Fireplace Installation Cost Calculator

Fireplace type is the main cost driver

Wood-burning, gas, and electric fireplaces each have very different installation requirements and costs, and this calculator prices your project based on the type you choose along with whether it's a new installation or a retrofit into an existing opening. A gas fireplace generally costs more to install than electric because it requires a gas line and venting, but it's often less labor-intensive than a masonry wood-burning fireplace built from scratch.

Electric fireplaces are typically the least expensive to install since they only need an electrical outlet and no venting or gas line, making them a common choice for retrofits where running new gas or masonry work isn't practical.

Venting and chimney work add significant cost

A wood-burning fireplace needs a properly built chimney or flue system, and adding one to a home that doesn't already have a chimney is one of the most expensive parts of a new fireplace installation, often rivaling the cost of the fireplace itself. Gas fireplaces typically use a simpler direct-vent system through an exterior wall, which is generally less expensive than a full masonry chimney but still adds meaningfully to the total cost compared with an electric unit.

If you're converting an existing wood-burning fireplace to gas, much of the structural and chimney work may already be in place, which can make the conversion considerably less expensive than a ground-up gas fireplace installation.

Surrounds, mantels, and finishing details

The fireplace unit itself is only part of the total cost. A surround, whether tile, stone, brick, or a wood mantel, is typically priced separately and can range from a modest finishing touch to a significant design investment depending on the materials chosen. Built-in shelving or cabinetry flanking the fireplace is a common add-on that's priced independently of the fireplace installation itself.

If you have a specific contractor quote, use the custom amount option to reflect your actual numbers, since gas line routing, chimney height, and local permit costs can all push a real quote well above a general estimate.

Permits and professional installation

Gas and wood-burning fireplace installations typically require a permit and inspection because of the fire and carbon monoxide safety considerations involved, and a licensed professional should handle gas line connections and venting in nearly all cases. Our hvac replacement cost calculator is worth a look if you're weighing a fireplace as a supplemental heat source alongside your home's primary heating system.