How much will your fireplace and chimney installation cost?

Ashburn, VA 20149

Fireplace and Chimney Specialists on Thumbtack cost$220 - $230

Average fixed price

  • Lowest price:$140
  • Most common low price:$220
  • Most common high price:$230
  • Highest price:$290

How much does fireplace installation cost?

Installing a fireplace costs $2,643, on average. Ultimately, the price depends on the finishes you choose, the type of fireplace you want and labor costs in your area.

Fireplace installation cost:

National average cost

$2,643

Minimum cost

$99

Maximum cost

$8,500

If you're thinking about getting a new fireplace installed in your home, read this guide to learn how to estimate your costs and receive price quotes from professionals near you.

How much does it cost to install a fireplace?

The cost of installing a fireplace will depend on the type of fireplace you choose. Due to the high cost of materials and the amount of work involved, wood-burning fireplaces are typically more expensive for homeowners. On the other hand, electric fireplaces can cost less because they require little labor and are easy to install. The price will also vary if you need additional work done, such as electric wiringgas lines or chimney repair.

Cost to install a wood-burning fireplace

Wood-burning fireplaces can provide the heat and aesthetic that you’re looking for in your home. A contractor can build one with brick and natural stone for an authentic masonry fireplace, or you can purchase a prefabricated fireplace unit. However, they do require the most amount of maintenance, including regular chimney cleaning and general cleaning of wood and ash.

The cost to install open-faced prefabricated wood fireplaces is about $2,500, says Joe Hemmelgarn of My Hoosier Hearth. Closed-face fireplaces range from about $3,500 to $7,500 installed, depending on the appliance and fireplace facing materials. Here are some cost examples of costs for specific jobs:

Description

Cost

Details

Company

36-inch-wide, prefabricated, wood-burning fireplace

$2,200

Cost included installation & a 14 ft. offset chimney

My Hoosier Hearth

EPA-certified, close-faced, cast-iron-front, wood-burning fireplace

$4,850 ($3,000 for appliance, $1,200 for venting and $650 for installation)

Cost included removal of old, open-faced, prefabricated fireplace and installation.

My Hoosier Hearth

36-inch-wide, wood-burning fireplace with a bi-fold door

$7,500 ($4,000 for prefabricated fireplace, venting and chase cover, $3,500 for installation)

This fireplace was installed in a new construction home and the project time was under one day.

Pennell’s Masonry

Cost to install a gas fireplace

Gas fireplaces run on natural gas, which makes them an inexpensive heating source. There are a few different types that offer the option to vent outside. The installation for these traditional vented gas fireplaces cost between $3,500 and $8,000, according to Bob Villa. There are also ventless gas fireplaces, which cost around $1,000 to $5,000. 

Compare prices from fireplace and chimney specialists near you.

Electric fireplace installation cost

Electric fireplaces are relatively inexpensive to install. They also provide a safer alternative to traditional fireplaces for people who have animals or small children. Electric fireplace prices can reach $1,200 or more at retailers, depending on the style you choose. 

When it comes to electricity usage, an electric fireplace will cost between $50 and $80 a year, according to Hunker. That’s less than the $200 to $500 annual cost for gas fireplaces.

Additional cost factors

Installation costs can also be impacted by how much additional work the homeowner may need to complete. There’s a variety of facing materials to choose from when constructing a fireplace, including:

  • Crown molding: This type of trim is priced by the linear foot and can be used as a mantel and statement piece for your fireplace wall. The design of the molding, type of material and height of your ceiling can each influence the labor cost.
  • Masonry: If you purchase a wood-burning stove or gas fireplace that requires a vent, you will need to pay for the necessary masonry work to install the proper chimney or venting area.
  • Facing: This is the surround, mantel or enclosure for your fireplace. This also could involve some masonry work since you can have a brick or stone fireplace facing. Other materials can be marble, tile or granite. These facings range in cost due to custom fittings.
  • Gas or electric lines: For natural gas fireplace installation, you will need to have gas plumbing lines run through your house. If you choose an electric unit, you may need to install additional electrical wiring or an outlet to ensure that you can place the fireplace where you want it.
  • Location: The average cost of labor in your area will affect your overall cost.

Pellet stove installation cost

Pellet stoves are easy to operate and are considered a clean form of heating. Pellet stoves cost between $1,700 and $3,000 to install, according to the Department of Energy. Pellet fuel is usually sold in 40-pound bags, which cost $3 to $4 each.

Cost to build outdoor fireplace

Outdoor fireplaces can range significantly in design, size, and material. You can purchase factory-built fireplace kits that can be installed by a professional, or you can have one custom-built to fit your home’s needs. The labor cost for an outdoor fireplace can range from $150 to $550, depending on the design's complexity and size. 

When choosing an outdoor fireplace, check your local building codes for the required distance from other structures, what types of fireplaces are allowed and any height regulations for the chimney.

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Fireplace installation process

Once you have chosen which type of fireplace you want to be installed, the professional will determine what work needs to be done to get your house ready for installation. If you choose a wood-burning or gas stove that requires ventilation, you’ll need a chimney built or a vent inserted into your home. If you select a gas fireplace, you might need gas line installation services. An electric fireplace may require additional wiring to be installed. 

Once all these elements are in place, the professional can place and connect your fireplace. Many will also do the finish work to beautify your space. This could involve building a mantel, putting up trim or building a facing for your fireplace.

How to hire a fireplace contractor

When looking for a professional to install your fireplace, keep in mind every state, city and town may have specific requirements for fireplace contractors. Ask the professional if they have all the up-to-date licensing or certifications needed in your area. The National Fireplace Institute Certification is an additional credential that could boost your confidence in their work. 

Find out how experienced the pros are with installing your desired fireplace. Ask the contractors for a free estimates, and be sure to tell them what type of fireplace you want and if your house has an existing chimney or fireplace. All these factors will help the professional give you an accurate price quote.

Find a fireplace contractor near you

A fireplace is a great way to save you money while heating your home efficiently. It also gives you and your family a place to sit, relax and take the chill out of those cold winter days. When you’re ready to start the work, find a fireplace installation professional near you.

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FAQs

What are fireplace inserts?

An electric, gas or wood-burning insert is placed inside an existing built-in fireplace. These inserts help make the existing fireplace more efficient, and they generally cost less than installing a brand-new fireplace. Using an insert also prevents heat from escaping through the chimney.

Do fireplaces add value to your home?

According to the National Association of Realtors, having a fireplace in your home can add about 12% to its selling price.

Do you need a chimney for a gas fireplace?

No, a vent-free gas fireplace requires no vent at all. Vented gas fireplaces do need some form of a vent, though. This can be done through a chimney, but it can also go through the house’s side, back or roof. 

Which is better: a gas or electric fireplace?

For cost and energy efficiency, electric fireplaces are better. They are easy to install and less expensive overall. However, they do not produce a real flame. They aren’t designed to be your only source of heat, so they may not work on their own to heat a large living space. 

Because gas fireplaces use gas lines, they require more work to install. However, they do have a real burning flame and can produce more heat into your home.

How do we know these prices?

Millions of people ask Thumbtack for help with their projects every year. We track the estimates they get from local professionals, conduct our own research and then we share those prices with you. The prices reflected in the article above are for informational purposes only and are subject to change at any time. Contact a professional near you to receive a personalized cost estimate for your project.

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