How Much Does a Fireplace Remodel Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $400 - $2,000
Remodeling a fireplace costs an average of $1,200. Remodel costs might run from $400 to $2,000, depending on the degree to which you're reimaging your fireplace area.
Remodeling your fireplace costs about $1,200 on average, but prices can range drastically depending on the scope of the work. A quick touchup with some paint can cost just $400, while a more dedicated remodel with brand-new stone paneling can cost upward of $2,000.
- Average
- $1,200
- Low end
- $175
- high end
- $20,000
Average Cost to Remodel a Fireplace
The average cost to remodel a fireplace is between $600 and $4,500 if you reface it, or between $2,000 and $5,000 or more if you want to completely replace it.
During fireplace refacing, you replace the material surrounding the firebox. If you want to replace your mantel, you’ll spend between $1,000 and $5,000 depending on the material, size, and whether you have it custom-made or assemble it from a prefabricated kit.
| Fireplace Remodeling Project | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Refacing | $600–$4,500 |
| Mantel Installation | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Adding a hearth | $3–$200 per square foot |
| Insert installation | $700–$6,500 |
| Crack repair | $200–$1,000 |
| Painting | $350–$650 |
| Converting to gas | $3,000 |
Refacing a Fireplace
Refacing your fireplace is another excellent option if you're looking for a complete fireplace transformation. On average, the cost to reface a fireplace is around $1,100, though it can range between $600 and $4,500. But, of course, the cost can vary depending on the materials you choose. Here are the five most popular kinds of refacing materials:
| Fireplace Material Type | Average Cost (per Square Foot) |
|---|---|
| Brick | $3–$10 |
| Tile | $1–$40 |
| Wood paneling | $2.50–$40 |
| Stone | $60–$70 |
| Stone veneer | $11–$18 |
1. Brick
Brick siding or brick veneers can cost anywhere from $3 to $10 per square foot, on average. Brick is a classic material for fireplaces that can add warmth to any space. Conversely, you can paint your brick fireplace to achieve a textured color fit for any space. If you want to use concrete blocks, anticipate spending much more at $10 to $20 per square foot, and if you want natural clay bricks, you’ll spend even more at $25 to $35 per square foot.
2. Tile
Depending on the tiles you choose, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1 to $40 per square foot on the cost of tiles. Tiles with more intricate designs, such as mosaics, can cost anywhere from $30 to $50 per square foot, and marble tile can cost as much as $350 per square foot.
One of the most popular ways to upgrade the façade of a fireplace is using tiles. This is extremely popular because there are so many options for colors and designs.
3. Wood Paneling
If you’re looking to enhance the warm and cozy feeling a fireplace brings to your space, using wood to reface your fireplace is a great option.
According to the International Code Council, you need to keep wood six inches (or more) away from the fireplace opening. But this could vary depending on where you live.
The wood price varies by type, so you could pay anywhere from $2.50 to $40 per square foot. Shiplap is the most cost-friendly wood material, while overlay tends to cost the most. You can leave the wood as is or stain it for a modern enhancement.
4. Stone
Fireplace stone is a more expensive material to use when refacing your fireplace. But if you love the look of granite, quartz, soapstone, or slate, this could be the perfect choice for your fireplace upgrade.
The average price for quartz and granite is around $60 per square foot, while the average cost for slate and soapstone is around $70 per square foot.
5. Stone Veneer
Stone veneer costs between $11 and $18 per square foot, on average. This material has also grown in popularity in recent years due to its flexibility for interior and exterior designs around the home, cost, and ease of DIY installation.
When it comes to stone veneers, you can pick from:
Thin stone: Lightweight, easy to cut, and usually around two inches thick
Full-dimension stone: High durability, ranging from two-six inches thick
Dry stack stone: Requires tighter-fitting stones to create a unique, stacked look
Mortared stone: Similar to dry stack, but with mortar in between the stones
The cost of more budget-friendly stone veneers can range from $6 to $10 per square foot, while average to more expensive options can range from $20 to $100 per square foot.
Installing a Mantel
Another option for remodeling your fireplace could be installing a mantel. It can help upgrade your space, but you can also decorate your mantel all year long.
Price will vary based on which route you take:
Custom design: Average costs are $2,000 to $5,000 to cover a design from a professional and the materials
Refurbished antique: Find an antique model and customize it to your fireplace. If you need it customized and installed, the price can range from $500 to $1,000.
Prefabricated: Easy to install and available in a variety of choices, these range in costs from $300 to $2,000 for wood, $8,000 to $20,000 for marble and limestone, and $500 to $5,000 for cast-stone marble.
Adding a Hearth
A hearth is the floor of the fireplace. It collects the embers and needs to be extremely heat-resistant. The hearth will typically extend a bit out from the fireplace to dissipate heat and catch rebellious embers that pop out on occasion. They protect your house from the high temperatures and it’s for this reason that hearths can be a bit expensive.
Adding a hearth costs essentially the same as remodeling one. You can expect to spend between $3 to $200 per square foot. Concrete and brick are the less expensive options, with slate being more. Stone and marble will be at the highest end of the cost range.
Installing an Insert
Installing fireplace inserts is a common way to switch things up without needing to demo your existing fireplace. The general process involves:
Measuring and thoroughly cleaning the space.
Contacting an electrician to run wiring.
Turning off any power or gas attached to the fireplace.
Closing or sealing your dampers (if installing electric inserts).
Feeding new chimney inserts through the chimney (if installing gas).
Placing the insert in the opening and attaching everything correctly. We suggest hiring a professional for this part.
Enjoying your new fireplace!
The steps above are a summary and are by no means detailed. Installing your own fireplace insert is something that, although it can be DIYed, should really be done by a local professional. The cost to install a fireplace insert ranges from $700 to $6,500.
Repairing Cracks
It’s a good idea to use the remodel as an opportunity to repair any fireplace cracks. Keeping a constant eye for cracks is key for continual fireplace and chimney maintenance because cracks can naturally form over time for different reasons.
For example, water exposure in your fireplace and the quality of the installation and materials can lead to cracks. Not repairing cracks could leak smoke and carbon monoxide into your home.
The average fireplace repair cost is around $600, but depending on the extent of the damage, and if you hire a local fireplace remodeler or DIY it, the cost could range from $200 to $1,000.
You may need to knock parts of your fireplace out or pay to remove the old fireplace entirely. If you need to remove fireplace materials, you’ll spend around $7,000 for a full removal and $1,250 for a partial removal.
Painting a Fireplace
One of the quickest and easiest ways to remodel your fireplace is by painting it a new color. As long as you pick heat-resistant paint, there is no limit to your creativity.
The average cost of painting a fireplace is $350 to $650, so it depends on how much paint and supplies you need, plus labor if you hire a professional.
Switching to Gas
The average cost to switch a fireplace to gas is $3,000, but the range can be anywhere from $500 to $5,500, depending on what gas fireplace you choose.
Many homeowners decide to switch their wood-burning fireplace to a gas one during a remodeling project because it’s lower maintenance than a wood-burning fireplace.
Cost to Rebuild vs. Remodel a Fireplace
The cost to rebuild a fireplace is $1,000 to $3,500 on average, though it varies based on whether it’s a gas, wood-burning, or electric fireplace. Replacing a gas fireplace insert costs more, at $2,000 to $5,000.
Remodeling a fireplace is a good option if you want an upgrade but don’t want to tear it out and start from scratch. The cost to redo a fireplace runs between $600 to $4,500, depending on the type of work you want done.
DIY a Fireplace Remodel vs. Hiring a Pro
Though you may be tempted to save on the cost of a fireplace remodel by doing it yourself, most fireplace remodeling projects require the expert hand of a trained professional. Unless you’re painting a fireplace, you should work with a local fireplace contractor to get your fireplace looking as good as new.
The average cost to hire a mason is between $20 and $40 per square foot of space or $30 to $110 an hour, but it’s a good idea to contact multiple fireplace contractors for a quote to compare costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
A fireplace can take anywhere from a few hours to several weeks to remodel, depending on the complexity of the project. For example, for a simple paint job, you’ll spend very little time touching up your fireplace, while larger remodels that involve replacing or repairing a fireplace can take up to 4 weeks.
Knowing who to hire to install your fireplace is important when it comes to having a safe place to burn a fire in your home. The best person to contact for installing fireplaces is a mason or general contractor who has a National Fireplace Institute (NFI) specialist certification. If you’re installing wood paneling, then it’s a good idea to also find a pro who is Wood Energy Technology Transfer (WETT)-certified.
Both of these certifications show that your pro is well-equipped to install fireplaces and inspect your home for the utmost safety.
The short answer is yes, stone veneer can be installed over brick. There are some problems you’ll need to solve if you decide to go this route, such as: can the existing brick hold the weight of the veneer? Is the brick able to be properly adhered to the veneer? What about a moisture barrier? Installing stone veneer over brick is certainly possible, but tick these problem areas off your list before starting any work.
The cost to rebuild a fireplace varies dramatically depending on what you want to do and the type of fireplace you are rebuilding. A simple electric fireplace can be replaced with ease and at a low cost. On the other end of the spectrum, a wood-burning fireplace could cost well into the tens of thousands. The good news is functioning fireplaces increase your home’s value and are generally a good investment.
Yes, you can close off a fireplace both temporarily and permanently with extremely wide price ranges. Temporary solutions involve fireplace plugs that can be inflated to block air and deflated to open the fireplace, covers, and boards. Permanent methods of shutting off fireplaces usually involve bricking up the fireplace or covering it with drywall. No matter the method, it’s probably best to hire a professional.