How much does a fireplace cost to install or build?
How much does a fireplace cost to install or build?
The average cost to build a fireplace is $2,415 with most homeowners spending $1,050 to $3,780 depending on if it's gas, wood-burning, or electric. A new fireplace unit costs $1,600 to $2,000 on average, while installation and finishing adds $2,100, or about 25% to 50% of total cost.
$1,900 – $5,600 Gas, Masonry, Wood-Burning Fireplace Cost
$100 – $2,200 Electric Fireplace Cost
The average cost to build a fireplace is $2,415 with most homeowners spending $1,050 to $3,780 depending on if it's gas, wood-burning, or electric. A new fireplace unit costs $1,600 to $2,000 on average, while installation and finishing adds $2,100, or about 25% to 50% of total cost.
Fireplace Cost
Fireplace installation costs $100 to $10,000, depending on the type. The cost to install a gas fireplace is $2,300 to $10,000, a traditional wood-burning fireplace runs $1,900 to $3,300, and an electric fireplace costs $200 to $3,000+ installed. Building a masonry fireplace costs $3,500 to $5,600.
Here are the average prices installed, which includes the flue, vent, or chimney.
| Fireplace Type | Cost To Install |
|---|---|
| Electric Fireplace | $200 – $3,000 |
| Wood-Burning Fireplace | $1,900 – $3,300 |
| Gas Fireplace | $2,300 – $10,000 |
| Masonry Fireplace | $3,500 – $5,600 |
Real estate agents see fireplaces adding anywhere between $1,000 and $5,000 to your home's value, especially in colder climates.
Fireplace Installation Cost by fuel type
A new gas, wood-burning, electric, or masonry fireplace firebox unit costs $1,100 to $2,800, or about $1,800 on average. Professional installation and finishing adds $800 to $2,800, bringing your overall cost to install a fireplace to $1,900 to $5,600. These prices are before adding a veneer, hearth, or mantel.
| Type | Material – Firebox Only | Labor – No Flue/Chimney |
|---|---|---|
| Masonry Fireplace | $1,136 – $1,454 | $2,210 – $2,941 |
| Gas Fireplace - vented | $1,085 – $2,861 | $2,500 – $2,822 |
| Wood-Burning Fireplace (9’ – 24’ chimney included) |
$1,250 – $2,063 | $670 – $1,463 |
| Electric Fireplace | $100 – $2,000 | $100 – $1,000 |
Wood-Burning Fireplace Installation Cost
The cost to install a wood-burning fireplace is $1,200 to $4,500 for a prefabricated unit, including a 9’ – 24’, 9” chimney. One of the bonuses of a traditional fireplace is that no masonry support is needed under the firebox. The chimney is insulated and has a flue, lining, damper, and roof flashing.
| Size | Average Cost Installed |
|---|---|
| 36” wide with a 9’ to 24’, 9” chimney | $1,900 – $3,300 |
| 42” wide with a 9’ to 24’, 9” chimney | $2,050 – $2,530 |
A wood-burning fireplace is a great option if you have access to an ample amount of wood and are looking to lower your electricity bills.
Cost To Convert Gas Fireplace To Wood-Burning
Converting a gas fireplace to a wood-burning one costs $100 to $300. However, if the fireplace is a zero-clearance or ventless fireplace with no flue, it likely cannot be converted.
If the fireplace already has a flue, the gas line will have to be capped, gas inserts removed, and the flue changed out by a professional. This is no DIY job because of the danger of smoke inhalation if it's not done right.
Cost To Install Gas Fireplace
The cost to install a gas fireplace ranges from $2,300 to $10,000. The labor cost alone for a vented, ventless, or direct-vent gas fireplace installation is $1,200 to $6,000.
Consider these gas fireplace benefits:
The overall maintenance of a gas fireplace is relatively low. There is no soot or ash to scrape out, therefore it requires no cleaning.
Gas burns the most efficiently out of all the choices, heating a room with less energy, and it only costs about $60 a year to run a gas fireplace.
A gas fireplace is a much better choice if you live in an earthquake-prone location.
Some sample prices for a direct-vent or vent-free gas fireplace without labor costs are:
| Model | Type | Average Cost (unit only)* |
|---|---|---|
| Empire Tahoe Deluxe 36" Direct-Vent NG Millivolt | Direct Vent | $1,600 |
| Majestic Athletic 35" Direct Vent Large Gas Insert | Direct Vent | $3,000 |
| Pleasant Hearth 36" Compact Convertible | Ventless | $700 |
| Empire Vent-Free Thermostat Fireplace Insert | Ventless | $1,300 |
| Emberglow Oakwood 22.75" (Propane) | Ventless | $160 |
| Pleasant Hearth 46" (Propane) | Ventless | $1,300 |
*Not including installation.
Cost to Install a Propane Fireplace
The average cost to install a ventless propane fireplace is $1,200, and the cost to convert a gas furnace to a propane furnace is about $25 to $100. The difference in price between a gas-fueled and propane-fueled fireplace is in the fuel cost. Less propane is needed to provide the same amount of heat as gas. Both are considered to burn clean, but natural gas burns cleaner.
Gas Fireplace Cost Per Hour
Natural gas burns at $0.70 an hour
Propane burns at $2.30 an hour
Gas Log Installation Cost
Gas log inserts cost $180 to $1,100. The $2,300 to $4,000 price of an installed gas-burning fireplace includes the price of the gas logs or gas inserts. Gas logs are available for vented or vent-free gas fireplaces.
Vent-free gas logs are cheaper and produce the most heat but release more carbon monoxide. An oxygen depletion sensor comes with unvented gas logs and will shut the fire off before levels of carbon monoxide get high. Choose based on fuel type, the addition of lava rock cinders, and a remote-control option.
| Model | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| ProCom 24" Vent-Free Natural Gas Log Set with Manual Control | $180 |
| Northern Flame Country Oak Vented Gas Log Set 24” | $400 |
| Napoleon Fiberglow Ceramic Vented Gas Log Set - 24" | $900 |
| NAPOLEON 30" Vent-Free Natural Gas Log Set | $1,100 |
How Much Does It Cost to Convert a Wood Fireplace To Gas?
The average cost to convert a wood-burning fireplace to gas is $300 to $2,000 for gas logs. A gas fireplace insert costs $2,000 to $5,000 installed and fits in an existing fireplace. Converting to gas requires installing a gas line and new flue liner.
Electric Fireplace Installation Cost
An electric fireplace costs $200 to $3,000+, including the unit and installation. Labor costs increase if you need to install a new outlet or if the fireplace needs to sit in or be attached to a wall.
A handyman charges $50 to $80 per hour and may have a minimum fee of $75 to $200. However, depending on the electric fireplace you purchase, you may be able to simply plug in the unit.
If you wish to place an electric fireplace insert in a masonry fireplace, you’ll need to close off the chimney and the damper, add a frame, and trim around the new firebox.
| Model | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Hampton Bay 23" Compact Electric Fireplace | $100 |
| XtremepowerUS 28.5" Embedded Electric Fireplace Insert | $120 |
| NAPOLEON 60" Wall-Mount Linear Electric Fireplace | $1,300 |
| NAPOLEON Allure 100" Wall-Mount Electric Fireplace | $2,200 |
Electric fireplaces are safe and more practical than traditional open-hearth fireplaces. Electric fireplaces run on 1,500 watts of electricity, which costs $0.15 per hour on average.
Consider these other benefits of an electric fireplace:
They require no clearance between combustible materials (like paneling, walls, or wood) and themselves because they maintain a cool exterior.
Electric fireplaces don't require a chimney or hearth.
They add a high aesthetic value to a room.
They are better at heating rooms, as their heat does not escape up a chimney.
Cost To Build A Fireplace
Building a new masonry fireplace costs between $3,500 to $5,600. The cost to install a prefabricated brick fireplace is $2,000 to $3,000, while an authentic mason-built brick fireplace can cost $10,000 or more.
| Material | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Masonry | $3,500 – $5,600 |
| Prefabricated Brick | $2,000 – $3,000 |
| Authentic Mason-built Brick | $10,000+ |
A typical wood-burning masonry fireplace is installed on a 12”-thick concrete foundation in a five-foot space which includes a firebox enclosed in a wall with a fireplace throat and smoke chamber, and it can include a gas valve. However, prefabricated fireplaces are much cheaper to install and cleaner to run.
Costs To Add Fireplace To A Home
The total cost to add a fireplace ranges from $100 to $5,600, depending on which fuel source you select. Of that total cost, the cost to install a fireplace and to buy the firebox the fire burns inside are two different price points to consider.
| Factors | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Gas Fireplace (Firebox - vented) | $1,100 – $2,900 |
| Gas Line Installation | $500 – $2,200 |
| Gas Valve, Log Lighter, and Key Installation | $190 – $250 |
| Electric Prefab Fireplace Body and Grate | $100 – $2,500 |
| Wiring | $140 – $200 |
| Assembly & Customization | $350 – $3,000 |
| Ventilation | $400 – $2,000 |
Do you want a large mantel, simple mantel shelf, ornate frieze, or inlay brickwork? Is the area irregular or difficult to add fittings and moldings to? There is also the cost of materials used to assemble the mantel or surrounding molding, like plaster.
Plaster and frieze will cost $13 per linear foot.
A mantel shelf with custom fitting and installation costs $100 to $110 per mantel.
Installing a pine mantel ranges from $1,100 to $3,000 for a more ornate, stained piece.
Cost To Build Outdoor Fireplace
An outdoor fireplace costs $140 to $3,500+ before installation. Masonry and chimney construction typically adds $1,000 to $2,000 to your cost.
Indoor and outdoor models are built the same way, but outdoor models are more flexible on fireplace codes. Additional charges may come with masonry work to build a surround structure of the firebox, such as a hearth.
| Model | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Uniflame 40.5" H Black Steel Wood-Burning Outdoor Fireplace | $140 |
| RumbleStone 84" x 38.5" x 94.5" Outdoor Stone Fireplace | $2,786 |
| Stone Arch 50" Stucco Gas Fireplace | $2,999 |
| Cal Flame 48" Propane Gas Outdoor Fireplace in Porcelain Tile | $3,411 |
An outdoor fireplace is an excellent alternative to a firepit.
Indoor-Outdoor Fireplace Cost
An indoor-outdoor fireplace cost depends on your budget. Prices start at $1,900 but can reach $11,000 or more, depending on the size and features.
A trim kit costs $300 to $920. If it’s not included in the price, you’ll also need to buy a kit which allows for installation on the exterior wall and includes a double glass window and a barrier screen. Wiring, connection, and installation of a heater in a closed wall costs $140 to $200.
These fireplaces can be installed on exterior walls so they can be seen from both inside and outside. The cost is the same as installing an indoor fireplace, but you may be quoted a higher estimate than usual for the hole that has to be cut to create an opening to the outside.
| Model | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| CLEARion 50 Inch See Thru Electric Fireplace | $1,900 |
| Superior VRL4543 Ventless See-Through Linear Gas Fireplace - 43" | $2,300 |
| Empire Boulevard Ventless See-Through Gas Fireplace - 60" | $4,200 |
| Fortress See-Through Indoor to Outdoor Gas Fireplace MAJESTIC | $7,900 |
| Napoleon Vector 74 See-Through Gas Fireplace | $11,500 |
Cost To Install Gas Line For Fireplace
The cost to install and run a gas line to a fireplace is $12 to $25 per linear foot or $350 to $2,000. If your home has an existing gas line, extending it to the fireplace costs $250 to $500 on average. Bringing gas upstairs typically costs more.
If you have no connection to the main gas line, some gas companies will install the line at no charge if you sign up for monthly gas service.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Gas line installation from interior gas meter to fireplace | $30 – $40 per linear foot |
| Gas line installation from gas meter to street | $12 – $25 per linear foot |
| Gas Line Permit | $50+ |
Labor Cost To Put In A Fireplace
The labor cost to put in a fireplace ranges from $300 to $3,000, with most homeowners spending $2,100 for both installation and finishing.
| Fireplace Type | Labor Cost |
|---|---|
| Refabricated Metal Firebox Body | $280 – $360 |
| Wood-burning Fireplace With Chimney | $670 – $1,460 |
| Masonry Fireplace | $2,210 – $2,940 |
Extra costs to remove an existing fireplace may apply, depending on the type and the extent of the demolition.
Fireplace Masonry & Customizations Cost
Customizations usually include adding a decorative mantel or brickwork around the opening. Masonry work will be the most expensive customization you can do to improve the overall aesthetic and is not typically done by the professional installing the firebox.
A small fireplace hearth is about 4” to 8” thick and usually extends 16” in front of the fireplace with 8” more on each side. A larger fireplace extends approximately 20” in front and 12” more on each side.
| Customization | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Brick Veneer Face | $95 – $100 per square foot |
| Cobblestone Veneer Face | $35 – $40 per square foot |
| Limestone Veneer Face or Hearth | $50 – $55 per square foot |
| 1 ¼” Marble Face or Hearth | $90 – $95 per square foot |
| Steel bar fireplace grate | $50 – $120 |
| Modern 11” x 77” Pine Mantel | $1,500 |
Fireplace Wiring
Wiring a fireplace is necessary if you have to plug in an electric fireplace. If you install a combustion air inlet kit, it will need to be wired to the main control panel too.
| Wiring | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Install a New Outlet | $150 – $350 |
| Install a New Switch | $100 – $300 |
| Additional Wiring | $5 – $17 /LF |
Additional Costs
There are add-ons and other costs to consider when building your fireplace. For instance, you can buy a chimney liner kit for $90 to $700 with a selection of some or all the following: liner, flex pipe, cap, top plate, flashing, mortar sleeve.
| Item | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Fireplace Blower | $40 – $250 |
| Chimney Liner Costs | $30 – $120 per foot |
| Chimney Liner Kit | $90 – $700 |
| Fireplace Flex Pipe | $1,271 per 25’ pipe |
| Fireplace Damper Installation | $107 – $451 |
| Fireplace Glass Door | $124 – $3,217 |
| Old Firebox or Furnace Removal | $50 – $155 |
| Gas Pipe Installation | $30 – $43 /LF |
| Gas Log Lighter | $56 – $75 |
| Gas Valve for Log Lighter | $67 – $88 |
Cost To Run Gas & Electric Fireplaces
The average cost to run a natural gas fireplace is $0.70 per hour, or about $60 per year, while propane costs $2.30 per hour. The cost to run an electric fireplace is $0.15 per hour.
| Type | Cost To Run Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Natural Gas | $0.70 |
| Electric | $0.15 |
| Propane | $2.30 |
Vented Vs. Ventless Fireplace installation costs
On average, a ventilation system for a fireplace costs $1,200 installed, with prices ranging from $200 to $3,000 depending on the vent system's location and any local regulations. A direct vent is installed in the form of a flue or chimney, unless you’re installing a ventless fireplace.
Choosing a proper venting option is critical to the efficiency and safety of your fireplace. Venting is essential to clean the smoke or polluted air out of your living room.
Natural Vents
Natural vents or B-vents require pipes from fireplaces in the home to exit above the roof. They circulate air from the room for combustion (feeding the fire oxygen), which makes the fire burn more efficiently with the same amount of energy. Those fumes or burned air are then circulated outside, and only some of the rising heat is also sent outside.
Ventless or Vent-Free
Ventless fireplaces require no ventilation, and they are less expensive. Rooms are also heated more efficiently since no heat escapes up a vent. With the exclusions of bedrooms and bathrooms, these fireplaces can be installed anywhere in the home.
However, they are not as safe as vented fireplaces because the air pollutants and combustion levels can build up, especially in a well-insulated home or one with active fans, burning candles, and drafts.
Ventless fireplaces come with oxygen level sensors that mechanically shut off the system before pollutants get too high, but they are not 100% reliable, and some states will not allow them. Ventless systems are not recommended if you have breathing problems, like asthma.
Direct Vents
Direct-vent fireplaces pull air to the outside, keeping your home safe from pollutants. They can either vent horizontally through a wall or vertically through the roof, making their installation versatile and easy to work with. They are the most installed ventilation type of fireplace because of their safety in the home. These vents are best suited for a new home or a home that has been updated to be airtight.
Chimney Flue Cost
A chimney flue costs $1,200 installed, with prices ranging from $58 to $80 per linear foot. Even gas-burning fireplaces need proper ventilation to keep the air quality of your home breathable. Vented gas logs create a little bit of smoke that needs to be released up a flue (chimney). The design of your home and where your fireplace will go will determine the ideal vent length.
| Item | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 8” inside diameter double wall fireplace flue | $60 Per LF |
| 10” inside diameter double wall fireplace flue | $80 Per LF |
| Pass flue through ceiling | $200 |
| Flashing and storm collar for roof | $300 – $350 |
| Total (12’ x 8” Flue) | $1,300 |
Chimney Installation Cost
The cost to build a chimney is $1,000 to $3,500 or $100 to $400 per linear foot, depending on the number of flues. A chimney or an opening connected to the exterior of a home transfer the fumes outside. This type of ventilation is called a direct-vent system.
| Type | Cost Per Linear Foot |
|---|---|
| Single Flue | $100 – $300 |
| Double Flue | $200 – $400 |
Pros & cons by fireplace type
Fireplace prices differ quite a bit depending on the fuel type—gas, electric, or wood-burning. While one type might be cheaper to install, another might be cheaper to run over the years and last longer.
With gas fireplaces, you don't have to worry about getting up to throw more wood on a dying fire, while installing a wood-burning stove or fireplace in your home can provide an additional source of heat that doesn't require gas or electricity.
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Gas | Low maintenance, no cleaning required, burns the most efficiently. | Requires gas line installation and ongoing utility costs. |
| Electric | Lowest upfront cost and the lowest price to run per hour. Easy to maintain. | Requires wiring installation and ongoing electricity costs. |
| Wood-burning | Uses wood logs which lowers energy bills. | Soot buildup occurs and requires frequent cleaning. |
Reasons To Install A Fireplace
Energy Savings
A fireplace has a high energy-efficiency compared to an HVAC system.
Natural gas burns clean with energy costs at $0.70 per hour, making it an eco-friendly option.
A direct-vent gas fireplace has an energy rating of 60% to 80% and draws in outside air, which keeps the flame burning and gets rid of all the by-product and combustion gases.
Wood burning fireplaces are the most energy-efficient choice and do not require a fuel source to generate heat other than adding more logs.
Maintenance & Upkeep
Gas and electric fireplaces are low maintenance, and no annual cleaning is required. It's recommended to get a yearly chimney inspection for $125 which covers the venting, pilot light, fan, and burner. For wood-burning fireplaces, chimney cleaning costs $150 to $375 per year.
Home & Resale Value
In a recent survey of real estate agents, more than 83% see fireplaces adding $1,000 to $5,000 to a home’s resale value. This is especially true in colder climates.
Rebates
Some states give tax deductions or utility bill discounts for having fireplaces in the home. There are cash incentives and rebates for converting an old wood-burning fireplace into one that burns clean fuel like gas. A professional fireplace installer can determine which rebates your fireplace qualifies for, and you can also contact your local energy board for info.
Fireplace Installation FAQs
Are Wood-Burning Fireplaces Permitted in Your Area?
Ask your local fire department or Homeowners Association (HOA) for building code requirements about the new construction of a wood-burning fireplace. Some counties only allow fireplace remodels, while others require a fireplace permit to limit the number of new builds per year.
Can You Install a Wood-Burning Fireplace in an Existing Home?
Yes, you can install a new wood-burning fireplace in an existing home, as long as there is room for the chimney and no local building codes restrict the construction.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Fireplace Glass Doors?
Glass fireplace door prices vary by size and style. The labor cost to install new doors is $70 to $160.
How Much Does a Linear Gas Fireplace Cost?
A linear fireplace will cost the same as a gas fireplace—around $2,300 to $4,000. These are also called rectangular or contemporary fireplaces.
How Much Does It Cost To Install A Gas Fireplace In Basement?
On average, the cost to install a gas fireplace in a basement is $1,700 to $4,300.
Cost of a Free-Standing Gas Fireplace
A free-standing gas fireplace costs $1,700 to $4,300, including professional installation.
How Much Does a Gel Fuel Fireplace Cost?
Gel fuel is used in ventless fireplaces, which can be easily installed by a homeowner. The fireplaces range from small tabletop units—the size of a large bowl—with prices starting at $50, going up to $16,000 for larger outdoor units that can extend 140 inches wide. The gel fuel comes in canisters, and its cost ranges from less than a dollar for a short burn period to $2,600 for up to 180 gallons worth.
How Much Does a Fireplace Inspection Cost?
A fireplace inspection costs $92 to $651, depending on damages and level of filth. An inspection involves checking for buildup and looking at the chimney to see if sweeps are necessary.
Hiring A Fireplace Installer
Before signing a contract, get 3 to 5 quotes from reputable fireplace installers and select the best one. Be wary of selecting the lowest quote as the installer may be unlicensed or inexperienced.
Only consider quotes from contractors who will come to your home to give an accurate bid.
Confirm the contractor is licensed, bonded, and insured.
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Choose a company that has been in business for 5+ years.
Choose the best warranty on labor.
Make sure the fireplace recommended for your home is the correct size and BTU (heat) output.