How Much Does a Chimney Liner Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

A chimney liner costs an average of $2,500, with most homeowners spending between $1,500 and $5,000. Factors like your chimney size, labor, inspections, and liner material impact the final price. Chimney liners are essential for the safe operation of your fireplace or wood stove, so it's important to budget for this project and hire a professional for proper installation.

A chimney liner protects your chimney's masonry from heat and corrosion, extending its lifespan and improving heating efficiency. Due to potential safety hazards, it is essential to invest in hiring a professional to install your chimney liner. 

Chimney Liner Installation Cost Factors

There are many factors that influence how much you’ll pay for a chimney liner, including labor, permits, and potential repairs. Here is a breakdown of the cost drivers that impact your total chimney liner price.

Labor

Working on a chimney requires skill and care, so labor costs average $400 to $1,250 and often make up a significant portion of the total cost. Two to three skilled professionals may be required. The project's duration may increase due to difficulties or necessary pre-installation repairs. Consider potential labor costs when choosing between stainless steel, clay tile, and cast-in-place liners.

Roof Height and Type

Roof height and pitch affect labor costs. A higher roof or steeper pitch increases the difficulty and risk of the job, leading to higher labor costs due to additional time and safety precautions. There may also be costs for equipment like mechanical lifts to safely access the roof.

Repairs

Chimney repair costs between $160 and $750, depending on the problem. You may get a better price if you repair the chimney and replace the liner at the same time.

Size and Shape

The size and shape of the flue impact the price, as they determine the appropriate liner types. If your chimney has bends or curves, you will need a flexible liner to accommodate the angles. Rigid liners, even though installed in 4-foot sections, cannot be used where there are bends or curves.

Chimney Inspection and Cleaning

Before installing or replacing your liner, your contractor may recommend having your chimney cleaned, which costs an average of $250. This provides a clean slate, allowing the new liner to function properly and protect the masonry. An inspection can also help determine the most suitable liner material.

Permit

Your city or locality may require a safety inspection or permit before chimney work begins. Consult your local chimney expert to determine the necessary permits and regulations, and they can assist in filing the necessary paperwork.

Material

The average liner will be around 24 by 25 feet tall, and your costs will increase if you are lining a tall or very wide flue. Cast-in-place methods demand a significant amount of mix and will likely have the highest material cost.

Chimney Liner Costs by Material

Several options for flue liner material exist, ranging from flexible aluminum to high-end rigid, cast-in-place, and thermocrete models. However, your chimney type and shape may limit your choice. For example, rigid materials cannot be used on a curved or angled chimney, as the material simply won't follow the shape of the chimney.

Take a look at the average costs of chimney liners by material.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel liners are the most popular and widely recommended by chimney professionals. Available in both rigid and flexible forms, they are durable, have excellent fire safety ratings, and can last for decades. Rigid liners cost $20 to $40 per foot, while flexible liners range from $40 to $90 per foot.

Aluminum

Aluminum liners are suitable only for gas fireplaces operating at low temperatures, as they are highly susceptible to corrosion. They are lightweight and easier to install, requiring less labor than other types. If considering aluminum, consult a professional to determine if it's a safe and feasible choice for your chimney.

Clay/Terracotta

Clay or terracotta liners are effective because they do not conduct heat or corrode. These liners are constructed with rectangular clay tiles stacked inside your chimney. However, they can crack under extreme heat conditions. If you are replacing a clay liner due to excessive cracking, consider another liner material.

Clay tiles may also be referred to as terracotta or ceramic; these terms relate to the fired result of raw clay, with terracotta often referring to red clay materials.

Cast-in-Place

Cast-in-place liners are installed by pouring a cement-like mixture down the chimney around a rubber tube, which is removed after the mixture hardens. This method provides reinforcement and excellent protection against heat and corrosion.

Cast-in-place liners are the most expensive option due to the significant amount of material, specialized equipment, and extensive labor required. To get an accurate price, request an inspection and quote from a trusted local chimney expert.

Chimney Liner Replacements and Repairs

Replacing or relining a chimney ranges from $1,500 to $5,000, with an average cost of $2,500, although high-end installations can reach up to $7,000. A key factor in the cost is whether you need to remove the original liner. Many old chimneys are lined with clay and may be cracked. If relining with clay, you will need to remove the old tiles, which requires more labor and some demolition.

If you choose pour-in-place or install a stainless-steel liner, your contractor may suggest leaving the existing tiles. The poured mix fills gaps in cast-in-place methods, saving on labor but increasing material costs. When replacing with metal, the insulation and new liner cover the tiles. Consult a professional to make the best decision for your chimney's safety and stability.

Your inspector may find damage to the chimney during the process, which will need to be repaired. Fireplace and chimney repairs cost most homeowners between $160 and $750.

Benefits of Installing a Chimney Liner

A chimney liner prevents heat from escaping through cracked mortar, reducing the risk of attic fires. It also helps prevent soot and creosote buildup, both highly flammable substances. Liners limit moisture and condensation buildup, preventing it from seeping into the mortar and causing cracks when it freezes and expands.

Chimney liners, whether insulated or not, boost efficiency. They prevent downdrafts from making your home unnecessarily cold and improve the fire's fuel-burning efficiency by drawing air efficiently.

DIY vs. Hiring a Chimney Liner Pro

Industry professionals strongly advise against performing chimney work yourself due to significant safety concerns and the potential for improper installation.

It's crucial to have your chimney inspected before making any decisions. A chimney inspection costs $250 on average, while a chimney sweep costs $250. During the inspection, your contractor sends a camera through your flue and records a video to review together. You may need additional repairs or a more durable material than anticipated.

A professional should perform all other liner installations. Cast-in-place mixes and clay tile require specialized equipment and training. Even stainless-steel liners can be more complicated than expected. Proper installation is essential to extend the life of your chimney and improve heating efficiency. Improper installation can be hazardous. To ensure your chimney liner installation is safe and effective, hire a professional chimney expert.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from 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.