STUV 6 Wood-Burning Insert Installation in Hawthorn Woods
By Chimney Monkey · Updated October 2026 · Hawthorn Woods, IL
Quick answer
This STUV 6 wood-burning insert installation in Hawthorn Woods upgraded an existing masonry fireplace with a manufactured wood-burning insert and dedicated vent system. Rather than removing the original brick fireplace, the project integrated the new appliance into the existing firebox and chimney. The project photos document more than the finished appearance. They show the original masonry firebox, the completed insert, concealed venting, the chimney-top termination, and the final connection behind the appliance.Project scope at a glance
- STUV 6 wood-burning fireplace insert
- Dedicated vent system
- Installation into an existing masonry fireplace
- Venting integrated with the existing masonry chimney
- Installation-preparation work included in the project
Starting With the Existing Masonry Fireplace
The original brick fireplace remained an important part of this project. Instead of replacing the entire masonry feature, the STUV 6 installation used the existing fireplace opening and chimney as the setting for the new appliance and vent system.
First, the existing firebox needed to provide the physical space for the insert. Meanwhile, the chimney above had to accommodate the vent system that would serve the appliance.
That relationship makes an insert project different from simply placing a freestanding appliance in a room. The existing fireplace and the new system have to work together as one installation.
Photo 1 · Before: the original masonry firebox
The Fireplace Before the Insert Went In
The first selected photo shows the masonry firebox before the finished insert occupied the opening. Brick surrounds the original firebox, while the work area provides access for the new installation. Because this photograph comes from the actual Hawthorn Woods project, it also gives readers a useful reference point for the finished transformation later in the article.What Was Installed: The STUV 6 Wood-Burning Insert
The central component of the project was the STUV 6 wood-burning insert. Chimney Monkey installed the appliance inside the existing masonry fireplace rather than removing the surrounding brick structure.
As a result, the completed fireplace combines a modern manufactured insert with the home’s established masonry surround and raised brick hearth.
The invoice also identifies the vent system as part of the same installation scope. Therefore, the finished appliance should be understood together with the venting components hidden behind and above it.
The Finished Insert Inside the Brick Fireplace
The second photo shows the finished STUV 6 from the living space. The black insert creates a distinct focal point, while the existing brick surround and hearth remain clearly visible around it. Compared with the open firebox shown earlier, this image makes the visual change easy to understand. However, the visible appliance represents only one part of the completed installation.
Photo 2 · After: the STUV 6 insert in the brick fireplace
The Insert and Vent System Work Together
A completed wood-burning insert installation includes more than the appliance visible from the room. The venting system becomes another major part of the project because it continues from the insert through the existing chimney.
On the project invoice, the STUV 6 and vent system appear together in the primary installation scope. In addition, the project photographs document flexible metal venting within the chimney pathway.
Consequently, the existing masonry chimney continues to provide the surrounding structure while the dedicated vent system creates the pathway associated with the new insert.
Photo 3 · Hidden work: flexible metal venting in the chimney
A Part of the Project Homeowners Usually Cannot See
The third image gives readers a close view of the flexible metal vent system inside the chimney. Once the insert is fully assembled, most of this component disappears from ordinary view. For that reason, installation photographs can add useful context. Instead of showing only the finished appliance face, they document part of the system that continues behind the fireplace and through the chimney.The Vent System Continues to the Chimney Top
The venting pathway does not end behind the insert. It continues upward through the masonry chimney and ultimately reaches the exterior termination above the roof.
This exterior portion helps complete the visual story of the installation. First, the appliance sits inside the existing masonry fireplace. Next, the venting travels through the chimney. Finally, the system reaches the termination at the chimney top.
That sequence demonstrates why an insert project should be viewed as a complete appliance-and-vent installation rather than as one decorative change inside the room.
The Exterior End of the Venting Path
The fourth project photo shows the chimney-top area and the metal vent termination associated with the installation. The original masonry chimney remains visible around the new vent component. Meanwhile, the photograph also shows the broad concrete crown surrounding the flue area. Together, the image places the new venting within the existing exterior chimney structure.
Photo 4 · Exterior: vent termination at the chimney top
Installation Prep Work Was Part of the Project
The project invoice includes a separate STUV 6 installation-preparation line. However, the invoice does not itemize the individual preparation tasks.
Therefore, this project should not be described as including specific masonry modifications or other prep procedures unless separate documentation confirms them. What the invoice does establish is that preparation formed part of the overall installation.
The Final Connection Sits Behind the Finished Insert
Once the appliance is in place, homeowners mainly see the finished insert face. However, the final connection between the appliance area and the venting above remains hidden behind the installation.
The fifth selected photo documents that concealed area. It shows the metal connection immediately behind the insert and gives readers another view of how the appliance connects to the venting system.
As a result, the project photographs provide both perspectives: the clean finished appearance from the room and the mechanical connection that sits out of sight during normal use.
Photo 5 · Hidden work: the vent connection behind the insert
Documenting the Hidden Side of the Installation
This photo complements the finished fireplace image shown earlier. From the living room, the project looks clean and simple. Behind the appliance, the vent connection reveals another layer of the installation. Consequently, keeping project photos of concealed work can help explain what was installed even after those components are no longer readily visible.STUV 6 Installation at a Glance
| Project component | Role in this installation |
|---|---|
| Existing masonry fireplace | Provided the opening and surrounding structure for the insert. |
| STUV 6 insert | Became the new wood-burning appliance inside the existing firebox. |
| Vent system | Extended from the appliance area through the existing masonry chimney. |
| Installation preparation | Formed part of the documented project scope. |
| Exterior termination | Completed the visible vent pathway at the chimney top. |
Why the Photos Matter for This Hawthorn Woods Project
The finished insert alone does not show everything involved in the project. Fortunately, this photo batch documents several stages and viewpoints that make the installation easier to understand.
First, the open masonry firebox establishes the starting point. Next, the finished appliance shows the visible transformation. Then, the liner and connection photos document hidden components within the system.
Finally, the chimney-top image completes the pathway outdoors. Together, those views connect the fireplace inside the home with the vent system traveling through the existing chimney.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was the STUV 6 installed into an existing fireplace?
Yes. The project invoice states that the STUV 6 wood-burning insert and vent system were installed into the existing masonry fireplace and chimney.
Was a vent system included with the installation?
Yes. The invoice lists the wood-burning insert and vent system together as the primary installation scope.
Did the original brick fireplace remain visible?
Yes. The project photographs show the existing brick surround and raised hearth remaining visible around the completed insert.
Did the project include installation preparation?
Yes. The invoice contains a separate STUV 6 installation-prep line, although it does not itemize the individual preparation tasks.
Where does the vent system terminate?
The project photographs show the vent system continuing through the masonry chimney to an exterior termination above the chimney top.
Professional STUV 6 Wood-Burning Insert Installation in Hawthorn Woods
This STUV 6 wood-burning insert installation in Hawthorn Woods demonstrates how an existing masonry fireplace can become the structure for a complete fireplace-insert and venting project.
The documented work combined the STUV 6 appliance, its vent system, and installation preparation. Meanwhile, the project photographs show both the finished living-room appearance and the components hidden behind and above the insert.
Ultimately, the project is best understood as a complete system rather than one appliance placed inside a fireplace. The existing masonry opening, new insert, concealed venting, connection point, and exterior termination all form parts of the finished installation.
Not sure what service your home needs? Start with a professional evaluation so the system can be identified, the visible conditions can be documented, and the right next step can be recommended.
Have a question about your chimney, fireplace, venting system, gutters, or dryer vent? Schedule a professional visit and get clear recommendations based on the actual condition of your home.
Categories: Chimney Care Chimney Inspection Gas Appliance Installation Gas Fireplace Insert Maintenance Hawthorn Woods Lake County Illinois Local Services Wood-Burning Insert Installation