Chimney Liner Installation Cost (2026): Stainless, Cast-in-Place and Clay

Chimney relining is priced by liner material, flue height, and access difficulty. A straight stainless flex liner drop is a half-day job; a chimney with offsets, a tight clay flue, or a required breakdown of the crown is a full day or more.

What does a chimney liner cost to install?

A stainless steel flexible liner for a standard 15- to 25-foot flue runs $2,000 to $5,000 installed, including insulation and a new cap. Cast-in-place liners run $5,000 to $10,000. Replacing individual clay flue tiles runs $1,000 to $3,000 depending on how many and how accessible.

What drives the quote?

• Flue height and roof pitch (access and staging)
• Offsets or bends in the flue that resist a straight liner drop
• Existing clay tile that must be broken out to fit the new liner
• Insulation wrap or pour (required for many code and warranty situations)
• New crown, cap, and top-plate
• Appliance connection — wood stove, insert, or furnace/water-heater venting

How should the estimate be built?

Specify the liner diameter and alloy (grade matters for the fuel), whether insulation is included, the cap and crown work, and the appliance hookup. A relining quote that does not state insulation and diameter is not comparable to another shop's quote — make yours the clear one.

What should trigger a bigger scope?

A failed smoke test, spalling brick, a cracked crown, or a chimney pulling away from the house are structural issues that come before or with the liner. Flag them with photos so the customer is not surprised when the liner quote comes with a masonry line item.

Example: stainless liner for a wood stove insert

Line item	How it's priced	Example
Inspection and camera scan of the flue	Flat	$250
Stainless flex liner kit, 25 ft, correct diameter	Cost + markup	$1,400
Insulation wrap	Per foot or kit	$450
Install labor (roof work, 2 techs)	Crew-hours × rate	$1,100
Top plate, cap and insert connection	Materials + labor	$400
Crown repair (minor cracking)	Flat	$350
Total		$3,950

Illustrative numbers only. Use your own rates, production times and local costs.

Match the liner to the appliance

The liner must suit the fuel and the appliance. Wood, oil and gas appliances have different requirements, and liner size usually follows the appliance manufacturer's flue size. When a customer changes appliances, such as a new insert or a high-efficiency furnace that no longer vents through the chimney, the flue often needs to be relined or re-sized. Note the appliance and the liner specification on the quote.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to reline a chimney?

A stainless steel flex liner for a typical flue commonly runs about $2,000 to $5,000 installed. Cast-in-place liners cost more.

Do chimney liners need insulation?

Often, yes. Insulation is required in many installations by code or the liner manufacturer, and it improves draft and safety. Check requirements for the specific liner and appliance.

How long does a chimney liner last?

It depends on the material, fuel and maintenance. Stainless liners often carry long manufacturer warranties when installed and maintained correctly.