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How Much Does Fireplace Installation Cost?

$1,000 - $4,500

    Oneflare

    Updated August 12, 2024 |
    8 minute read

    How Much Does Fireplace Installation Cost?

    The average fireplace installation cost is $2,500. The cost to install can vary from $1,000 to $4,500, with the price dependent on if it’s an electric fireplace, a traditional wood-burning fireplace, or gas. The fireplace unit can come with a price tag of $2,000, and the installation can cost an additional $2,200 for the labour.

    City Average Fireplace Installation Cost
    Sydney $2,800 $4,500
    Melbourne $2,600$3,400
    Brisbane $2,400  – $4,000
    Canberra $1,900$3,300
    Perth $1,000$3,800
    Adelaide $2,000$3,500

    Factors Impacting Fireplace Installation Costs

    Type of fireplace – There are a variety of different types of indoor fireplaces, which determines how it functions and burns. Gas, wood-burning fireplace, and electric fireplace can be used. An electric fireplace is the most cost effective and is the easiest to maintain.

    Size of the fireplace – The size of the fireplace determines how much demo work is needed to tear out the walls and materials before installing the fireplace. The dimensions also influence how many materials need to be purchased to construct the new feature.

    Materials – The type of materials used to build a fireplace determines its cost to install. Brick, steel, wood, concrete, stone, and tile are the most common types of materials source, with each one creating a different style and design.

    Labour – The number of hours it takes to build a fireplace will be factored into the wood-burning fireplace installation cost.

    Location – The location of the fireplace also influences the cost to install. It determines how much demo work needs to be performed and how challenging it will be to construct the fireplace and chimney. The homeowner may be limited in areas where a fireplace can be built, depending on the design and layout of their home.

    A beautiful indoor fireplace built into a grey timber wall overlooking the ocean.

    A beautiful indoor fireplace. | Source: Eminence Construction Group

    Price Estimates for Different Types of Fireplace Installations

     

    Gas – There are two types of gas fireplaces, which include direct-vented built-in fireplaces and ventless built-in fireplaces. Gas fireplace prices are $600 to install the firebox and $750 for the vent pipe. It can be an average of $2,750 for the full installation. The gas fireplace cost can be higher because gas lines may need to be installed, which can range from $200 to $2,000. The cost of using a gas fireplace can be under $0.20 per hour.

    Electric – Electric fireplaces mimic wood-burning fireplaces and are relatively easy to install. They may have a remote control to adjust the settings. Electric fireplace installation cost an average of $2,500.

    Wood-burning – wood-burning fireplaces prices are an average of $9,500 and are the most expensive type of fireplace to install. A ventilation system will need to be installed, which can cost as much as $3,000.

    Cost to Run Different Types of Fireplaces

    Type Average Cost
    Gas The average cost to run a gas fireplace is $0.30 per hour.
    Electric Electric fireplaces are 0.003 to 3 cents per hour to operate.
    Ethanol The ethanol fireplace cost is $0.05 per kilowatt per hour to use.

    Cost to Convert an Existing Fireplace

    Conversion Average Cost
    Wood to Gas

    The cost to convert wood-burning to gas fireplace is $500 to $2,500.

    Wood to Electric Converting a wood fireplace to electric is $100 to $2,200.

    Gas to wood-burning

    The cost to convert a gas fireplace to a wood-burning fireplace is $2,100 to $4,500 because a chimney flue will need to be built.

    Gas to Electric The cost to convert a gas fireplace to electric is $3,300 and $7,800.

    Outdoor vs Indoor Fireplace Cost

    Type What are they? Cost
    Outdoor Outdoor fireplaces are typically built on exterior patios.

    The average outdoor fireplace cost is $200 to $3,500. The cost of building a chimney and fireplace can add $1,000 to $3,000 to the final bill.

    Indoor Indoor fireplaces are built inside the building and can heat the interior setting. Indoor fireplace prices are $3,200 to $5,800 on average.
    Indoor-Outdoor Indoor-outdoor fireplaces are built on an exterior wall of the building. They allow people to enjoy the inside while sitting on the backyard patio without having to develop two separate fireplaces.  Double sided fireplace prices start at $1,800. They can exceed $8,000, depending on the size and the type of materials used to construct it. 

     

    Fireplace Ventilation System Cost

    Type Average Cost
    Natural Natural vents include pipes that allow fireplaces to circulate combustion from the air in the room. The cost is an average of $2,500.
    Direct Direct vents pull air to the outside to prevent pollutants from entering the home and threatening the health and safety of residents. Direct vent gas fireplace prices are $1,200 to $3,200. The cost of installation is an average of $600.
    Ventless Ventless fireplaces don’t require any vents to be in place and are less expensive. The ventless fireplace cost ranges from $1,800 to $3,500. In some states, it may require a building permit before the work is performed, which can add more to the cost of the project.

    Cost to Build a Chimney and Fireplace

    The cost to install gas fireplace and chimney is $7,500 to $15,000 when you’re paying for the labour and materials. A masonry fireplace typically costs between $5,000 and $10,000. Expect to pay an additional $2,000 to $12,000 if a chimney is not already present on the property.

    Benefits of Fireplace Installation

    Add value to your home – Fireplaces continue to be in demand among home buyers. They can increase the property value by $1,000 to $5,000. Both an indoor and an outdoor fireplace can boost the value and demand of the home.

    Savings on your electricity bill – Fireplaces are useful for heating the interior setting, which can reduce your energy usage during the colder seasons.

    Added ambience – Fireplaces are known to make the room cozy, inviting, and welcoming. They can create a relaxing setting if you want to create a soothing mood in the space.

    Low maintenance – Fireplaces have evolved to become easier to clean and maintain over the years, which makes them less of a hassle to own. A gas and an electric fireplace don’t require annual cleaning to be performed and only require a chimney inspection, which is typically around $130.

    How to Hire a Professional Fireplace Installer

    How to Create an Accurate Estimate

    • Determine the size of the fireplace that you want to build.
    • Consider where the fireplace is going to be built.
    • Research materials you want to use depending on your taste and the style of the interior setting.
    • Communicate to the contractor if a fireplace is already present and needs to be torn down.

    Licencing and Qualifications

    • Ask the contractor if they have a valid license to perform the labour and are insured.
    • Contact the state to verify their license before hiring them.
    • Read online reviews to get an understanding of their reputation in the industry.
    • Meet in-person to discuss their experience and view photos of fireplaces they’ve built in the past.

    How to Save Money on Fireplace Installation

    1. Choose a Smaller Fireplace – Consider building a smaller fireplace when you want to save money. A smaller fireplace means it will take less work to install and fewer materials when working with a professional contractor.
    2. Do Some of the Demo Work Yourself – If you have a bit of experience with carpentry, consider doing a bit of the demo work yourself to save on the gas log fireplace price. You can break down a wall before the contractor arrives to build the structure.

    FAQs

    What is a suspended fireplace?

    A suspended fireplace is designed to hang and is mounted to a wall or ceiling to create a stunning visual. They were invented in France in 1967 and have evolved into modern fireplaces that create a stunning visual in the home. The fireplaces can be see-through, single-sided, and even have triple-side views.

    Suspended fireplaces allow you to burn fire from a fireplace that is suspended in the air and is not attached to a wall. It is considered to be a space-saving design that is artistic and upscale. Many times, they are installed in the middle of the room.

    How much does it cost?

    Suspended fireplaces cost an average of $10,000. The materials used and the size of the fireplace determine the cost. The type of suspended fireplace installed, whether gas or an electric fireplace, can also affect the price tag. The type of company used to build the feature is a third factor of the suspended fireplace price.

     

    What is a double-sided fireplace?

    Double-sided fireplaces can allow for a fireplace to be enjoyed in more than one room. They’re built into the wall separating two spaces and can offer whole-home heating. They’re known to heat up to 3,000 square feet, which can reduce the heating costs in the building.

    Double-sided fireplaces are typically 36 inches wide, 44 inches wide, and 48 inches wide. They can be used on an exterior wall of the home to create both an indoor and outdoor fireplace. The wood can be stored outside to avoid bringing it indoors, but it can still be operated indoors during the colder months of the year.

    How much does it cost?

    Double-sided fireplaces can maximize the performance of the fireplace. They can save money on energy, making them worth the investment for many homeowners. The double-sided wood fireplace price range is from $2,000 to $6,000. The size, type, and materials used to construct the fireplace influence the final cost.

     

    How much does it cost to install a fireplace insert?

    The fireplace insert cost is $100 and $5,600, which depends on the type of fireplace that is installed. Gas fireplaces are $2,000 to $4,200 and a wood-burning fireplace can be $1,800 to $3,500. Electric fireplace inserts are $3,500 to $5,800.

    Fireplace inserts are self-contained units where an existing fireplace is already built and ventilation is already installed. Inserts have many different fuel options like a gas-burning fireplace, a wood-burning fireplace, and an electric fireplace. It can be a less expensive option than building a new fireplace if an existing one is already in place.

    How much does it cost?

    Fireplace insert prices cost an average of $2,500 to $4,500, which includes a chimney liner and installation. They can cut energy usage from 10 to 40 per cent in the building because of the heat that they emit. They’re known to burn for three to five hours before wood needs to be added.

     

    How much does it cost to replace fireplace glass?

    If you decide to replace fireplace glass, expect to pay $140 to $850. Smaller pieces of glass can cost as low as $50 to $150 to replace. The style of the glass and the size are the main factors that influence the cost.

     

    How much does it cost to remove a fireplace?

    The cost to remove gas fireplace in the building can range from $3,500 to $6,500. The demolition is an average price of $500 to $2,500. The chimney is often an integrated part of the structure of the building. It is not typically removed if the fireplace is taken out.

     

     

    * The cost data is based on Oneflare and third-party sources

    Can you make a portable fireplace/potbelly with an old LPG tank?

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    With the right equipment and a good understanding of safety measures, it is possible to convert an LPG tank into a portable fireplace that can be used both indoors and outdoors. The key is ensuring you understand how to handle the fuel and light and extinguish the fire safely. Whether camping, hosting a backyard party, or needing extra heat on a chilly evening, a portable fireplace using an LPG tank can be a safe and convenient way to keep warm.

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