How Much Does a Fireplace Remodel Cost? [2026 Data]

In 2026, the national average cost for a fireplace remodel is $1,200, though prices vary widely based on the scope of work. Most homeowners spend between $400 and $2,000, depending on materials, labor, and whether you're doing a simple refresh or a full surround replacement.

Fireplace Remodel Costs: What to Budget For

A fireplace remodel costs between $600 and $4,500 for refacing, or $2,000 to $5,000 or more for a full replacement, with the scope of work being the primary cost factor. Refacing involves replacing the material surrounding the firebox, which is the most common approach for homeowners who want a fresh look without a full tear-out. If you also want to replace your mantel, budget between $1,000 and $5,000 depending on the material, size, and whether you choose a custom or prefabricated option.

The table below breaks down common fireplace remodeling project costs:

Most Common Fireplace Projects in Homes 

Homeowners most commonly hire a pro to replace or alter an existing fireplace, such as refacing or adding a hearth. Other popular projects include adding a fireplace to an existing home or to a new construction project.

How Much Does Fireplace Refacing Cost?

Refacing your fireplace costs around $1,100 on average, though the range runs between $600 and $4,500 depending on the materials you choose. The table below shows average costs per square foot of popular fireplace refacing materials:

1. Brick

Brick siding or brick veneers cost $3 to $10 per square foot on average, making brick one of the most classic and accessible fireplace refacing materials. You can also paint your brick fireplace to achieve a textured color that fits any space. Upgrading to concrete blocks raises the cost to $10 to $20 per square foot, while natural clay bricks cost even more at $25 to $35 per square foot.

2. Tile

Tile is one of the most popular ways to upgrade a fireplace façade, with the cost of tiles ranging from $1 to $40 per square foot depending on the style you choose. Intricate designs like mosaics run $30 to $50 per square foot, while marble tile can reach $350 per square foot. The wide range of colors and design options makes tile a versatile choice for nearly any aesthetic.

3. Wood Paneling

Wood paneling is a strong choice for homeowners who want to enhance the warm, cozy feeling a fireplace brings to a room, with costs ranging from $2.50 to $40 per square foot depending on the wood type. Shiplap sits at the lower end of the range, while overlay tends to cost the most. Per the International Code Council, wood must be kept at least 6 inches from the fireplace opening, though local requirements may vary.

4. Stone

Fireplace stone is one of the more expensive refacing materials, but it delivers a high-end look in granite, quartz, soapstone, or slate. Quartz and granite average around $60 per square foot, while slate and soapstone average around $70 per square foot. If you love the natural look of stone, the investment can significantly elevate the appearance and perceived value of your fireplace.

5. Stone Veneer

Stone veneer costs between $11 and $18 per square foot on average, making it a popular mid-range option for both interior and exterior fireplace designs. Budget-friendly stone veneers start at $6 to $10 per square foot, while higher-end options can range from $20 to $100 per square foot. Its flexibility, manageable cost, and ease of DIY installation have made stone veneer one of the fastest-growing refacing choices in recent years.

When it comes to stone veneers, you can pick from:

• Thin stone: Lightweight, easy to cut, and usually around 2 inches thick

• Full-dimension stone: High durability, ranging from 2 to 6 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

How Much Does Fireplace Mantel Installation Cost?

Installing a mantel is a straightforward way to upgrade your fireplace, with costs varying significantly depending on the route you take. 

• Custom design: The average cost of a custom mantel ranges from $2,000 to $5,000 and includes professional design and materials.

• Refurbished antique: Find an antique model suited 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 options, prefabricated mantels range in cost 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.

How Much Does a Fireplace Hearth Cost?

A hearth is the floor of the fireplace that collects embers and protects your home from high heat, with installation costs running between $3 to $200 per square foot. Concrete and brick sit at the lower end of that range, while slate costs more. Stone and marble land at the highest end, reflecting both their heat resistance and premium appearance.

How Much Does Fireplace Insert Installation Cost?

The cost to install a fireplace insert ranges from $700 to $6,500, with the type of insert and complexity of the installation being the primary cost factors. Insert installation is a popular way to update your fireplace without demolishing the existing structure. Although installing your own fireplace insert can be a DIY project, it should really be handled by a local professional to ensure safety and code compliance.

How Much Does Fireplace Repair Cost?

The average fireplace repair cost is around $600, though the range often runs from $200 to $1,000 depending on the extent of the damage and whether you hire a local fireplace remodeler. A remodel is a smart move for cracks in your fireplace, since unaddressed cracks caused by water exposure or poor installation can allow smoke and carbon monoxide to leak into your home. If the damage is severe enough to require removal, you can pay to remove the old fireplace entirely for around $7,000, or opt for a partial removal for around $1,250.

Fireplace Remodel Additional Costs: What to Expect

One of the quickest and most affordable ways to remodel your fireplace is by painting it a new color, with the average cost running $350 to $650 depending on paint, supplies, and labor. As long as you choose heat-resistant paint, the color options are virtually unlimited. This is a project many homeowners can tackle themselves, though hiring a professional ensures a clean, lasting finish.

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 the gas fireplace you choose. Some 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 one. However, DIYers should never handle gas lines. Always leave gas line installation or repair to a professional.

Fireplace Remodel vs. Renovation Costs

Rebuilding a fireplace costs $1,000 to $3,500 on average, with the fireplace type—gas, wood-burning, or electric—being the primary cost factor. Replacing a gas fireplace insert runs higher, at $2,000 to $5,000. Remodeling is the more budget-friendly path if you want an upgrade without a full tear-out, with costs ranging from $600 to $4,500 depending on the type of work involved.

Why You Should Hire a Fireplace Remodeling 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.

Here's why it's ideal to hire a fireplace remodeling pro

Remodeling a fireplace isn't a simple DIY job. Here's why you should always hire a pro for the job:

• Professionals know how to safely remodel your fireplace while preventing fire hazards and structural damage.

• Experienced pros know how to handle gas lines, electrical connections, and masonry.

• Reputable fireplace pros carry insurance and offer warranties for added peace of mind.

• Hiring a pro ensures your project complies with local building codes, safety regulations, and permits.

• Professionally remodeled fireplaces enhance the safety, aesthetic, and value of your home.

If you want to DIY a fireplace remodel

To assist your pro with the remodel, consider helping out with the following tasks:

• Clear furniture, decor, and personal belongings from the work area

• Remove mantelpieces, surrounds, or trim if safe to do so

• Clean up soot, dust, and debris from the work area

• Clean up and decorate the area after the remodel is complete

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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