Stove and Fireplace Installation in Ireland

By law, an employed craftsperson must be paid at least €23.74 an hour.

The Order sets the minimum an employed craftsperson must be paid, not what a contractor charges you.

Workplace Relations Commission, S.I. 620/2024, 1 August 2026

A stove or fireplace installation in Ireland is a job where the flue, the hearth, and the room itself decide how the work is done. Whether you are fitting a freestanding stove into a cottage in Leitrim or replacing an open fire with a solid fuel insert in a Dublin terrace, the installer needs to look at the chimney, the ventilation, and the floor before giving a firm price. That is why the quote usually comes after a visit. The visit is not a formality: it is where the installer checks the flue route, the condition of the chimney breast, and whether a liner is needed. For gas fires, the installer needs to be registered with RGI for the gas work involved, and you can ask for the RGI registration number when the job involves a gas connection. For solid fuel, the questions are about the appliance, the flue, and the clearance to combustible materials. ShamFix is where you post the task, describe the room and the existing fireplace, and browse provider profiles by county so you can contact them directly. Your task stays open for 30 days. Providers registered in this category can see it.

Stove and fireplace installation: this category is busy and nearly empty

Demand for stove and fireplace installation on ShamFix is high, and at most one provider is listed.

Stove and fireplace installation questions people ask

Rate	Range	Note	Estimate
Statutory minimum, craftsperson pay	€23.74	Per hour. Category craftsperson, second phase of S.I. 620/2024.
Statutory minimum, general operative (Category A)	€23.03	Per hour.
Employer PRSI on top of that pay	11.25%	11.25% until 30 September 2026, rising to 11.40% from 1 October 2026. Employer PRSI, Class A, national rate for 2026 (Revenue / Department of Social Protection)
VAT on construction services	13.5%	Reduced VAT rate on construction services, Revenue Commissioners
Contractor charge-out, per tradesperson	€45–€75	Before VAT.	Estimate

Do I need a liner when installing a stove in an old chimney?

In most cases, a liner is needed because an old chimney is rarely the right size or condition for a modern stove. A liner controls the flue draught and keeps tar and moisture away from the masonry. The installer will check the chimney during the visit and tell you whether a flexible liner, a rigid liner, or a different flue arrangement is suitable for your appliance and fuel.

How much clearance does a stove need from a wall or fireplace?

The clearance depends on the stove model and the material behind it. Each appliance has a manufacturer's minimum distance to combustible materials, and that distance is often larger than people expect. A heat shield or a non-combustible board can reduce the gap in some cases. Ask the installer to show you the manufacturer's instructions for the exact model before the hearth is built.

Can I install a gas fire myself if I am handy?

No, gas work in Ireland must be carried out by a registered gas installer. If the job involves a gas connection, ask for the RGI registration number for that gas work and check it on the RGI register. A gas fire also needs proper ventilation and a flue test. The installer will confirm the appliance is suitable for the flue and the room before commissioning it.

What is a carbon monoxide alarm and do I need one with a stove?

A carbon monoxide alarm is a small device that sounds if the gas builds up in the room. It is strongly recommended wherever a solid fuel or gas appliance is installed, and building practice in Ireland expects one. The installer should fit an alarm as part of the job and show you how to test it. Ask where it will be placed relative to the stove.

How long does a stove installation take from quote to finished job?

A simple installation is often a day or two on site, but the wait between accepting the quote and starting work can be several weeks, especially in autumn. If a liner, a new hearth, or chimney repairs are needed, add more time. Ask the installer for a start date and a finish date in writing, and ask what could delay the work.

Does a fireplace installation need planning permission in Ireland?

Most internal stove and fireplace installations do not need planning permission, but there are exceptions. A new external flue, a change to the outside of a protected structure, or work in a rental property can bring other rules into play. Ask the installer what is typical for your county, and check with your local authority if the property is listed or in a conservation area.

Stove and Fireplace Installation in Ireland