Stainless Steel Chimney Liner Kits

Which stainless grade you need

The difference between grades is corrosion resistance, not strength. 304 / 304L is the standard grade for wood-burning appliances and is what the Vortex kits use. 316Ti, used in every Forever Flex kit, is rated for wood, coal, oil and gas, so it is the pick for an oil furnace, a gas water heater, or a chimney whose appliance may change later. 904 / AL29-4C is specified for some high-efficiency gas and oil appliances; we carry it as a Forever Flex pre-cut liner in 3" and 5.5". If you burn wood, 304 is the correct specification and paying for more buys resistance you will never use.

Connecting the liner at the appliance

Two accessories solve the awkward connections at the bottom of the run. The hook-up liner system makes the liner-to-collar connection on the Drolet Escape 1800-I and the Englander Blue Ridge 150-I, 300-I and 500-I inserts. If the insert's collar doesn't line up with the flue above it, the offset liner adaptor bridges the misalignment and fits all Drolet and Englander wood inserts. Buying the insert and liner together? The Drolet Escape 1800-I and Escape 1500-I bundles pair the insert, faceplate and liner kit at a package price.

What you'll need for installation

A straight-shot reline is one of the more DIY-able chimney jobs: the liner feeds down from the roof, connects at the bottom, and caps at the top. It's a two-person job because of the roof work and the length of the coil. Offsets, damaged flues, or any uncertainty about the chimney's condition are where you bring in a chimney sweep, and a pre-install inspection is worth it on any older masonry chimney. Insulating the liner keeps flue gases hotter, which improves draft and reduces creosote — most valuable on exterior chimneys and in cold climates. For an uninsulated liner, the All Fabrications Super Wrap insulation kit wraps it in a 1/2" blanket before it goes down the chimney. Follow the instructions supplied with the kit and your appliance manual; they govern your specific install. Full detail is in our chimney liner guide.

Chimney liner FAQs

What size chimney liner do I need?

Match the liner diameter to your appliance's flue collar. The Drolet and Englander wood stoves and inserts we sell use a 6" collar. Never size down, and don't size up — an oversized flue cools the exhaust and weakens draft. Confirm the collar size in your stove's manual.

Do you sell 4" or 5" liners?

Yes. We stock Forever Flex 316Ti kits in 4", 5", 5.5", 6", 7" and 8", plus Vortex 304 kits in 4" and 6". Don't fit a 6" liner to a 5" collar to make it work — the mismatch costs draft and creates a creosote problem. Email info@stovesource.com or text 1-888-866-8206 and we'll tell you honestly whether your appliance is one we can supply.

What length do I need?

Measure the full chimney height from the crown to the appliance connection and round up. A single-story chimney is usually within 25 ft; a two-story typically needs 35 ft. Forever Flex kits come in 15 to 40 ft, and pre-cut liners go up to 100 ft. Excess liner trims off at install; a short liner is scrap.

Does a wood insert require a liner?

Yes. Every insert manual we carry calls for a full-height stainless liner connected directly to the insert rather than venting into the open masonry flue, and inspectors expect one.

What's the difference between the VOLKI and VOLKA kits?

VOLKI kits include the hardware to connect at a fireplace insert. VOLKA kits are a plain reline for a freestanding appliance connecting through a thimble. Both are 304 stainless.

Should I buy a tee kit or an appliance connector kit?

It depends on where the appliance meets the liner. If the stove pipe enters the side of the chimney through a thimble, you need a tee kit: the tee sits at the bottom of the liner and the tee cap gives you a cleanout. If the appliance or insert connects straight up into the liner, you need an appliance connector kit. Both Forever Flex kits include the liner, top plate and rain cap. See the 6" tee kit and the 6" appliance connector kit.

Can I buy the liner without a kit?

Yes. Forever Flex pre-cut liners are sold on their own in 3", 4", 5", 5.5", 6", 7" and 8" diameters and larger sizes up to 16", in 15 to 100 ft lengths, with 316Ti, 316L and AL29-4C options. Add the top plate, rain cap and connector separately, or buy a kit to get everything in one box.

How do I keep a stainless liner clean?

Sweep it at least once a season with a poly chimney brush sized to the liner and enough chimney brush rods to reach the top. Don't use a wire brush on stainless; it can scratch the liner. See all chimney brushes and rods.

Do you charge sales tax on liner kits?

No. StoveSource charges no sales tax in any state, and orders over $300 ship free to the lower 48.

Shopping for individual fittings? See all chimney liner parts and fittings: rain caps, top plates, tees, elbows, connectors and nose cones.