How Much Does It Cost to Install a Fireplace?
$2,000 to $10,000 is the typical cost to install a fireplace, with the national average around $5,000. The total price depends on the type of fireplace you choose, how much venting work is needed, and the finish you want around the opening.
A gas fireplace is the most popular choice for new installations because it provides real flames with no wood hauling, ash cleanup, or creosote buildup. Gas inserts that fit into an existing opening cost the least, while building a brand-new masonry fireplace from scratch is the most expensive route. Electric and ethanol fireplaces fall on the budget end since they skip the venting entirely.
Whether you are adding warmth to a living room or upgrading an old wood-burning setup to gas, the numbers below will help you budget for the project.
Fireplace Installation Cost by Type
$500 to $10,000 is the full range across all fireplace types. Here is what each option costs on average, fully installed.
| Fireplace Type | Cost Range (Installed) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Gas fireplace insert | $2,000 - $5,000 | Upgrading an existing wood-burning fireplace to gas |
| Gas direct vent fireplace | $3,500 - $8,000 | New installation in a room without an existing chimney |
| Wood-burning insert | $3,000 - $5,000 | Improving efficiency of an existing masonry fireplace |
| Wood-burning masonry fireplace | $5,000 - $10,000 | Traditional look with real wood fire and full chimney |
| Electric fireplace | $500 - $2,500 | Budget-friendly option, apartments, no venting needed |
| Ethanol fireplace | $1,000 - $3,000 | Modern design, ventless operation, real flame |
Gas fireplace inserts are the sweet spot for most homeowners. They give you real flames, adjustable heat output, and remote control operation without the mess of burning wood. If you already have an existing chimney and firebox, a gas insert is the fastest and most affordable way to get a working fireplace.
Gas Fireplace Insert ($2,000 - $5,000)
A gas fireplace insert slides into your existing firebox and connects to a gas line. The insert uses your existing chimney with an added liner, or can be set up as a ventless unit in some areas. Units range from 20,000 to 40,000 BTUs, enough to heat a 1,000 to 2,000 square foot area. Installation takes 1 to 2 days and includes the unit, gas connection, liner (if vented), and basic finishing around the opening.
Gas Direct Vent Fireplace ($3,500 - $8,000)
A direct vent gas fireplace is a self-contained unit that vents horizontally through an exterior wall or vertically through the roof. This is the go-to option when you want a gas fireplace in a room that has no existing chimney. The sealed combustion design draws air from outside rather than from your living space, making it more efficient than a traditional open fireplace. Installation runs higher because the contractor needs to cut through the wall, install the vent pipe, and frame the surround.
Wood-Burning Insert ($3,000 - $5,000)
A wood-burning insert fits into an existing masonry fireplace and dramatically improves heating efficiency. An open fireplace loses 80% to 90% of its heat up the chimney, while an EPA-certified insert captures 70% to 80% of the heat. The insert requires a stainless steel chimney liner ($500 to $1,500), which is included in most installation quotes. If your existing chimney needs repairs before the insert goes in, check our chimney repair cost guide ($200 to $5,000) for what to expect.
Wood-Burning Masonry Fireplace ($5,000 - $10,000)
Building a new masonry fireplace from scratch is the most expensive option. It involves constructing a concrete foundation, laying brick or stone for the firebox and chimney, installing a damper and flue liner, and finishing the surround. The chimney alone can account for $2,000 to $4,000 of the total. Permits, inspections, and engineering reviews add another $500 to $1,000. This is a major construction project ($100 to $400 per sq ft) that takes 1 to 3 weeks to complete.
Electric Fireplace ($500 - $2,500)
Electric fireplaces are the simplest to install. Wall-mounted units and mantel packages just plug into a standard 120V outlet. Built-in models that recess into the wall need minor framing work and a dedicated circuit, which pushes installation costs toward the $1,500 to $2,500 range. Electric fireplaces produce 4,000 to 9,000 BTUs, enough to heat a single room. They cost about $0.08 to $0.15 per hour to run, which is cheaper per hour than gas but produces less heat overall.
Ethanol Fireplace ($1,000 - $3,000)
Ethanol fireplaces burn bioethanol fuel to produce a real flame without any venting, gas line, or electrical hookup. Wall-mounted and tabletop models start around $500 for the unit, while built-in recessed models run $1,000 to $2,500 for the unit plus $500 to $1,000 for installation. They produce 5,000 to 15,000 BTUs but burn through $2 to $5 worth of fuel per hour, making them the most expensive to operate long-term.
Venting Options and Costs
$0 to $3,000 is the range for venting depending on your fireplace type and home layout. Venting is one of the biggest variables in your total installation cost.
| Venting Method | Cost | Compatible With |
|---|---|---|
| Existing chimney (with new liner) | $500 - $1,500 | Gas inserts, wood-burning inserts |
| New direct vent (through wall or roof) | $1,000 - $3,000 | Gas direct vent fireplaces |
| Ventless / vent-free | $0 | Some gas units, ethanol, electric |
| N/A (electric - no venting) | $0 | All electric fireplaces |
Ventless gas fireplaces skip the vent pipe entirely and release exhaust directly into the room. They are legal in most states but banned in California, Massachusetts, and some cities. A ventless unit is $500 to $1,000 cheaper to install than a vented model, but many homeowners prefer vented units for better air quality. Always check your local building codes before choosing ventless.
Surround and Finish Costs
$300 to $5,000+ is the range for the mantel, surround, and hearth that frame your fireplace. The finish work is where you can really control your budget.
| Surround Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Basic wood mantel | $300 - $800 |
| Tile surround | $800 - $2,000 |
| Stone veneer surround | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Full floor-to-ceiling stone or brick | $3,000 - $5,000+ |
A basic mantel shelf with a simple tile or painted surround keeps finish costs under $1,000. Stacked stone, floor-to-ceiling tile, or custom millwork can double or triple the finish cost. If you are on a tight budget, start with the fireplace unit and a basic surround, then upgrade the finish later as a separate project.
Additional Cost Factors
$500 to $3,000 in extras can push your total above the base installation price. These are the most common add-on costs.
- New gas line: $500 to $1,500 if gas does not already run to the fireplace location. Longer runs and lines that pass through finished walls cost more.
- Permits and inspections: $100 to $500 in most cities. Gas and wood-burning installations almost always require permits.
- Electrical work: $200 to $500 for a dedicated circuit if installing a built-in electric fireplace or adding an outlet near a gas unit for the blower and ignition.
- Hearth pad: $200 to $800 for a non-combustible hearth in front of a wood-burning fireplace. Required by code in most areas.
- Chimney cap and rain cover: $200 to $600 for new chimneys. Keeps water and animals out of the flue.
- Old fireplace removal: $500 to $2,000 if you are tearing out an existing setup to start fresh.
Gas Fireplace vs. Wood-Burning vs. Electric
$500 to $10,000 is the range across all three main categories. Choosing the right type for your situation comes down to upfront cost, operating cost, and how much you value the experience of a real wood fire.
| Factor | Gas Fireplace | Wood-Burning | Electric |
|---|---|---|---|
| Install cost | $2,000 - $8,000 | $3,000 - $10,000 | $500 - $2,500 |
| Operating cost/hr | $0.40 - $0.70 | $1.00 - $3.00 | $0.08 - $0.15 |
| Heat output (BTU) | 20,000 - 40,000 | 30,000 - 70,000 | 4,000 - 9,000 |
| Maintenance | Annual inspection ($100-$200) | Annual sweep + inspection ($150-$350) | None |
| Convenience | Remote/switch on/off | Manual fire building | Remote/switch on/off |
A gas fireplace hits the middle ground for most homeowners. It produces real flames and meaningful heat, starts with the flip of a switch, and costs a fraction of what a wood-burning masonry build runs. Wood-burning is the right choice if you love the crackle, smell, and ritual of a real fire and do not mind the extra maintenance. Electric makes sense for bedrooms, apartments, condos, or any room where running a vent or gas line is impractical or too expensive.
How to Save Money on Fireplace Installation
$500 to $3,000 in savings is achievable with smart planning. Here is how to keep costs down without cutting corners.
- Choose an insert over new construction. If you have an existing fireplace opening, a gas or wood insert saves $2,000 to $5,000 compared to building from scratch.
- Install on an exterior wall. Direct vent gas fireplaces are cheapest when the vent runs straight through the wall behind the unit. Interior wall installations need longer vent runs that add $500 to $1,500.
- Get at least 3 quotes. Fireplace installation prices vary widely. One contractor may charge $3,000 for the same gas insert job another quotes at $5,000.
- Schedule in spring or summer. Fireplace installers are busiest in fall and early winter. Off-season scheduling can save 10% to 20% on labor.
- Start with a basic surround. A simple mantel costs $300 to $800. You can upgrade to stone or custom millwork later without touching the fireplace unit.
- Buy the unit yourself. Some installers mark up the fireplace unit 20% to 40%. Buying directly from a dealer or online and hiring a contractor for installation only can save $500 to $1,500.
- Check for gas utility rebates. Some natural gas providers offer $200 to $500 rebates for installing a gas fireplace or gas insert. Call your utility company before starting the project.
Need fireplace tools? Grab a complete set of fireplace tools and accessories for your new setup.
Shop on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to install a fireplace?
Fireplace installation costs $2,000 to $10,000 on average, with the national average around $5,000. A gas fireplace insert runs $2,000 to $5,000 installed. A gas direct vent fireplace costs $3,500 to $8,000. Wood-burning inserts cost $3,000 to $5,000, while full masonry wood-burning fireplaces run $5,000 to $10,000. Electric fireplaces are the cheapest at $500 to $2,500.
What is the cheapest type of fireplace to install?
Electric fireplaces are the cheapest to install at $500 to $2,500 total. They plug into a standard outlet, need no venting or gas line, and most homeowners can install a wall-mounted unit themselves for under $1,000. However, electric fireplaces produce less heat than gas or wood-burning options and cost more to operate per hour.
How much does a gas fireplace cost to run per hour?
A gas fireplace costs $0.40 to $0.70 per hour to operate, depending on your local natural gas rate and the BTU output of the unit. A typical 30,000 BTU gas fireplace uses about 30 cubic feet of gas per hour. Running a gas fireplace 4 hours per day through winter adds $60 to $120 per month to your gas bill.
Do I need a permit to install a fireplace?
Yes, most jurisdictions require a building permit for fireplace installation. Permits typically cost $100 to $500 depending on your city. Gas fireplace installations also require a gas line permit and inspection. Wood-burning fireplaces may need additional clearance from your local fire marshal. Your installer should handle the permitting process, but always confirm before signing a contract.
Does adding a fireplace increase home value?
A fireplace adds roughly $1,000 to $5,000 to your home's resale value, with an average return of 50% to 75% of the installation cost according to real estate appraisers. Gas fireplaces offer the best return because buyers prefer the convenience of no wood hauling or ash cleanup. In colder climates, a fireplace can be a strong selling point that helps your home sell faster.