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Think of vents and flues as the lungs and breath of your home — without them, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems struggle to perform, and indoor air quality takes a hit. Whether you’re fitting a new wood-burning stove, replacing a kitchen extractor duct, or tidying up bathroom ventilation, picking the right product and the right seller makes a big difference. The right flue keeps combustion gases moving safely outside, and the right vent keeps moisture and smells from hanging around. In short: get the wrong part and you might feel it every winter; get the right one and your home will breathe easier.
Vents and flues cover a lot of ground. From simple wall grille vents to complex insulated chimney liners, each product has a purpose. Knowing the common types helps you match what you need to what retailers sell.
Chimney flue liners — rigid clay, stainless steel, or flexible liners — protect masonry, guide smoke, and improve draft. Typical diameters range from 6 inches to 8 inches for many stoves and boilers, though some larger systems need wider liners. When shopping, you’ll see single-wall stainless liners, insulated twin-wall flues, and multi-purpose flexible liners that can snake through bends and old chimneys.
Flues for stoves and boilers are designed to handle higher temperatures and lead flue gases safely outside. They can be single-wall 3-inch to 6-inch stovepipe for wood stoves or insulated twin-wall systems for boiler connections. Some installers prefer a 6-inch rigid stainless flue for solid fuel appliances to ensure good draft and to reduce creosote buildup.
Kitchen extractor fans, bathroom fans, and mechanical ventilation use ducting that often comes in 4-inch, 6-inch, or 8-inch sizes. Flexible ducting is handy for awkward routes — a 10-foot or 20-foot length in the right diameter can save you time — while rigid plastic or metal duct gives better airflow and less noise.
Roof terminals, chimney pot cowls, and air bricks finish off a duct or flue and protect it from rain, birds, and downdraughts. Roof terminals come in different pitches and sizes and are paired to pipe diameters — for example a 4-inch terminal for small extractor fans or a larger 8-inch terminal for flues serving boilers.
If you want convenience, wide ranges, and local pickup, national chains are a great start. If you need specialist advice or bespoke flues, specialist suppliers and plumbing merchants are worth a visit. Below are high-profile UK stores and suppliers where homeowners commonly shop for vents and flues.
Screwfix is a go-to for many DIYers. They stock a wide range of ducting, flue liners, stove pipes, and ventilation accessories in sizes like 3 inches, 4 inches, and 6 inches, and their stores are spread across the UK. You’ll find handy packaged kits for kitchen extractors and chimney liner sections for basic relining jobs.
B&Q offers a broad DIY-oriented range, from extractor fans to flexible ducting and roof terminals. Their catalogue is friendly for first-timers, with clear product descriptions and simple how-to guides. If you’re replacing a bathroom fan or adding an inline fan to a loft, B&Q is one of the easier places to start.
Wickes stocks ventilation solutions and flue components targeted at both DIYers and tradespersons. Their selection often includes rigid ducting and insulated flue pipes, and they usually carry relevant accessories like brackets, clamps, and fire collars for safe installation.
Toolstation is a solid alternative to Screwfix, with competitive pricing and an extensive online inventory. They sell stove pipe, flexible liners, ducts, and ventilation grilles in common sizes. If you’re after same-day pickup or a quick site run, Toolstation is convenient and practical.
Travis Perkins and other builders’ merchants like Jewson and Selco are great for larger or more technical jobs. They often stock heavier-duty flue systems and chimney components and can source specialist parts if needed. If you’re working on a full renovation that needs multiple flue runs and bespoke elements, these merchants are worth calling.
For boiler flues and gas-safe components, specialist plumbing merchants shine. City Plumbing and Wolseley stock compliant boiler flues, balanced flue kits, and certified accessories. These retailers understand regulations and can guide you toward Gas Safe compatible options when a boiler is involved.
Homebase provides a middle ground between general DIY and more technical products, while Amazon offers a huge range and customer reviews to help you decide. On Amazon you’ll find niche brands, flexible liners in 10-foot lengths, and hard-to-find adapters, but be cautious and check product certifications before buying items that carry combustion gases.
Choosing the right flue is part measurement, part material choice, and part compliance. If you get the wrong diameter, you risk poor draft; pick the wrong material and you may face corrosion or heat damage. Here’s a practical way to approach the choice.
Start with the appliance manufacturer’s specs: they’ll normally state a required flue diameter, e.g., 6 inches for many stoves. Measure the run you need in feet, including bends and offsets — every bend reduces effective length and can reduce draft. If you’re replacing ducting for an extractor fan, check whether you need a 4-inch or 6-inch duct; larger diameters usually flow better and run quieter.
Stainless steel is the preferred choice for high-temperature flues and relining old chimneys. Clay liners are traditional but brittle; flexible liners are convenient but check temperature ratings. For ducting and extractor vents, rigid plastic or metal is common; metal reduces noise while plastic is lightweight and cheap.
Safety first: flues for combustion appliances must meet local regulations and may need a building control sign-off. Always use certified parts for gas and solid-fuel appliances and consider professional installation if a Gas Safe certificate is required. A poorly installed flue is not just inefficient — it’s dangerous.
Consider where the appliance sits. A stove in a corner with a short vertical run might need different components than a fireplace requiring a long chimney liner. Kitchen extractors that vent through a pitched roof will need an appropriate roof terminal rated for the pipe diameter you’re using.
Installing vents and flues is often straightforward, but several common pitfalls can cause trouble. If you’re tackling a DIY install, these practical tips will help you avoid headaches.
The straighter the run, the better the airflow. Plan a route with as few bends as possible — each 90-degree bend can reduce draft significantly. If you need to change direction, use gentle bends or twin offsets rather than sharp turns.
Use the correct sealants and clamps for joints. For chimney liners and high-temp flues, high-temperature silicone or factory-supplied seals are a must. Insulate long flue runs to prevent condensation and to keep flue gases warm so they rise efficiently, particularly in cold loft spaces.
Support pipework at regular intervals. A 10-foot run of flexible liner should be fixed with brackets or straps every few feet to prevent sagging and stress on joints. Over time, unsupported duct can deform and restrict airflow.
Install cowls and terminals designed for your system. A cowl prevents downdraughts and stops birds nesting, while a carefully positioned terminal avoids re-entrainment of exhaust into windows or vents. Consider a draught diverter or stabilizer for stoves in awkward locations.
Vents and flues influence energy use and comfort. Poorly chosen ducting can make fans work harder, noisier, and less efficiently. Conversely, properly sized and insulated ducts help your system run quietly and use less energy.
Larger ducts reduce static pressure and fan load. For example, upgrading from a 4-inch to a 6-inch duct for some kitchen setups can lower noise and improve extraction performance. It’s a small change that often yields noticeable comfort gains.
Uninsulated flues running through cold spaces can allow gases to cool and condensate, leading to corrosion and reduced draft. Insulating a 6-inch flue passing through a loft can be the difference between efficient draw and frequent maintenance.
Prices vary with material, diameter, and complexity. A simple 4-inch exhaust duct kit might be an inexpensive weekend purchase, while a full stainless-steel chimney relining for a stove — say a 6-inch insulated liner running 10 feet with roof terminal — will be a more significant investment. Factor in brackets, sealants, cowls, and any tradesperson labour if you aren’t fitting it yourself.
National chains are convenient for off-the-shelf parts and simple upgrades. They’re ideal if you know what you need and want same-day pickup. Specialist suppliers and plumbing merchants are better for complex jobs where certification, bespoke sizing, or specialist advice is required. A local merchant can also source certified parts matched to boilers and gas appliances where safety is paramount.
Don’t forget maintenance. Chimneys and flues need occasional inspections and cleaning. Creosote build-up in solid fuel flues is a fire risk, and blockages from birds or debris can cause dangerous fumes to back up indoors. Schedule regular checks especially after the first cold season following installation.
Before you spend a penny, run through a short checklist: confirm the appliance’s required diameter, measure the total run in feet including bends, choose the right material for temperatures expected, look for certification for gas or solid-fuel appliances, and decide whether you’ll DIY or hire a pro. This simple checklist saves time, money, and stress.
If you’re unsure, ask a qualified installer or visit a specialist merchant. Tradespeople can advise on draft issues, sizing, and legal requirements, and most reputable merchants will help you select the right product. It’s better to ask before you buy than to return parts or, worse, end up with an unsafe setup.
Buying vents and flues in the UK is straightforward once you know what to look for. National retailers like Screwfix, B&Q, Wickes, Toolstation, and specialist merchants such as Travis Perkins, City Plumbing, and Wolseley cover most needs, from kitchen extractor ducting to heavy-duty chimney liners. Measure your runs in feet and inches, choose materials suited to temperature and appliance type, and follow safety and compliance guidance. With the right product and a little planning, your home will breathe easier, heat more efficiently, and stay safer.
