanced flue gas fire works here.

Option 3: Cavity wall gas fire

You can make the most of the cavity wall in your new build by having a cavity wall gas fire installed. A cavity wall gas fire features all the benefits of a full-depth gas fire but with the added ability to be installed in the internal leaf of a cavity wall. Most of these fires come complete with a dedicated rear exit balanced flue termination kit, which uses a twin-wall pipe to vent directly through the outside wall. Glass-fronted, the fire is completely sealed from the room and the air needed for combustion is drawn from the exterior of the property.

Partial cavity wall gas fires work in much the same way as a cavity wall fire. Here, the fire is recessed almost entirely within the internal leaf of the wall, with a small protrusion left to be housed. This reduces the footprint of the fire in the room dramatically, requiring little space. One example from Gazco is the award-winning Riva2 500HL Slimline Gas Fire.

Can I have an electric fireplace in a new build?

Yes. Perhaps the easiest installation of all, an electric log burner does not require anything more than a plug point making it a great option for a new build. Depending on how involved you want your installation to be, you could opt for simple options such as choosing an electric fire that simply hangs on the wall, like an outset eReflex model with Trento Suite, or go further and install a faux chimney breast for a freestanding electric stove to sit within for a realistic result.

Media wall featuring the Gazco eReflex 150RW electric fire

One of the biggest fireplace trends that works exceptionally well within a new build home is the media wall. Typically, a media wall comprises an electric fireplace with a television above it. Go a step further, and you can also install peripheral media devices such as speakers or games consoles. The key with a media wall is that the fireplace, TV and any extras are all housed neatly into one integrated space, hiding all cables and providing the hub of the home. Find out more about how to install a media wall with log burner on our useful advice article all about everything you need to get your electric fireplace project up and running. Some of the best fireplaces for a media wall include our Onyx Avanti electric fire, the Gazco eStudio electric fireplace range, or our Gazco eReflex electric fire range.

An electric fire is best placed in the middle of the room, away from windows or doors. This allows the maximum efficiency from the heater to circulate the warm air around the environment.

Electric fireplaces often come with alternative fuel effects as well, making for an ultra-contemporary installation.

'fake' log burner media wall. Electric fireplace media wall.

Where to buy a stove or fire?

We always recommend that you buy from a local approved expert retailer. They can not only assist in finding the best fireplace option for your new build home, but by buying through them you are also available access a wide range of aftersales care, plus the ability to extend your standard warranty. Find your retailer here.

20 responses to “Can I have a stove in a new build?”

  1. Fran Harper says:

    We live a new build and would love a gas fire installed but we have no chimney

    I read your options but what are the average price quotes

  2. Victoria says:

    I would love to install a wood burner stove in my apartment (top floor, penthouse). There is no fireplace or chimney.
    Have you ever installed stoves in the apartments?

  3. kenneth macaskill says:

    If i was to install a stove and it was sitting in a recess, how far away do the walls have to be at the sides and the top, to stop heat transfer or a fire?

    • Alex says:

      If fitting the stove into a recess it must be 150 mm from the sides and 225 mm from the top of the recess.

  4. Jay smith says:

    Hi I have a newish house and would like a wood burner I have no chimney just flat wall the house was built 2003 can this be done at all

  5. KAY RYAN says:

    Can I instal an ordinary stove not a wood burning in my new flat roof extension to the rear of my dwelling
    I do not have a chimney. Will I be allowed to instal one.

  6. Peter Deaton says:

    Can I install a wood burning stove in my timber framed house circa 2006. I do not have a chimney so would require a twin walled flue on exterior. Not looking for specific figures but a rough guide to the total costs to have this supplied and fitted to proper safety standards. Would think 5-7 KWh would be ample. Can you tell me if there are any downsides to this please.

    • Chris Connick says:

      Hi Peter, thanks for your comment. You’d need to speak to your local Stovax retailer for an idea of pricing, and they can advise on the best stove or fire models and flue systems that will be suitable for your installation.
      Best wishes, Chris

  7. Dianna says:

    I live in a new build house. Built in 2021 is There any legal restrictions stopping me from installing a wood burner?

    • Chris Connick says:

      Hi Dianna, thanks for your comment. While you don’t require planning permission, safety standards when installing a stove or fire are paramount, and a competent and trained installer will need to ensure that all building regulations are met without safety risks. It is also important to note that any product warranties applicable will be dependent on the appliance complying with Building Regulations, and with a certificate of installation from a trained installer. Lastly, if your home is located in a smoke control zone, you can only burn wood if the stove is DEFRA exempt.
      For more information we’d recommend speaking to your local Stovax retailer.
      Best wishes, Chris

  8. Edward Corcoran says:

    I am looking to have a solid fuel stove fitted and new house I don’t know if it’s possible my house doesn’t have a chimney if anyone can do this job can be please contact me

    • Chris Connick says:

      Hi Edward, thanks for your message. You can get advice and guidance on the best stove models suitable for your home via your local Stovax or Gazco retailer. They’ll be able to advise if it’s possible to have a pre-fabricated chimney system installed and may also offer installation as part of the service: https://www.stovax.com/information/find-a-retailer/
      Best wishes, Chris

  9. Bonny Holland says:

    Our penthouse is leasehold so what are the issues associated with installing a real fire where a vent must be fitted to the freehold building?

    • Chris Connick says:

      Hi Bonny, thanks for your comment. You would need to seek permission from the building owner. It’d also be worth checking with your retailer that the stove model you’re interested in installing would definately require a vent. Depending on the property, if it’s below 5kW you may not require one.
      Best wishes, Chris

  10. MURAT YILMAZ says:

    Do you provide end to end service? Let’s say I liked one of your products but I don’t know anyone who can break the wall or plasterboard. Also, I’m seeing TV spaces in some photos. Can you do the same to my house?

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Posted by on September 1, 2023


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