How Much Does It Cost to Install a Fireplace?
$1,000 – $10,000
National average: $3,700 (gas)
Estimate your cost
Adjust the options for a tailored ballpark — figures and the regional adjustment are approximate estimates. Always confirm with local quotes before you budget.
A fireplace adds warmth, ambiance, and resale appeal — and the cost swings widely by type. Installation runs $1,000 to $10,000 in 2026, with a new gas fireplace averaging around $3,700, an electric unit far less, and a built-from-scratch masonry fireplace far more.
What you’re paying for
Beyond the unit itself, the cost is driven by venting, any gas-line work, and the surround and mantel. An electric fireplace needs none of that — it plugs in. A gas fireplace needs a vent and usually a gas line. A masonry wood fireplace is essentially a small construction project with a chimney.
Cost by type
The fuel type and whether you’re building new or inserting into an existing fireplace set the price. The table below shows typical installed costs.
The easiest upgrade: a gas insert
If you have an old, inefficient wood-burning fireplace, the most cost-effective upgrade is a gas insert ($2,000–$5,000) — a sealed unit that drops into the existing firebox, vastly improving efficiency and convenience. Cheaper still are gas logs ($300–$2,000) for ambiance without the efficiency gains.
Electric vs. gas vs. wood
Electric is cheapest, ventless, and installs anywhere with an outlet — best for ambiance and supplemental heat. Gas delivers real flame, strong heat, and convenience at a mid-range price. Wood offers the classic experience but costs the most to build and requires ongoing chimney maintenance.
How to save on a fireplace
- Choose electric for the lowest cost and easiest install.
- Use an insert to upgrade an existing fireplace cheaply.
- Keep the surround simple — custom stone and mantels add up.
- Bundle gas-line work with other gas projects if possible.
| Component | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fireplace unit / firebox | $200 – $6,000 | — |
| Installation labor | $500 – $3,000 | — |
| Venting / chimney | $500 – $3,000 | — |
| Gas line (for gas units) | $300 – $2,000 | — |
| Surround & mantel | $300 – $3,000 | — |
| Option | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electric fireplace | $200 – $3,000 | No venting; plug-in |
| Gas insert (existing fireplace) | $2,000 – $5,000 | — |
| Gas fireplace (new) | $2,300 – $10,000 | — |
| Wood-burning (prefab) | $1,900 – $5,000 | — |
| Masonry wood (from scratch) | $7,000 – $30,000 | — |
| Wood-to-gas conversion (logs) | $300 – $2,000 | — |
What affects the price
- Fuel type Electric is cheapest and needs no venting; gas needs a line and vent; masonry wood is a full build.
- New vs. insert Dropping an insert into an existing fireplace is far cheaper than building a new one.
- Venting Direct-vent, B-vent, or a full chimney each carry different costs.
- Surround & mantel Tile, stone, or custom mantels add finishing cost.
- Gas line Running a new gas line to the fireplace adds $300–$2,000.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to install a gas fireplace?
- A new gas fireplace runs $2,300–$10,000 installed (average about $3,700), depending on venting and finishes. A gas insert for an existing fireplace is $2,000–$5,000.
- Which type of fireplace is cheapest?
- Electric fireplaces are cheapest ($200–$3,000) — they plug in and need no venting. Gas is mid-range; a built-from-scratch masonry wood fireplace is the most expensive.
- Can I convert my wood fireplace to gas?
- Yes — gas logs in an existing wood fireplace cost $300–$2,000, while a sealed gas insert (more efficient) runs $2,000–$5,000.
- Does a fireplace add home value?
- Fireplaces are a desirable feature that can help a home sell, especially in colder climates. Gas and electric are easiest for buyers; the return varies by market.
- What drives gas fireplace cost up?
- Venting type, running a new gas line, and the surround/mantel finish are the biggest variables beyond the unit itself.
- Are electric fireplaces worth it?
- They're the cheapest, easiest, and most flexible (no venting, install anywhere with an outlet) — great for ambiance and supplemental heat, though they don't match a real flame.
How we estimate: ranges reflect typical U.S. pricing for materials and professional installation, compiled and cross-checked against the current (2026) industry sources listed below (see our data & methodology). Your actual cost depends on your location, project size, material grade, and local labor rates — always get multiple written quotes before you commit.
Sources
Cost ranges on this page were checked against current (2026) data from these industry sources: