Fireplace Cost Calculator
* Estimates for budgeting purposes. Get professional quotes for exact pricing.
Disclaimer: Estimates are for budgeting purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, material availability, and project complexity. Always get professional quotes for exact pricing.
Fireplace Cost by Type
| Fireplace Type | Cost Range | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Gas Insert | $2,000 – $5,500 | Insert, venting, installation |
| Wood-Burning | $2,000 – $5,000 | Prefab firebox, installation |
| Electric | $1,000 – $2,500 | Unit, wiring, installation |
| Masonry | $5,000 – $15,000 | Foundation, firebox, chimney |
* Add $1,500–$4,000 for chimney work, $500–$1,500 for gas line, $500–$2,000 for mantel.
How We Calculate
Our fireplace cost calculator estimates project costs based on fireplace type and add-ons. Pricing includes professional installation, materials, and labor.
How the math works: Base fireplace cost (varies by type) + chimney work ($1,500–$4,000 if needed) + gas line ($500–$1,500 if needed) + mantel ($500–$2,000 if needed) = total project cost.
Fireplace Types
Gas Insert ($2,000–$5,500): Fits into existing fireplace opening or new construction. Includes direct-vent or vent-free models. 70–90% heating efficiency. Requires gas line connection. Instant on/off with remote or wall switch. No wood storage or ash cleanup. Most popular choice for homeowners.
Wood-Burning ($2,000–$5,000): Prefabricated zero-clearance firebox with metal chimney. Traditional ambiance with real wood fire. 10–20% efficiency for open fireplace, 70–80% for EPA-certified insert. Requires chimney and annual cleaning. Need wood storage and regular ash removal.
Electric ($1,000–$2,500): No venting or gas line required. Plug-in or hardwired installation. LED flame effects with adjustable heat output. Zone heating for single rooms. Lowest installation cost. Safe for apartments, condos, and bedrooms. 100% electricity-to-heat conversion.
Masonry Fireplace ($5,000–$15,000): Full brick or stone fireplace built from scratch. Includes foundation, firebox, damper, smoke chamber, flue, and chimney. Custom design with stone or brick facing. Adds significant home value. Requires structural support and building permit. Most expensive but most impressive option.
Add-On Components
Chimney work ($1,500–$4,000): Required for wood-burning and some gas fireplaces. Includes prefab metal chimney, flashing, cap, and chase cover. Masonry chimneys cost more ($5,000–$10,000). Relining existing chimney costs $1,500–$3,500.
Gas line ($500–$1,500): Required for gas inserts and gas logs. Includes running black iron or CSST flexible gas pipe from main line, shutoff valve, and connection. Must be installed by licensed plumber or gas fitter. Permit required in most areas.
Mantel ($500–$2,000): Decorative shelf above fireplace. Wood mantels $500–$1,200, stone or marble $1,000–$2,000. Includes mounting hardware and installation. Custom mantels cost more. Adds finished look and display space.
Data Sources
Pricing from HomeAdvisor, Angi, and fireplace contractor estimates. We review and update regularly.
Last updated: 2026-02-11
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to install a fireplace? +
Fireplace installation costs $1,000–$15,000 depending on type. Electric fireplaces are cheapest at $1,000–$2,500 installed. Gas inserts run $2,000–$5,500 including venting. Wood-burning fireplaces cost $2,000–$5,000 for prefab or $5,000–$15,000 for full masonry construction. Add $1,500–$4,000 for chimney work, $500–$1,500 for a gas line, and $500–$2,000 for a mantel.
What is the cheapest type of fireplace to install? +
Electric fireplaces are the cheapest at $1,000–$2,500 fully installed. They require no venting, no gas line, and no chimney — just an electrical outlet or hardwired connection. Wall-mounted electric units start around $500–$1,000 for the unit itself. Electric inserts that fit into existing fireplace openings cost $800–$1,800. Operating costs are also low at about $0.08–$0.15 per hour.
Gas fireplace vs wood-burning: which costs more? +
Gas inserts cost $2,000–$5,500 installed, while wood-burning fireplaces run $2,000–$5,000 for prefab or $5,000–$15,000 for masonry. However, gas fireplaces need a gas line ($500–$1,500) if one doesn't exist. Wood-burning requires a chimney ($1,500–$4,000) and annual cleaning ($150–$300). Long-term, gas is cheaper to operate at $0.20–$0.40/hour vs wood at $1–$3/hour for firewood.
Do I need a permit to install a fireplace? +
Yes, most jurisdictions require a building permit for fireplace installation, typically costing $100–$500. Gas fireplaces need both a building permit and a gas permit. Wood-burning fireplaces require a building permit and chimney inspection. Electric fireplaces may not require a permit if plugged in, but hardwired installations typically do. Check with your local building department — unpermitted work can cause issues when selling your home.
How much does chimney work cost? +
Chimney installation or repair costs $1,500–$4,000. New chimney construction for a wood-burning fireplace runs $2,000–$4,000 for a prefab metal chimney or $5,000–$10,000 for a masonry chimney. Chimney relining costs $1,500–$3,500 for stainless steel liner. A chimney cap adds $150–$500. Annual chimney cleaning and inspection costs $150–$300 and is recommended for all wood-burning fireplaces.
How long does fireplace installation take? +
Electric fireplace: 1–2 hours for plug-in, 4–8 hours for built-in with wall recess. Gas insert: 1–2 days including gas line and venting. Prefab wood-burning: 2–3 days with chimney. Full masonry fireplace: 1–3 weeks including foundation, firebox, chimney, and finishing. Most gas and electric installations can be completed in a single day by a qualified installer.
What is the most efficient type of fireplace? +
Gas fireplaces are the most efficient at 70–90% efficiency for direct-vent models. Electric fireplaces convert nearly 100% of electricity to heat but cost more to run per BTU. Traditional wood-burning fireplaces are only 10–20% efficient — most heat goes up the chimney. EPA-certified wood stoves reach 70–80% efficiency. If heating efficiency is your priority, a direct-vent gas insert or high-efficiency wood stove offers the best value.
Can I convert a wood-burning fireplace to gas? +
Yes, converting wood to gas costs $2,000–$5,500 for a gas insert plus $500–$1,500 for a gas line if not already present. The process involves installing a gas log set ($500–$2,000) or gas insert ($2,000–$4,500) into the existing firebox, running a gas line, adding a vent liner ($500–$1,500), and capping the chimney. A gas insert is more efficient (70–90%) than gas logs (20–30%). Professional installation is required for gas connections.
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