How much does it cost to install a gas fireplace?
How much does it cost to install a gas fireplace?
$2,300 – $10,000 average total cost
Cost to install gas fireplace
A gas fireplace installation costs $2,300 to $10,000 on average, depending on the size, vent type, and materials used. The labor cost to install a gas fireplace is $1,200 to $6,000. Ventless gas fireplaces typically cost less than vented or direct-vent units, but they’re less common because of the safety risks.
| National average cost | $6,200 |
| Minimum cost | $550 |
| Maximum cost | $20,000 |
| Average range | $2,300 to $10,000 |
Ventless vs. vented gas fireplaces
A gas fireplace may be vented, direct-vent, or ventless. The best choice for you depends on your location, budget, and desired fuel efficiency.
Ventless: Ventless fireplaces do not have a chimney or vent system and release heated air back into the home. These units are cheaper but are banned or heavily regulated in some areas because dangerous fumes can leak into the house.
Vented: Vented fireplaces have an open front and a vent that releases fumes outdoors. This is the most common option for gas fireplaces.
Direct-vent: This fireplace type has a sealed glass front and an exhaust vent. Direct-vent fireplaces are the safest option but often cost more than average.
Gas fireplace installation cost factors
The cost to install a gas fireplace depends mostly on local labor rates as well as material quality. Large fireplaces with premium features cost more to install than simple units with a small firebox.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Materials | $1,100 – $4,000 |
| Labor | $1,200 – $6,000 |
| Total cost | $2,300 – $10,000 |
The following factors may influence the cost to install a gas fireplace:
Prefabricated vs. custom: Custom fireplaces cost much more to build than installing a prefabricated firebox unit.
Chimney or vent: Most fireplace installers include the cost of a chimney or vent in their estimate. Adding or replacing a chimney costs $1,000 to $3,500.
Gas line: Gas line installation costs $12 to $25 per liner foot or $350 to $2,000 total if there is no existing line in the home. Extending an existing line to the fireplace costs $250 to $500.
Mantel: Adding a mantel costs $500 to $5,000, depending on the material and size. Mantels made of pine or metal cost much less than marble or hardwood.
Door: Glass fireplace doors cost $600 to $2,000 installed and help regulate the fireplace’s heat as well as improve safety.
Blower: A fireplace blower costs $100 to $500+ before installation and moves the hot air from the fireplace into the rest of your home. This helps increase efficiency and keeps your running costs low.
Permits: Building permits for installing a gas fireplace cost $100 to $500. The installer usually includes this fee in their labor costs.
Outdoor fireplace: An outdoor fireplace costs $1,500 to $9,000 installed, depending on the fuel type and material.
Convert to gas: Converting a wood fireplace to gas costs $1,500 to $8,000 on average.
Maintenance: Gas fireplaces typically require less upkeep than wood-burning ones, but you should wipe down any soot or buildup and have it inspected annually. Fireplace repairs cost $200 to $1,000 for gas units.
You can use a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or a home equity loan to finance your gas fireplace project.
Labor
Gas fireplace installers charge $1,200 to $6,000 in labor fees, depending on the fireplace size, type, and design. Adding features like a mantel, doors, or a blower increases labor costs.
Fireplace surround
The type of material surrounding the fireplace box affects the overall cost. Tile, stone, and brick are the most common surround materials. Most fireplace surrounds are about 5 to 25 square feet.
| Material type | Average cost per square foot installed |
|---|---|
| Brick | $25 – $50 |
| Concrete | $5 – $25 |
| Metal | $15 – $50 |
| Stone | $50 – $150 |
| Stone veneer | $45 – $75 |
| Tile | $10 – $50 |
Gas fireplace insert
A gas fireplace insert costs $2,000 to $5,000 installed on average. If you already have a wood-burning fireplace, gas inserts are a great alternative to converting it to gas or building an entire new fireplace.
Gas fireplace FAQs
What are the benefits of a gas fireplace?
Gas fireplaces are safer and more efficient than wood-burning fireplaces. Other benefits of installing a gas fireplace include:
They release fewer emissions than burning wood.
You don’t have to buy or cut firewood or clean up ash.
They don’t produce any flammable creosote.
You don’t need to sweep the chimney.
Who installs gas fireplaces?
Professional fireplace installers have the knowledge, skill, and experience necessary to install gas fireplaces safely. Hiring a handyperson or installing one yourself may save money, but it may result in gas leaks or repairs later.
Does a gas fireplace need a chimney?
Gas fireplaces do not necessarily need a masonry chimney and typically use a Class A flue or B-vent. Some gas stoves and fireplace cabinets have no vent at all, but they are highly regulated and banned in many areas because of the increased risk of toxic fumes leaking into the home.
Can you burn wood in a gas fireplace?
You should never burn wood in a gas fireplace. Wood burns at a higher temperature than natural gas, and gas fireboxes and vents aren’t designed to withstand the higher temperatures or emissions from burning wood. This may result in a house fire, carbon monoxide poisoning, or a gas line explosion.
Getting estimates for gas fireplace installers
Follow these steps when hiring a gas fireplace installer near you:
Get 3 or more estimates in person to compare.
Browse reviews and pictures of previous jobs on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask them for references from previous customers.
Choose a licensed, insured, and bonded gas fireplace installer.
Ask for a written, itemized estimate.
Never pay in full until they finish the installation.
Questions to ask gas fireplace installers
Ask these questions before hiring a fireplace installer:
Do you have pictures of similar fireplaces you’ve installed recently?
Are you National Fireplace Institute (NFI) certified?
How much experience do you have installing this type of fireplace?
Is this estimate free?
Will you hire any subcontractors to help install the fireplace?
How long will the fireplace installation take?
Will you need to extend or do any work on the gas line?
Will you need to do any electrical work?
Can I have a written copy of the contract and warranty?
What kind of vent or chimney will you install?
We use our proprietary database of project costs, personally contact industry experts to compile up-to-date pricing and insights, and conduct in-depth research to ensure accuracy in all our guides.