By: Thomas Kearney, NFI Certified Master Hearth Professional
Installing a Fireplace for the First Time: Cost Breakdown & Requirements
Last Updated: January 27, 2026
Installing a fireplace for the first time is one of those home upgrades that’s equal parts exciting and intimidating. On one hand, you’re dreaming about cozy evenings, added home value, and that unmistakable glow. On the other, you’re wondering: How much is this new fireplace really going to cost? How long will it take? And who do I need to call to make sure it’s done right?
If you’re new to the world of fireplaces, you’re not alone. Fireplace installation comes with a wide range of options, price points, and requirements depending on the fuel type and the structure of your home. Gas, wood burning, electric, and fireplace inserts each come with their own considerations — not just in upfront fireplace cost, but also in time, energy, and ongoing maintenance.
This guide is designed to walk you through the average costs and requirements of installing a fireplace for the first time. We’ll break down fireplace installation cost by type, explain what professionals you may need to hire, and help you set realistic expectations before you commit.
Understanding Fireplace Installation Cost: What Impacts the Total Price
Before diving into specific fireplace types, it’s helpful to understand what factors influence overall fireplace installation cost. While the price of the fireplace itself matters, it’s often only part of the equation.
Key cost drivers include:
- Type of fireplace (gas, wood burning, electric, insert)
- Venting requirements (chimney, Direct Vent, Ventless)
- Fuel availability (natural gas line, propane tank, electricity)
- Structural modifications (framing, hearth, chimney construction)
- Labor and professional services
- Local building codes and permits
A basic electric fireplace installation might take a few hours and cost a few hundred dollars beyond the unit itself. Traditional wood burning fireplaces, by contrast, can take days or even weeks and cost several thousand dollars once construction and venting are factored in.
Gas Fireplace Installation: Cost, Energy Use, and Requirements
Gas fireplaces are one of the most popular choices for first-time buyers, and for good reason. They’re easy to use and maintain, instantly creating cozy authentic flames, warmth, and ambiance with the flip of a switch or push of a button.
There are two gas fireplace styles — Direct Vent and Ventless. Direct Vent fireplaces require a venting system while Ventless models are just that — completely vent-free. The type you choose could influence the overall cost of your fireplace project.
To understand the differences between Direct Vent and Ventless gas fireplaces and find the best option for your home, check out this guide.
Average Gas Fireplace Price Range
- Gas fireplace unit: $600–$10,000+
- Fireplace installation cost: $2,000–$7,000+
- Total installed cost: $3,000–$17,000+
The final cost depends on venting style, complexity of the install, and whether a gas line already exists.
Installation Requirements
Gas fireplace installation typically requires:
- A natural gas or propane supply
- Venting, unless using a Ventless model
- Proper framing and finishing
- Electrical connection for ignition or blowers
Most homeowners will need to hire:
- A licensed gas plumber to run or modify the gas line
- A professional fireplace installer, such as an NFI certified expert
- Possibly an electrician for wiring and controls
Permits and inspections are usually required, especially with a new gas line installation.
Energy & Time Investment
Gas fireplaces are efficient and easy to use. Many models convert a high percentage of fuel into usable heat. Installation typically takes 2 days, depending on venting and gas line access.
Find Inspiration for Your Home
Woodland Direct offers a gas fireplace for every space, residential or commercial. Our catalog includes Direct Vent gas fireplaces, Ventless gas fireplaces, and gas fireplace inserts.
You can browse a wide variety of high-quality, customizable, and user-friendly designs to fit your space and lifestyle — from traditional-looking models with modern features to contemporary, linear units that instantly elevate a feature wall. We also have outdoor-rated gas fireplaces to enhance your backyard or hospitality venue.
Many of our gas fireplaces also have:
- Built-in LED accent lighting that changes color
- Adjustable flames and heat to achieve the perfect ambiance
- Wall switches, remotes, and smart controls
- Custom burning displays with fire glass or realistic gas log sets
- Sleek frames and doors finished to match your space
We put together the Ultimate Gas Fireplace Buying Guide to walk you through everything you need to know to find the perfect fireplace design.
Wood Burning Fireplace Installation: Cost, Energy Use, and Requirements
A traditional wood burning fireplace delivers unmatched ambiance and nostalgia — but it also comes with the most maintenance and upkeep.
Average Wood Burning Price Range
- Fireplace unit or masonry materials: $1,200–$5,000+
- Chimney construction: $3,000–$10,000+
- Fireplace installation cost: $5,000–$15,000+
- Total installed cost: $10,000–$25,000+
Custom masonry fireplaces can exceed these ranges, especially in larger homes.
Installation Requirements
Wood burning fireplace installation is the most complex and usually requires:
- A full chimney system (masonry or factory-built)
- Strict adherence to local building and fire codes
Professionals involved often include:
- A fireplace or chimney specialist
- A general contractor or mason
- A building inspector for code compliance
Energy & Time Investment
Wood fireplaces are less energy-efficient than gas or electric options, as much of the heat escapes through the chimney. Installation time depends on whether you need a new chimney built, but typically takes 1-2 days.
Find Inspiration for Your Home
At Woodland Direct, you can find both traditional wood burning fireplaces and high-efficiency wood fireplace inserts for existing chimneys. Explore our collection of classic and contemporary designs to fit the vision you have for your space.
Indulge in cozy, rustic ambiance with traditional-looking models, like the Biltmore by Majestic, or match a modern space with Supreme’s sleek Astra collection. You can also bring comfort and style to the patio with an outdoor wood fireplace — like the Courtyard and Cottagewood collections from Outdoor Lifestyles HHT or Isokern’s lightweight, modular Magnum fireplace, made from pure volcanic pumice.
Many of our wood burning fireplaces feature:
- Blowers and fans to help distribute the heat
- Custom firebox interiors to match your space
- High-quality dampers
- Stylish doors and safety screens
- Gas knockouts for an easy conversion
Discover the reasons why modern homeowners still gravitate toward the timeless charm of traditional wood burning fireplaces.
Electric Fireplace Installation: Cost, Energy Use, and Requirements
Electric fireplaces are the easiest and most budget-friendly option for first-time installations, especially in apartments, condos, or homes without existing venting.
Average Electric Fireplace Price Range
- Electric fireplace unit: $300–$7,000+
- Fireplace installation cost: $200–$2,000+
- Total installed cost: $500–$9,000+
Custom, built-in electric models fall on the higher end of this range.
Installation Requirements
Electric fireplace installation typically requires:
- A dedicated circuit and electrical outlet
- Optional framing or wall modifications for built-in styles
- No venting, gas lines, or chimneys
You may need:
- An electrician for new wiring or circuit upgrades
- A handyman or contractor for mounting or framing
Energy & Time Investment
Electric fireplaces convert nearly all consumed energy into heat and can be installed in a few hours to 1 day. They’re ideal for homeowners prioritizing simplicity and predictability in fireplace cost.
Find Inspiration for Your Home
Electric fireplaces from Woodland Direct range from simple wall-mounted designs that plug into an outlet to built-in statement pieces wired to your home’s electrical supply.
Our high-end designs have true-to-life electric flames and integrated heaters that warm 500 square feet or more. You can even turn the heater off and leave the flames lit for extra ambiance in the warmer months.
Replicate traditional wood fire vibes with models like the Redstone Series by Modern Flames, stylishly connect two rooms with a see-through model, such as Napoleon’s CLEARion Elite collection, or upgrade your favorite place to relax outside with a patio-friendly fireplace — the Amantii Tru-View Slim is one of our top picks!
Many of our electric fireplaces have:
- High-quality LED flame technology
- Multi-colored accent lighting
- Adjustable and optional heat
- Media options to change your burning display
- Touch-button and remote controls
Explore all the pros and cons of electric fireplaces and why they’re the ideal upgrade for renters.
Fireplace Insert Installation: Cost, Energy Use, and Requirements
Fireplace inserts are designed to fit into an existing wood burning fireplace opening, making them a popular option for homeowners who want upgraded style and performance.
Average Fireplace Inset Price Range
- Gas insert: $2,000–$5,000+ installed
- Wood insert: $3,000–$8,000+ installed
- Electric insert: $500–$2,000+ installed
Installation Requirements
Insert installation usually requires:
- An existing fireplace and chimney
- Chimney inspection and relining for wood or gas inserts
- Gas line for gas inserts or electrical connection for fans/controls
Professionals may include:
- A chimney sweep or inspector
- A fireplace installer
Energy & Time Investment
Fireplace inserts are an excellent way to freshen up the look of an old hearth and get more heat out of your fireplace. Installation can typically be completed in one day.
Find Inspiration for Your Home
Woodland Direct offers gas, electric, and high-efficiency wood fireplace inserts. They’re one of the most cost-effective ways to give your fireplace a makeover and improve efficiency without a major renovation.
If you love your classic wood burning fireplace, but it needs an overhaul and you don’t want to invest the time or money in a total renovation, a wood stove insert is an excellent solution — like Supreme’s Fusion Series or the Matrix collection by Osburn.
You can also modernize an old wood fireplace with a gas fireplace insert, such as the Napoleon Oakville insert or Majestic’s Ruby insert. For an even easier upgrade, there are electric inserts — like the Dimplex Multi-Fire XHD Firebox with realistic logs or this electric insert by Simplifire.
Use this guide to get a more detailed look at fireplace inserts and discover all the differences between gas fireplace inserts and gas logs.
Permits, Inspections, and Code Requirements
Most fireplace installation projects require permits and inspections, particularly for gas and wood burning systems. These ensure safety, proper clearances, and code compliance.
Permit costs are usually modest but should be factored into your overall fireplace installation cost.
Choosing the Right Fireplace: Balancing Installation Cost, Efficiency, and Lifestyle
Installing a fireplace for the first time is an investment in comfort, ambiance, and long-term value. The key is understanding that fireplace cost isn’t just about the unit — it’s about installation, energy use, time, and professional expertise.
Electric fireplaces offer simplicity and affordability. Gas fireplaces strike a balance between convenience and realism. Wood burning fireplaces deliver tradition and charm, but demand the most planning and budget.
Working with experienced professionals and setting realistic expectations will help ensure your first fireplace installation is smooth, safe, and satisfying.
FAQs
Fireplace installation cost can range from $500 for basic electric models to $20,000+ for wood burning fireplaces with new chimneys. Gas fireplaces typically fall in the middle.
Yes, most gas and wood burning fireplace installations require permits and inspections. Electric fireplaces usually do not, unless new electrical circuits are added.
Electric fireplaces are the most efficient at converting energy into heat, while gas fireplaces offer strong efficiency with more realistic flames. Traditional wood-burning fireplaces are the least efficient.
Electric fireplaces can be installed in a day or less. Gas fireplaces usually take 1–3 days. Wood burning fireplaces may take several days to a few weeks, depending on construction needs.
We’re Here to Help
We have the answers to all your fireplace installation questions. Reach out to our NFI certified experts today at 800.919.1904.
Do you live in Michigan? Our pros can install your fireplace for you! Learn more and get started with your project here.
More Resources
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Tom Kearney has been a Technical Sales Representative at Woodland Direct for over a decade, where he has honed his expertise in gas, wood, and pellet appliances as an NFI-Certified expert. Tom's dedication to customer satisfaction is exemplified by his work with high-profile clients, including assisting SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell in sourcing five stunning fireplaces for her Texas home. When he's not helping clients find their perfect fireplace, Tom enjoys hitting the golf course, skiing down snowy slopes, and exploring new trails on his bike. Call him or one of our experts in fire at 800.919.1904. |