How Much Does Fireplace Installation Cost?

As there are a variety of fireplaces in terms of material and energy source, the cost to install a fireplace varies as well. Generally, fireplace prices are about $1,000 to $4,500, depending on whether it’s an electric fireplace, gas or wood. The fireplace cost for the unit can be pegged at $1,000 to $2,000, while the cost for labour is around $2,200.

Below is the average price range for fireplace installation per city:

How Much Do Fireplaces Cost?

The three basic types of fireplaces are gas, woodburning and electric – which all differ in how they generate heat. Your choice in which kind of fireplace to install depends on what you value the most.

The cost to install an electric fireplace is usually the lowest of the three and is also the most cost-effective to maintain. However, if you like the idea of having a lower maintenance fireplace with almost no cleaning required, then a gas fireplace is for you. In terms of saving on energy bills and living a more sustainable lifestyle, a wood-burning fireplace may be the one you need.

Read further to find out the average costs per fireplace type.

Gas Fireplace Installation Cost

There are two types of gas fireplaces – vented and ventless. While the average total cost for a gas fireplace installation is $2,750, the total price for a vented fireplace will cost about $1,600 more for labour and additional materials.

The total cost for a gas fireplace installation includes the cost for a firebox ($600) and installation of gas lines which ranges from $200 to $2,000 depending on the area size.

Wood-Burning Fireplace Installation Cost

A wood-burning fireplace is usually the most expensive to install, averaging at $9,500, because it requires proper ventilation through a chimney installation which can reach an additional $3,000 cost.

Although a luxury wood-burning fireplace cost the most upfront, it delivers more cost-effective benefits in terms of utility expenses by allowing you to save on energy and heating bills. A wood-burning fireplace is most beneficial to those who have access to a sustainable source of firewood in their living area.

Electric Fireplace Installation Cost

The cost to install an electric fireplace on average is around $2,500, with labour costs at $500. A handyman will charge about $60 per hour to install an electric fireplace.

The advantage of installing an electric fireplace is from not requiring a chimney installation. An electric fireplace can also heat a room faster than a wood-burning fireplace with a chimney since the heat circulation stays inside the room. However, you will also want to consider the maintenance and additional utility expenses of an electric fireplace – adding about $.03 per hour to your energy bill.

Propane Fireplace Installation Cost

A ventless propane fireplace costs about $1,600 – the difference coming from the fuel cost. Propane burns more efficiently and therefore generates heat in less amount of time compared to gas. However, natural gas burns cleaner than propane. The cost to burn propane is about $3 per hour, while natural gas burns at $1 per hour.

How Much Does it Cost To Install a Chimney?

The cost to build a chimney ranges from $1,300 to $3,500 which includes the cost of a chimney flue – the ventilation system installed to keep the air inside your home breathable. Some chimney installations have more than one flues which are priced at around $200 per linear foot.

Most gas and wood-burning fireplaces require a chimney flue to direct the passage of hot air outside of the house, and to protect chimney walls from heat damage.

Getting Quotes From a Fireplace Installer

To get a close cost estimate from a professional fireplace installer, remember the following considerations:

• The size of the fireplace
• Location of the fireplace (indoor or outdoor)
• Type of fireplace and materials to be used
• If you have an existing fireplace that you would like to convert, e.g. converting a gas fireplace to a wood-burning fireplace

Always make sure to hire a professional with the proper licences and documentation required for him to perform the job. It will not hurt to check online for reviews and references to ensure that your fireplace installation project is in the right hands.

At HIREtrades you can post all the details of your project, your expectations, as well as limitations so that fireplace installers in your area will know if they fit your qualifications. If you are deciding based on a budget, you can choose based on quotes from professional fireplace installers once they see the details of your project. We’ll help you decide by providing you with up to 3 FREE quotes for your fireplace installation.