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Wood Stove Installation Cost in Ontario: 2026 Price Guide

📅 2026-10-15 · Direct Air Systems
Wood Stove Installation Cost in Ontario: 2026 Price Guide

A wood stove installed in an Ontario home typically costs $2,500–$6,500+ CAD installed — covering the stove, hearth pad, chimney liner or new chimney, and installation labour. The range is wide because installation complexity varies significantly: a simple freestanding stove on an existing hearth with a short chimney run costs far less than a full chimney installation in an older home with no existing hearth. All prices in this guide are in CAD and reflect Ontario installed costs, verified October 2026 by Direct Air Systems, Bolton ON.

Wood Stove Installation Cost in Ontario — Quick Answer

Installed price ranges by scenario (CAD, Ontario, October 2026):

  • Freestanding wood stove, existing hearth pad, short chimney run: $2,500–$4,000 CAD
  • Freestanding wood stove, new hearth pad required, standard chimney: $3,500–$5,500 CAD
  • Freestanding wood stove, full new chimney installation (two-storey home): $4,500–$6,500+ CAD
  • Regency catalytic wood stove (premium, high efficiency): $3,500–$7,000+ CAD installed

    • What Drives Wood Stove Installation Cost in Ontario?

  • Chimney installation — the biggest cost variable. If your home already has a usable masonry chimney or an insulated factory-built chimney, installation is relatively straightforward. Installing a new double-wall insulated chimney through a two-storey home adds $1,500–$3,000+ to the project.
  • Hearth pad — required by Ontario building code under and in front of the stove. A basic tile or stone hearth pad costs $300–$800; custom stone or slate work can run significantly higher.
  • Stove model and BTU output — entry-level cast iron stoves start around $1,200–$1,800 CAD equipment-only. Regency catalytic models that achieve 70–78% efficiency cost $2,500–4,500+ for the stove alone. Larger BTU output means a larger, costlier stove and often a larger chimney.
  • Wall clearances and non-combustible material — Ontario building code requires specific clearances from combustible walls. Homes without sufficient clearance need heat shields, which add cost and labour.
  • WETT inspection — required in Ontario for insurance purposes. A WETT (Wood Energy Technology Transfer) certified inspection is typically $150–$300 and required by most insurers when a wood stove is installed.
  • Building permit — most Ontario municipalities require a building permit for wood stove installation. Permit fees vary by municipality: typically $100–$300 in the GTA and surrounding areas.

    • Wood Stove vs. Gas Stove — Which Costs Less to Install in Ontario?

  • Wood stove installed cost: $2,500–$6,500+ CAD (chimney, hearth pad, WETT inspection, permit)
  • Gas stove installed cost: $3,500–$6,500+ CAD (direct-vent, gas line, TSSA permit). No annual chimney cleaning or wood supply required. See our gas stoves page for comparison.

    • Installed costs are similar. Wood stoves have ongoing costs (firewood $300–$600/year, annual chimney cleaning $150–$250). Gas stoves run on Enbridge natural gas with no wood supply or chimney cleaning required. For rural Caledon, Bolton, and Palgrave properties without natural gas access, wood or propane are the practical alternatives.

    Regency Wood Stoves — The Best Option for Ontario Homes

    Direct Air Systems carries Regency wood stoves — the most efficient wood stove brand available in Ontario. Regency catalytic and hybrid catalytic stoves achieve up to 78% efficiency, significantly cleaner than the EPA 2020 minimum of 1.3g/hr particulate emissions. See our full Regency wood stoves guide for model comparisons.

  • Regency F1500 Hybrid Catalytic — large hybrid catalytic wood stove, up to 78,000 BTU, 78% efficiency. Ideal for large open-concept GTA or Caledon homes.
  • Regency F5200 Extra Large Hybrid Catalytic — up to 98,000 BTU for very large spaces or whole-home supplemental heat. Premium option for larger rural properties.
  • Regency Hi2450 Wood Burning Insert — for converting an existing masonry fireplace to an efficient wood-burning insert rather than a freestanding stove.

    • Annual Running Costs of a Wood Stove in Ontario

  • Firewood — a cord of hardwood (maple, oak, ash) in the GTA runs $350–$550 delivered. An average GTA home using a wood stove as supplemental heat burns 2–3 cords per winter: $700–1,650/year.
  • Annual chimney sweep — required annually to prevent creosote buildup and chimney fires. A professional chimney sweep in the GTA costs $150–$250.
  • Catalytic combustor replacement (catalytic models only) — every 6–10 seasons depending on use: $100–$200.

    • Frequently Asked Questions

    How much does it cost to install a wood stove in Ontario?

    A wood stove installed in an Ontario home typically costs $2,500–$6,500+ CAD including the stove, hearth pad, chimney liner or new chimney installation, WETT inspection, and building permit. Costs vary significantly based on whether a new chimney is required and how complex the installation is.

    Do I need a permit to install a wood stove in Ontario?

    Yes. Most Ontario municipalities require a building permit for wood stove installation. You also need a WETT inspection — required by most home insurers when a solid fuel burning appliance is installed. Direct Air Systems handles all permit coordination on every wood stove installation.

    Is a wood stove cheaper to run than natural gas in Ontario?

    It depends on access to affordable firewood. In rural Caledon, Bolton, Palgrave, and surrounding areas where homeowners have access to their own wood, a wood stove can be significantly cheaper than gas. For GTA homeowners buying delivered firewood at $350–$550/cord, natural gas is typically more cost-effective per BTU at current Enbridge rates.

    What is the most efficient wood stove available in Ontario?

    Regency catalytic and hybrid catalytic wood stoves achieve the highest efficiency ratings in Ontario — up to 78% efficiency and as low as 0.5g/hr particulate emissions. The Regency F1500 and F5200 are the most efficient models we carry.

    Can I install a wood stove myself in Ontario?

    Technically a homeowner can install their own wood stove in Ontario with a building permit, but insurance requirements for a WETT inspection by a certified professional effectively require licensed installation in most cases. Improper wood stove installation is a leading cause of house fires in Ontario. Direct Air Systems strongly recommends professional installation.

    Also see: Regency wood stoves guide | Wood fireplace insert installation Ontario | Browse wood stove models | Get a free quote

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