An Intrepid 2 wood stove typically costs $500-$1,800 used, with a midpoint near $1,100; restored or unusually complete examples can reach $2,500. Because the original Intrepid II is discontinued, the final budget depends on condition, included parts, local availability, and whether an existing chimney can safely serve the stove.
For a new comparable Vermont Castings stove and professional installation, buyers may spend roughly $4,000-$8,500 total. Chimney work, hearth upgrades, and code corrections can push a project above that range.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Used Intrepid II stove | $500 | $1,100 | $1,800 | Price varies with condition and included parts |
| Restored or complete used unit | $1,200 | $1,850 | $2,500 | Verify repairs, model, and emissions status |
| Comparable new stove | $2,800 | $3,400 | $4,200 | New Intrepid-series models and dealer pricing vary |
| Basic professional installation | $1,500 | $2,800 | $5,000 | Assumes a usable chimney and straightforward access |
| Installed used Intrepid II | $2,000 | $3,900 | $7,000 | Excludes major chimney rebuilding |
What buyers pay for an Intrepid II stove
Budget about $500-$1,800 for a serviceable used Intrepid II before delivery and installation. The stove is an older Vermont Castings model, so most listings are secondhand rather than new retail inventory. A basic, untested unit may be offered near the low end; a clean, operational stove with intact firebrick, grates, and controls tends to cost more.
A realistic average purchase price is approximately $1,100 for a used unit in presentable condition. This estimate assumes a common model, no major casting damage, and a local pickup. A professionally refurbished stove, a scarce configuration, or a listing that includes replacement parts may be priced at $1,800-$2,500. The seller’s asking price is not proof that the stove has passed an inspection.
For a new purchase, buyers generally need to compare the discontinued Intrepid II with a currently sold Intrepid-series stove or another compact wood stove. A new comparable unit may cost $2,800-$4,200 before installation, depending on finish, dealer, and configuration. Assumptions: U.S. pricing, standard black finish, ordinary local availability, and no major chimney repairs.
The Intrepid II is a compact, freestanding stove, but the exact model and listing condition matter. Confirm the identification plate, dimensions, door and latch operation, and whether the stove includes legs or a required pedestal. Some used listings show a stove without the connector pipe, heat shields, or other pieces needed for a code-compliant installation.
How stove parts and chimney work shape the quote
The stove itself is only one part of an installed wood-stove budget. The table gives typical U.S. ranges for a straightforward project; charges vary with local labor, access, and the condition of the existing venting.
| Cost item | Typical range | Pricing basis | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Used Intrepid II | $500-$1,800 | Per stove | Condition, completeness, restoration |
| New comparable stove | $2,800-$4,200 | Per stove | Model, finish, dealer, availability |
| Connector pipe | $25-$90 | Per linear ft | Single- or double-wall pipe and fittings |
| Chimney liner or insulated venting | $1,200-$3,500 | Typical installation | Chimney height, diameter, access |
| Hearth pad or floor protection | $150-$900 | Per installation | Size, material, required clearance |
| Installation labor and inspection | $500-$1,500 | Per project | Removal, roof access, local requirements |
These line items are not always separate. An installer may quote one package covering labor, connector pipe, and venting, so buyers should ask what is included before comparing totals. A chimney that already has a suitable liner can reduce the project bill substantially; a damaged masonry chimney may require repair beyond the ranges shown.
Removal and disposal of an existing stove commonly adds $150-$500. Local delivery for a heavy stove may add $75-$300, especially if stairs or a long carry are involved. A site visit or chimney inspection may cost $100-$300, though some contractors credit that amount toward installation.
Which Intrepid II details change its used price?
Condition and verified model identity matter more than a seller’s restoration claim. Ask for clear photos of the firebox, top plate, seams, doors, damper, and model label. Cracks in a cast-iron body, warped plates, missing hardware, or a door that will not seal can mean expensive repairs or make the stove unsuitable for use.
Parts may be available through specialty suppliers, but availability and fit depend on the exact model and production version. A replacement gasket may be a modest expense, while a damaged major casting can cost hundreds of dollars and may be difficult to source. Request receipts and a parts list for any claimed rebuild rather than paying a restoration premium based on appearance alone.
Measure the firebox and confirm the stove’s required clearances before buying. A compact stove is often selected for a smaller space, but room layout, insulation, ceiling height, and climate determine whether its output is appropriate. If the stove cannot meet the home’s heating needs, the apparent bargain may lead to added fuel use or a second heating system.
Venting specifications also affect the quote. A liner sized to the stove’s required flue connection and chimney height is essential; a mismatch can trigger a replacement liner or additional fittings. Chimneys around 15-25 ft are common in residential installations, but unusual height, offsets, poor access, or a roof with a steep pitch can raise labor and equipment charges.
Emissions rules can constrain the purchase. Older wood stoves may not qualify for installation or use in some jurisdictions, and local rules can change over time. Before buying a used unit, confirm with the local building department and installer that the specific model is allowed and can be installed under current requirements.
Used Intrepid II or a new compact wood stove
A low used price is worthwhile only if the stove is safe, legal, and complete. A $700 Intrepid II can become a $2,000 purchase after a needed repair, delivery, replacement parts, and inspection. A new stove costs more initially but normally comes with a manufacturer’s warranty and current documentation, subject to the model’s terms.
| Choice | Typical stove price | Likely installed budget | Price trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Untested used Intrepid II | $500-$900 | $2,000-$5,000 | Lowest purchase price, greatest repair uncertainty |
| Inspected or restored Intrepid II | $1,200-$2,500 | $2,700-$6,500 | Higher used price; still confirm code acceptance |
| New comparable compact stove | $2,800-$4,200 | $4,000-$8,500 | Higher upfront cost with new equipment warranty |
The installed ranges assume a standard room and a chimney that does not need extensive reconstruction. They are not interchangeable with a dealer’s stove-only price. For a used stove, get an installer’s written approval before paying a nonrefundable amount; the installer may decline a model with damage, missing documentation, or a local compliance issue.
How much installation labor and venting add
A simple replacement can take half a day, while new venting or chimney work may take one to two days. A two-person crew may charge approximately $75-$150 per worker-hour, or quote a fixed installation fee. Labor totals often land near $500-$1,500 for a straightforward job, before major venting materials and structural work.
Setting a freestanding stove in an existing compliant location is usually less expensive than creating a new hearth and vent route. Labor increases if the crew must remove an old appliance, carry the stove through stairs, cut a ceiling or roof, work on a steep roof, or correct clearances. Confirm whether the quoted hours include setup, cleanup, inspection coordination, and disposal.
A new stainless-steel liner installed in a masonry chimney can add roughly $1,200-$3,500. Replacing an entire chimney system may cost $3,000-$7,000 or more, depending on height, framing, roof penetrations, and finish work. Those costs are separate from the stove price and can make a used appliance a poor value if the venting needs a full replacement.
Ask for an itemized quote that names the stove model, connector-pipe type, liner diameter, hearth protection, labor, removal, and permits or inspections. A low bid that leaves out the liner, required heat shields, or final inspection is not directly comparable with a complete installation proposal.
Why Intrepid II quotes vary by U.S. location
Regional labor and access can move an installation quote by 10%-30% or more. In high-cost metro areas and parts of the Northeast, labor and contractor demand can put basic projects roughly 15%-30% above a national midrange. Rural buyers may find lower labor rates but pay more for delivery or travel, particularly when a qualified installer is far away.
Climate also influences the practical project cost. Colder areas have more wood-stove contractors and more seasonal demand, while local rules may require specific inspections or emissions-compliant equipment. Areas with limited service providers can have longer scheduling waits and higher trip charges. These location differences affect installation more than the used stove’s national resale value.
Winter emergency scheduling can add a rush fee of $100-$500, or contractors may not accept a nonurgent install during peak season. Spring and summer scheduling can provide more appointment flexibility, although discounts are not guaranteed. Obtain local quotes that include the same work scope rather than applying a regional percentage to a stove-only listing.
Three realistic Intrepid II project budgets
Project totals are most useful when they state the stove condition and chimney scope. These examples are planning estimates, not fixed bids; local inspection requirements and actual measurements may change them.
| Project | Stove and materials | Labor and other charges | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic used replacement, existing liner | $800 stove, $250 pipe and hearth adjustments | $700 labor, $150 inspection | $1,900 |
| Restored used unit, new liner | $1,600 stove, $1,800 liner and connector | $1,100 labor, $250 delivery and inspection | $4,750 |
| New comparable stove, chimney upgrade | $3,500 stove, $2,300 liner and hearth materials | $1,400 labor, $300 removal and inspection | $7,500 |
The first example assumes the existing chimney and hearth are already acceptable, with no structural changes. The second assumes a sound masonry chimney that needs a liner but not rebuilding. The third allows for a new comparable stove and more extensive venting work, but excludes a complete chimney replacement.
For the first example, a two-person crew working about 4-6 hours at a combined billing rate of $150-$240 per hour would produce approximately $600-$1,440 in labor. That range illustrates why a written site-specific quote matters more than a generic installation estimate. Assumptions: Midrange U.S. labor, normal access, no extensive masonry repairs.
How to lower the Intrepid II purchase and install bill
The most reliable savings come from verifying the chimney and stove before committing to either. Have an installer assess the site before buying a used unit. That check can identify an unusable model, an undersized liner, or a hearth requirement that would turn a low listing price into a costly project.
Compare at least three written installation quotes with identical specifications. Ask each contractor to separate stove, pipe, liner, labor, removal, delivery, and inspection charges. A quote that is $500 lower may omit a needed liner or disposal, while a higher quote may include materials and final inspection.
Choose a sound, complete used stove over a heavily discounted one that needs major castings or hard-to-find parts. Test the doors and controls where possible, inspect the body for cracks, and ask a qualified professional whether repairs are reasonable. Avoid paying extra for cosmetic refinishing that does not improve safe operation or document the work performed.
Keep the vent route and installation scope straightforward when the room layout permits. Reusing a compliant hearth and chimney liner can avoid several thousand dollars in upgrades. Do not skip required clearances, floor protection, inspections, or code work to reduce the bid; those shortcuts can create fire risk, prevent approval, or lead to another installation expense later.
Finally, ask about off-season scheduling and whether delivery can be combined with installation. A flexible date may reduce urgency charges or separate trips, but savings depend on contractor availability. Include a contingency of about 10%-15% for a used-stove project, particularly when the model’s service history or chimney condition is uncertain.