How Much Does a Chimney Liner Cost? [2025 Data]
A chimney liner costs $2,500 on average, but it may cost somewhere between $1,500 and $5,000, depending on the materials, labor, chimney condition, and other factors.
The cost of a chimney liner depends on several factors, including the material and size of the chimney.
In addition, local labor rates and permit prices can affect the costs of installing a chimney liner.
You’ll also need to budget for a chimney cleaning and inspection.
By installing and maintaining a chimney liner, you can protect your chimney from more expensive problems down the line.
Chimney liner costs can vary significantly depending on the material, size of the chimney, and local labor rates. For instance, a small job can cost as low as $625, but if your chimney is larger or you use more expensive materials, chimney liner installation costs can go as high as $7,000.
If you use your fireplace, it’s essential to have a chimney liner. For one, it protects your chimney from corrosive gases and creosote residue that wear away the masonry over time. Plus, a chimney liner improves the heating efficiency of your fireplace and reduces fire risk.
Chimney Liner Installation Cost Breakdown
When estimating your chimney liner cost, consider key factors, such as the anatomy of your chimney, size of the flue, units connected to it, the liner material, and labor.
Materials
Depending on the type of chimney liner you choose, the cost of materials will be between $10 and $250 per square foot. Stainless steel, for example, is more expensive than aluminum, which is typically sold in a kit including all materials. Clay is less costly than steel at around $10 per square foot, and it is known for its safety ratings and strength.
Additionally, some materials, like aluminum, can only be installed in gas fireplaces, and others, such as cast-in-place options, require more labor and specialized equipment to install. Insulation can also add to the cost.
| Material | Cost | Fireplace |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel | $65 per square foot | Wood and gas |
| Aluminum | $100–$300 | Gas |
| Clay | $10 per square foot | Wood |
| Cast-in-place | $25 per square foot | Wood and gas |
Labor
Labor costs make up a significant portion of the overall cost to replace your chimney liner and can vary locally. Expect to pay between $400 and $1,250 to hire a local chimney pro. The amount of labor depends on the type of material you choose and the condition of your chimney. For example, if the existing liner needs to be removed, the project will require more labor.
Permits and Inspections
Before a pro installs your liner, arrange for a professional chimney inspection, if you haven’t had one recently. (Often, you’ll learn that you need to replace the liner because of what the pro finds during your inspection—in which case you won’t have to worry about this separate cost.)
Chimney inspections allow professionals to clean your chimney and keep an eye out for any common chimney problems. During the inspection, the professional can assess the state of your liner and determine if it needs repairs or a full replacement (and if so, what material to use). On average, a chimney inspection costs $450.
Depending on where you live, you may also need to obtain a building permit before having a pro install a new chimney liner.
Additional Factors That Affect Chimney Liner Installation Costs
Chimney liner installation costs can vary significantly depending on several factors. The material you choose can have the largest impact, but these factors also affect the final price:
Cleaning Prior to Installation
Have your chimney cleaned by a local chimney sweep before installing a liner so all surfaces are spotless before the liner materials are installed or poured. A professional chimney sweep costs around $255.
Creosote is a flammable residue that builds up due to incomplete combustion and can cause chimney fires if not cleaned regularly. Hire a chimney sweep to remove creosote build up at least once per year—or more frequently if you use your fireplace often.
Size of Chimney and Flue
The height and width of the flue and chimney can affect the price of materials and labor. The standard diameter of a chimney is 6 to 8 inches. It may cost more to install a liner if you have a chimney that is not a standard size or one that is older than a few decades.
Height and Pitch of Roof
More than the chimney itself can impact the chimney liner replacement cost. For instance, the height and pitch of your roof may affect labor costs.
In general, local masons will charge more if your roof is higher or if the roof has a steeper slope, simply because there’s more risk involved, which necessitates working more slowly and carefully.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Install a Chimney Liner
Labor does make up a large portion of the overall cost to replace a chimney liner, but you shouldn’t try to cut costs by DIYing the installation yourself. Chimney liners are crucial to the structural integrity of your fireplace, but they’re also important for fire safety. For that reason, we always recommend working with a professional.
Find a chimney liner installer near you to assess your chimney, determine which chimney liner material will work best, and install it. Get at least three quotes before hiring a pro, and rely on online reviews, as well as referrals from family and friends, to narrow down the list.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
A chimney liner lasts between 15 and 25 years on average, but the material of the liner can have a huge impact on how long it lasts. For instance, aluminum liners may only last five years while a cast-in-place liner can last as long as 50 years. Regular chimney inspections and cleanings can ensure you get the longest lifespan out of your liner.
Creosote is released from burning wood and is composed mostly of tar. It sticks to the chimney liner since it can be found in small amounts in the smoke from wood burning in the fireplace. It is very flammable and can even lead to chimney fires. Annual inspections as well as periodic chimney cleanings can help keep creosote under control.
A chimney without a liner is not recommended. Chimney liners protect the surrounding structure from heat, reducing the risk of fire or structural damage. Just as important, liners prevent carbon monoxide and other toxic gases from leaking into your abode by guiding smoke and gases out more effectively. Remember, installing a liner ensures safety and extends the life of your chimney.
Yes, you can install a liner in an old chimney that is in good working condition. In fact, it's often necessary for safety and efficiency. Older chimneys may lack liners or have deteriorated ones, leading to heat damage, gas leaks, or reduced performance. Installing a stainless steel, clay tile, or cast-in-place liner improves safety, protects the chimney’s structure, and boosts energy efficiency. This upgrade can extend the life span of an old chimney while meeting modern safety standards.
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