Choosing the right wood burning stove for a new build home is crucial for both functionality and design aesthetic. Log burners not only provide a cost-effective heating solution but also add a timeless charm to modern homes.
This guide explores the best wood burning stoves on the market, tailored for new constructions, highlighting key features, installation tips, and safety considerations.
Estimated reading time: 14 minutes
Table of contents
Understanding Wood Burning Stoves
Wood burning stoves are a traditional heating method modernised to meet current environmental and efficiency standards.
They work by burning wood fuel to generate heat, with advanced designs providing significant heat output at higher efficiencies than older models.
Any wood burning stove being installed into a new build property should conform to Eco Design Ready 2022 regulations, be over 80% efficient and carry a A or A+ efficiency rating.
It is also good to check whether your new build is located within a DEFRA area. If it is, you must purchase a defra approved wood burning stove. You can check this on the interactive map here
Main Overview
When selecting a wood burning stove, consider the size of the space it needs to heat and its efficiency ratings. If you want to calculate the correct size for the room, please see our calculator here
For properties built after 2008, a wood burning stove will require an external air souce especially if it is has a nominal heat output over 5kW. This is because the properties tend to be highly insulated and a wood burning stove will starve the room of oxygen.
This could be an external air kit that is connected to the stove, venting through the wall or to the outside under the floor. – Commonly now an available to buy option with all stoves.
If your log burner is installed on an internal wall, a seperate core vent within the room can be used. The only problem with this is that it can be difficult for it to pass any air test so we would recommend an external air kit venting out of the stove on an external wall.
It is important that the vent should be kept permanently open.
If no chimney is present, a twin wall flue system can be used. This can run within or up the outside of the property to the top of the property.
However, if a chimney has been incorporated into the new build property than this can be connected onto. A common theme for developers is a pre cast pumice system which does not require lining with a typical flexible flue liner.
Lastly, new build houses use many kinds of combustible materials such as plasterboard and wood. Current regulations say 500mm away from any combustible material.
It is essential for a wood burning stove to be installed by a HETAS trained professional to ensure your stove is safe, complies to all regulations and performs in the most efficient way possible.
Top Wood Burning Stoves for New Builds
Several top models stand out for new build homes, each offering unique benefits and features.
These include high-efficiency models, aesthetically pleasing designs, and stoves equipped with advanced technology for improved user experience and environmental friendliness.
Detailed Reviews of Top 5 Wood Burning Stoves
ACR Woodpecker 4 Wood Burning Stove
The Woodpecker 4 is ideal for new build homes because its compact size and 4.3kW heat output make it perfect for efficiently heating smaller, well-insulated spaces.
Its cast iron construction retains heat effectively, ensuring long-lasting warmth, which complements the energy-efficient design of modern homes.
Features and Benefits:
- High-efficiency ratings
- Full cast iron construction
- Ideal for compact spaces
- Sleek, modern design
- 4.3kW nominal heat output
The Woodpecker 4 by ACR is a budget-friendly log burner, perfect for new build homes. With a 4.3kW heat output, it’s ideal for compact spaces, providing ample warmth.
Its full cast iron construction ensures excellent heat retention, keeping your space warm for longer.
For a bit more, you can upgrade to the Woodpecker 5, which offers even greater efficiency and a larger viewing window.
Price: £695 inc vat | Shop Now
Charnwood Aire 5 Wood Burning Stove
The Charnwood Aire 5 wood-burning stove is perfectly suited for new build properties with its compact design and highly efficient 86% rating, making it ideal for smaller, modern spaces.
Features and Benefits:
- Timeless design with modern technology
- 5kW nominal heat output
- Log storage add-on
- Made in the UK
- Exceptional heating capacity
Its heat output of 2-5kW ensures ample warmth without overwhelming well-insulated homes. The stove is easy to use, featuring a single air control and a cool-to-touch handle, making it user-friendly for any household.
With its DEFRA approval, it can be used in smoke-controlled areas, ideal for urban settings, and its compliance with 2022 SIA Eco Design regulations ensures it meets high environmental standards.
Additionally, the stove’s large ceramic glass window provides a beautiful flame display, enhancing the ambiance of any new build property.
Price: £1,836 inc vat | Shop Now
Contura 810 Wood Burning Stove
The Contura 810 wood-burning stove is ideal for new builds due to its excellent distance-to-combustibles, making it safe to use in homes made from timber and plasterboard.
Features and Benefits:
- Excellent distance to combustibles
- Ideal for connection on a twin wall flue system
- High heat output relative to size
- Highly efficient and eco friendly
- Made in Sweden
Its compact, stylish design fits well into smaller spaces, perfect for the modern layout of new homes.
The stove is versatile, working well as a freestanding feature on a hearth or when installed with a twin wall system, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
With its large glass window, it provides excellent flame visibility, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Additionally, its eco-friendly efficiency and customisable color options make it both a practical and attractive heating solution for new build properties.
Price: £2,075 inc vat | Shop Now
Hunter Herald Allure 4 Wood Burning Stove
The Allure 4 is an all round good stove for new properties, offering a 5kW nominal heat output perfect for well-insulated modern homes. Its durable ensures excellent heat retention, making it a durable and efficient heating solution for new builds.
Features and Benefits:
- Ideal for compact spaces
- Smart technology integration
- Remote control and automation features
- Superior energy management
With a large glass opening, it enhances the aesthetic appeal of any contemporary living space, providing a clear view of the flames.
The stove is EcoDesign compliant, ensuring ultra-clean burning and high efficiency, which aligns with the environmental standards of new developments.
Its advanced features and sleek design make the Allure 4 a perfect fit for the needs of modern properties.
Price: £899 inc vat | Shop Now
Stovax County 5 Wood Burning Stove
The Stovax County 5 is an excellent traditional-style wood-burning stove for new build houses, offering the charm of classic design alongside modern efficiency.
Features and Benefits:
- Designed for large spaces
- Traditional styling
- Durable construction
- Long-lasting performance with minimal maintenance
Its 5kW heat output is ideal for well-insulated spaces, providing warmth without overwhelming smaller, energy-efficient rooms.
The cast iron door construction adds durability, while the expansive glass window showcases beautiful flame visuals, enhancing the ambiance of any modern interior.
EcoDesign Plus compliant, it meets strict environmental standards, ensuring clean, eco-friendly heating for new properties.
With the flexibility to burn both wood and multi-fuel, it offers practical and versatile heating for modern living spaces.
Price: £1,229 inc vat | Shop Now
Installation Tips
Modern new-build homes built after 2008 are typically designed to be well insulated and airtight, which means installing a log burner may require a fixed air vent in the room for proper ventilation.
However, some stoves come with a direct air supply or an outside air kit, allowing the stove to pull air from outside rather than relying on room ventilation.
Without an adequate air source, you risk problems like smoke escaping through the stove’s vents and filling your newly decorated room.
Safety Considerations
In many new-build homes, walls may contain materials like plasterboard or wood, both of which are combustible if placed too close to a stove.
Current regulations require stoves to be installed at least 500mm away from any combustible materials. To address this in new builds, various accessories can be used alongside the stove.
Options such as fireplace heat shields, convection shields, manufacturers heat shields that are installed directly to the appliance and fireproof boards are readily available. Before installation, you’ll receive guidance on which option is most suitable for your home.
Please refer to manufacturers guidelines or speak to a HETAS trained professional (contact us) for correct guidance for your application as there are many factors that can change from installation to installation.
Related Links
Cost Considerations
While the initial cost of a wood burning stove can be high, the long-term savings in heating costs make it a worthwhile investment for many homeowners.
This section provides a detailed analysis of upfront costs versus long-term benefits.
While the initial cost of installing a wood burning stove can be significant, it is important to consider the long-term savings on heating bills, which often make this investment highly beneficial.
A quality log burner, including installation, can range from a few hundred to several thousand pounds, depending on the model and specific requirements of your home. However, once installed, the savings begin to accumulate.
Related Links
- How Much Are Wood Burning Stoves To Run In The UK?
- How Much Does Fitting A New Log Burner Cost in 2024?
One of the key advantages of a wood burner is the ability to take control of your fuel costs. Unlike traditional heating systems, which rely on fluctuating gas or electricity prices, wood is often a more stable and affordable option.
In some cases, wood fuel can even be free if you have access to fallen trees or reclaimed wood. For those who purchase wood, buying in bulk or sourcing from sustainable local providers can lead to further savings.
The long-term financial benefits can be substantial. Studies show that homeowners can save up to 30% or more on their heating bills by supplementing or replacing traditional heating systems with a wood-burning stove. This is especially true in colder months when heating demands are high, and utility bills can skyrocket.
Additionally, because wood burning stoves allow you to heat specific rooms more efficiently, you can reduce overall energy consumption by lowering your central heating usage.
In summary, while the upfront cost of a wood burning stove may seem daunting, the long-term reduction in heating costs, combined with the ability to have more control over your fuel expenses, often results in significant financial savings over time.
For many homeowners, this makes it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly heating solution for the future.
Regulations and Legal Requirements
Understanding local regulations and obtaining the necessary HETAS certification is essential for the legal installation of a wood burning stove in a new build.
Not having your wood-burning stove professionally installed can lead to improper ventilation, increasing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and fire hazards. It can also invalidate your house insurance.
Additionally, an incorrectly installed stove may void warranties and violate local building regulations, resulting in potential fines or safety inspections.
All regulations must comply with building control, manufacturers guidelines and local authorities. We would recommend a wood burning stove to always be installed by a HETAS trained professional (like us).
FAQs
A section dedicated to answering the most common questions about wood burning stoves surrounding the new build home and property topic, providing expert insights and practical advice.
Yes, you can install a wood burning stove in a new build home, but it must meet specific building regulations. It’s important to ensure that the stove and chimney system are installed by a qualified professional to comply with local building regulations and safety requirements.
Yes, you can have a log burner if you have no chimney. However, you will have to vent the smoke somewhere. This is done with a twin wall flue system (double insulated flue) which can go outside or inside of your property.
A wood burning stove should be installed by a professional to ensure it is safe and complies to all manufacturers guidelines and building regulations. You can have a log burner installed either by a HETAS-registered engineer or by yourself, provided it’s approved by building control. However, scheduling a visit from building control can be notoriously challenging, and meeting the regulations for wood burning stove installation can be tricky, as the requirements often vary depending on your specific setup.
Not necessarily. Many modern wood-burning stoves can be installed using a twin-wall flue system, which acts as a chimney. This is ideal for homes that don’t have a traditional chimney.
New build homes must adhere to stringent regulations, such as the Clean Air Act in the UK or EPA regulations in the US. The stove needs to be a certified model that complies with emissions standards and may require a building permit.
A properly installed, efficient log burner can contribute to the energy efficiency of your home, especially if it reduces reliance on central heating. However, you’ll need to ensure it is sealed properly to prevent heat loss.
Yes, proper ventilation is crucial. New build homes are often airtight due to modern insulation, so additional air vents or external air supply kits may be required to ensure the stove operates safely.
When using a modern, eco-friendly stove with proper fuel, wood-burning stoves can be environmentally friendly. They produce fewer emissions compared to older models and can use sustainable wood sources, which are carbon-neutral if sourced responsibly.
The area around a log burner stove must be fireproof. You’ll need a non-combustible hearth and fire-resistant materials for any nearby walls, typically meeting the manufacturer’s clearance recommendations.
A wood burner offers effective localised heating, and with the excellent insulation in modern homes, it can sufficiently warm the property when used in conjunction with a backup central heating system for the whole house.
In some regions, there are incentives for installing eco-friendly wood-burning stoves that meet high-efficiency standards. Check local government programs or energy efficiency grants to see if you qualify for rebates or tax credits.
Regular maintenance is essential for safety and performance. This includes annual chimney sweeping, inspecting the flue for blockages, and checking the stove for any damage or wear. Clean the glass and firebox regularly, and ensure the air vents are functioning properly.
