New build chimney - wood burner?

Bubblecat

My husband and I are considering buying a new build property. It has a chimney for a gas fire but wondered if this would be suitable for a wood burner instead?
TIA

casper_g

It may or may not be - you need to ask the builder whether your house will be built with a Class 1 flue as this is required for a wood stove.

I suspect a flue provided for a gas fire in a new build house will be a Class 2 flue as these are cheaper. A Class 2 flue will not be suitable for a wood or solid fuel burning stove.

Grenage

Assume it won't be suitable, because it's unlikely to be.

No great shakes; just allow a few k for an installation after the purchase.

Bubblecat

Thanks both. So am I right in assuming that the Class of the chimney comes down to what liner is installed? Or is the actual structure of the chimney different?

Grenage

It's the liner, I don't know if a wood-burner's would need to be bigger - but someone here will know.

Rodders53

Ask the builders what class the chimney is/will be!!!!

Google will tell you the differences in construction .... e.g. https://urbanfires.wordpress.com/2011/01/05/five-ways-to-tell-what-kind-of-chimney-you-have/

My new build (small local builder) is class 1, although it only has a gas fire... but I think the room/chimney ventilation will preclude a proper 'open' fire / wood-burner. So room ventilation (draughts) is important to be checked with the builder, too.

Davesnave

If it's a new build, will you have the facilities to store the wood for this fire? I realise that 'new build' covers a variety of scenarios, but unless you buy expensive kiln-dried wood, there will be a need for storage for up to 2 years before you can get the best from the stuff many suppliers provide.

Just saying....

Bubblecat

The builder is currently on Christmas shut-down and not re-opening until the New Year so can't ask the question just yet, but will do. Just trying to get an idea beforehand as to whether it would be possible.

It is a large plot/garden with a double garage so plenty of space for us to relocate our current wood store.