How Much Does a Fireplace Remodel Cost?
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The national average fireplace remodel cost is $1,200. This falls within the typical price range of $400 to $2,000, with the final cost depending on materials, labor costs, and possible repairs.
- Typical Range: $400 to $2,000
- National Average: $1,200
There’s nothing quite like curling up to a cozy fire on a cool evening, but an old and drab fireplace can dampen the ambience and pose a serious fire risk. That’s why remodeling a fireplace isn’t always for aesthetics but safety as well.
How much does a fireplace remodel cost? It depends on what material the fireplace is made of, what makes up the surround, and how the hearth was constructed. There are also labor costs to consider, along with repairs, mantel installation, and painting.
According to Angi, the national average fireplace remodel cost is $1,200, but homeowners can get an updated fireplace for as little as $400 or as much as $2,000. This guide will discuss ways to estimate fireplace remodeling costs, the benefits of a fireplace remodel, and tips on how to save money on the project so homeowners can get started with their fireplace makeover.
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Factors in Calculating Fireplace Remodel Cost
The average cost of a fireplace remodel depends on a variety of factors. A fireplace can be made up of several different materials, all with their own price range to repair, restore, or replace. Labor can also be an influential factor in determining the cost to reface fireplace mantels, hearths, and surrounds. When estimating the cost to redo a fireplace, homeowners will want to consider the following factors.
Fireplace Material
Homeowners have the option of choosing between an almost endless combination of fireplace materials. A traditional fireplace may have a brick surround and hearth extension with a wood mantel, while a more modern design may feature a stone firebox and slate tile surround. While this allows homeowners to create the fireplace of their dreams, it also means there is a wide range of fireplace remodeling costs.
A fireplace surround can be made of tile, brick, wood, metal, or stone and has a wide price range of $75 to $10,000 depending on the material chosen. A hearth has an even more varied range of possible construction materials, including tile, concrete, slate, brick, steel, stone, granite, and marble; a hearth has a price range of $3 to $200 per square foot. A mantel costs between $50 and $11,500 depending on the material, which can be wood, marble, metal, or tile. The cost of a firebox ranges from $160 to $3,500, depending on the type of stone used.
It’s easy to see how different combinations can add up to very different remodeling costs. As a general rule of thumb, homeowners can keep in mind that materials like stucco, cement, and brick are on the more affordable end of the spectrum, while materials like metal and stone are on the more expensive end. Wood and tile materials can be made to fit in a modest budget or customized to meet a vision rather than a budget.
Surround Material
The fireplace surround is its frame. From an aesthetic standpoint, it’s one of the most important visual elements of a fireplace. For this reason, homeowners tend to put a large percentage of their budget into the surround during a remodel.
Each material has its own price range, and some designs incorporate more than one material. The good news is that a surround can be customized to match many different types of budget. Tile for a replacement fireplace surround costs an average of $75 to $1,800. Brick costs between $100 and $2,000, while wood can cost as much as $4,000. Metal is another popular choice but comes with a higher price tag of $950 to $5,700. Finally, a stone surround, while always a stunning choice, can be a larger investment with a typical price range of $1,000 to $10,000.
Hearth Material
A fireplace hearth is the floor area inside a fireplace. It’s made from materials like brick or stone, but any noncombustible material can be used. The cost to redo fireplace hearths depends heavily on the chosen material.
For example, a tiled hearth can cost anywhere from $3 to $20 per square foot. A concrete hearth will set homeowners back between $4 and $8 per square foot. A hearth made from slate costs a bit more, between $5 and $20 per square foot, while one made from brick has a similar price range of $6 to $15 per square foot.
Stone is a more expensive hearth material at $30 to $50 per square foot. Granite is also pricey, with a typical cost range of $40 to $60 per square foot. Marble tends to be the most expensive, with an average cost of $50 to $200 per square foot.
Labor
There are some fireplace remodels that a homeowner can tackle on their own depending on their experience level and the project scope; in most fireplace facelifts, however, the help of a professional is not only helpful but likely required.
For example, converting a wood-burning fireplace to a gas-powered one requires an experienced contractor for safety reasons. Removing a deteriorating fireplace and installing a new one can be an overwhelming job for a novice. A contractor can ensure this type of job is completed quickly and safely.
Some types of repairs are also complex and require an experienced professional. Fireplace contractors generally charge $125 for fireplace repair jobs. Refacing a surround typically costs at least $1,000 in labor charges, though it could be more or less depending on the project.
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Fire Safety Screen
A fire safety screen is an important part of overall fireplace safety. The main function of a fire safety screen depends on the fireplace model. For a fitted gas fireplace, a safety screen prevents anyone from touching hot glass. In a traditional wood-burning fireplace, a safety screen protects the room from open flames and flying embers.
While a safety screen can be as affordable as $50, homeowners looking for a custom-made design, a fire safety screen can cost thousands of dollars.
Additional Costs and Considerations
Besides materials, labor, and safety screens, there are additional costs that may pop up during a fireplace remodel. While the following costs aren’t guaranteed, knowing where a budget might be spent can be helpful.
Repairs
When remodeling a fireplace, homeowners will want to tackle any necessary repairs at the same time. Cracks are a common issue that needs to be addressed before any remodeling. A few minor cracks caused by water exposure or normal wear and tear typically cost around $175 to repair. Cracks that have been ignored or gone unnoticed long enough to cause other issues may cost closer to $300 to repair.
There are a couple of other types of repairs to consider. During a fireplace hearth replacement, repairs to the floor are a possible expense and can cost between $75 and $1,500. Replacing brick fireplaces in older homes may result in drywall or painting repairs, costing an average of $200 to $500.
Mantel Installation
A mantel is like a fireplace’s crown. It frames the fireplace, and, although it was originally designed for functional purposes, it has evolved into being a coveted design element in living spaces and bedrooms. Mantel decor is an industry in itself, especially when it comes to seasonal items.
Homeowners have a few different choices when upgrading their mantel. A refurbished antique mantel is a common choice, especially in historic homes or homes designed to honor a certain architectural time period. For customization and installation, homeowners choosing a refurbished antique model can expect to pay between $500 and $1,000.
Prefabricated mantels, another common option, are easy to install and are available in a wide variety of color and design choices. Wood prefabricated mantels cost between $300 and $2,000. Marble is a bit more expensive with a price range of $500 to $5,000, while limestone is the most expensive at $8,000 to $20,000.
Fuel Source Conversion
Some homeowners decide to switch fuel sources when remodeling a fireplace. This is sometimes due to potential cost savings, convenience, or simple preference.
When fuel conversion is part of a fireplace renovation cost, homeowners can expect to pay between $500 to $5,500 to switch a wood-burning fireplace to gas. The average cost is $3,000, depending on the type of gas fireplace chosen for the remodel. A gas fireplace insert costs between $500 and $3,500 and is a good option for homeowners wanting to switch to gas fuel.
While most homeowners make the switch to gas, since it requires less maintenance and burns more cleanly, others prefer to make the switch to a traditional wood-burning fireplace. In this scenario, installation costs run between $835 and just over $3,000. Homeowners switching over to a wood-burning fireplace should also consider the cost of chimney sweep services as part of their investment.
Painting
Painting a fireplace is a quick and easy way to remodel when a budget is on the smaller side. In fact, painting is a great DIY fireplace refacing option (albeit typically an option only for the surround and not the interior firebox). Painting a redbrick fireplace an off-white shade can give it a farmhouse feel, while going black can put a modern spin on a room’s style without any demolition required. Homeowners should choose paint that’s labeled heat resistant: Latex in a flat, semi-gloss, or gloss finish is usually recommended.
The average cost of painting a fireplace depends on how much paint is needed and whether a homeowner tackles the job on their own or hires a professional. Either way, the typical cost range is between $350 and $650.
Carbon Monoxide Alarm
A major safety expense to consider is carbon monoxide alarm installation. Many states require homes to have a carbon monoxide alarm, which is especially important when a fireplace is in use. Homeowners can expect a carbon monoxide alarm to add about $50 to their overall fireplace remodel cost. However, many homes already have a carbon monoxide alarm installed, so this will factor into the total project cost only if the home doesn’t have an existing one.
Fireplace Remodel Cost by Type of Material
Knowing how much it costs to redo a fireplace by material can help a homeowner more accurately forecast a reface fireplace project cost. Price ranges are listed below for homeowners looking to resurface a fireplace with stucco or concrete, tile, wood, stone, and more.
Stucco or Concrete
Stucco and concrete tend to be the least expensive resurfacing materials for a fireplace. In addition to the potential for savings, another benefit of these materials is that they can be customized to create different shapes and colors to give a fireplace a truly unique look.
A bag of stucco or concrete costs an average of $9, with a range between $4 and $10. One bag will likely be enough to cover 25 square feet in a 1-inch-thick layer. Of course, this cost refers only to materials. If the homeowner chooses to DIY the project, tools may raise the price. If they plan to hire a professional, they will need to consider labor costs.
Tile
Tile is a popular material choice for fireplace upgrades. The cost to tile fireplace surrounds depends heavily on the type of tiles chosen. With so many variations in size, color, and style, tiles can fall into an inexpensive price range or be classified as designer tile with a price tag to match.
When choosing tile for a fireplace remodel, homeowners can expect to pay anywhere from $1 to $15 per square foot. However, more intricate designs, like mosaics, can push the cost to $30 to $50 per square foot.
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Wood Paneling
Wood paneling is a classic fireplace surround that adds a warm and cozy feel to any living space or bedroom. When refacing a stone fireplace surround with a wood one, homeowners will want to consider safety. It’s recommended that wood paneling be kept 6 inches or more away from the fireplace opening, since it is flammable and could catch fire if it is close to a flame.
The final cost of wood paneling depends on the type of wood. On average, wood paneling costs anywhere from $1 to $12 per linear foot for materials alone. Homeowners will also need to consider the cost of labor and potentially paint or stain if they want to change the color of the wood.
Stone
While stone is a more expensive material than other fireplace resurfacing options, stone fireplaces offer several benefits. They are visually appealing, and depending on the stone chosen, the surround can be customized. Stone is also extremely durable, eco-friendly, and low maintenance.
When it comes to the price of covering, stone fireplaces cost an average of $60 per square foot for quartz and granite. Slate and soapstone are a bit more expensive at $70 per square foot.
Stone Veneer
Stone veneer is a popular interior and exterior home improvement material. It works well for fireplaces, since it’s less expensive than traditional stone and offers DIY potential. When considering the cost of redoing stone fireplaces with veneer, homeowners have a few options.
Thin stone is lightweight and easy to cut, while full-dimension stone offers high durability. Dry stack stone requires a bit of finesse to create a unique stacked look, while mortared stone offers the same look as dry, but with mortar between the stones.
Affordable stone veneers range from $6 to $9 per square foot, while more expensive options can reach up to $100 per square foot. On average, stone veneer installation costs between $1,880 and $2,630.
Benefits of a Fireplace Remodel
Updating a fireplace offers many benefits. From improving heat efficiency to creating a strong focal point, remodeling a fireplace is about more than updated trends. Here are some of the top benefits homeowners enjoy when they decide a refinish fireplace project is right for them.
Improved Aesthetics
A fireplace facelift can completely transform the look and feel of a room. A wood-burning fireplace can create a traditional, rustic tone, while a gas fireplace can offer a contemporary, modernized look. No matter what style a homeowner is going for, there is a remodeling option to match.
Fireplaces are meant to serve as the focal point of a room. Whether it’s in a living room, study, or bedroom, a fireplace is designed to attract the eye. So when a fireplace is outdated, worn out, or lackluster in design, it can actually take away from everything positive in a room. Ornate trim can be overtaken by a crumbling mantel, while a chipped and cracked hearth can draw the eyes away from the room’s original hardwood floors.
The encouraging news for homeowners struggling with an outdated fireplace is that just about any type of remodel can boost the aesthetics of an entire room. From a fresh coat of paint over some outdated brick, to a full removal and rebuild of a deteriorating fireplace, to a modern gas insert, there are almost always aesthetic benefits that come with a fireplace remodel.
Increased Functionality
When remodeling a fireplace, homeowners can completely customize the project to fit their needs. When a fireplace fits the needs of a homeowner, it becomes more functional.
Remodels based on improving functionality may include the help of technology. For example, remote operation means a fireplace can be turned on with just the click of a button. Programmable thermostats help a fireplace maintain the temperature of a room without overheating the space. Finally, wall switches make it easy to control the intensity of a fireplace’s flames and heat.
Older fireplaces were rarely designed with modern functionality in mind. H