Highlights
Remodeling a fireplace can run between $400 and $2,000.
There are several options for remodeling to meet your budget.
Costs vary based on repairs, size, and materials.
Remodeling your fireplace costs about $1,200, on average, and can be just the transformation your space needs for a fresh look. Depending on the work you want to do on your fireplace, this project can range between $400 and $2,000. But a fireplace remodel is a cost-effective way to add pizazz and provide that warm and cozy feeling that comes with a fireplace.
Average Cost to Remodel a Fireplace
There are different renovations to consider when remodeling your fireplace, such as mortar repair, updating the façade, or simply applying a fresh coat of paint.
| Minimum Cost | National Average Cost | Maximum Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $400 | $1,200 | $2,000 |
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 and the quality of the installation and materials can lead to cracks. Not repairing cracks could leak smoke and carbon monoxide into your home.
If you have just a few cracks, the average repair cost is around $175. But depending on the extent of the damage and if you hire a fireplace company or DIY it, costs could range up to $300.
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, and labor if you hire a professional.
Refacing a Fireplace
Refacing is another excellent option if you're looking for a complete fireplace transformation. On average, switching out the façade of a fireplace is around $1,100. But, of course, the cost can vary depending on the materials you choose.
Here are the five most popular kinds of refacing materials:
Refacing Options and Average Costs
1. Stucco or Concrete
On average, stucco or concrete will be less expensive materials to use to reface your fireplace. Plus, you can customize stucco or concrete to create different shapes and colors.
The average cost of a bag of stucco or concrete is $9, which is enough to cover 25 square feet if you create a one-inch thick layer. The average range is $4 to $10 a bag.
2. Tile
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.
Depending on the tiles you choose, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1 to $15 per square foot. Tiles with more intricate designs, such as mosaics, can cost anywhere from $30 to $50 per square foot.
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 $1 to $12 per foot. You can leave the wood as is or stain it for a modern enhancement.
4. Stone
Stone will generally be a more expensive material to use when refacing a 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 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.
The price for stone veneer installation is between $1,880 and $2,630, with an average cost of $2,250, according to HomeAdvisor.
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 $9 per square foot, while average to more expensive options can range from $20 to $100 per square foot.
Average Estimate for Installing Stone Veneer
| Size (Square Feet) | Stone Veneer Installation Cost |
|---|---|
| 10 sq. ft. | $200 – $1,000 |
| 15 sq. ft. | $300 – $1,500 |
| 20 sq. ft. | $400 – $2,000 |
| 30 sq. ft. | $600 – $3,000 |
| 40 sq. ft. | $800 – $4,000 |
Some other available materials for masonry veneer are marble, with an average cost of $90 per square foot, and brick, with an average cost of $96 per square foot.
Installing a Mantle
Another option for remodeling your fireplace could be installing a mantle. 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 $2,000 to $5,000 to cover a design from a professional and materials
Refurbished antique: You 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.
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 easier to use than a wood-burning fireplace.
