How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Gas Fireplace? [2026 Data]

There are a lot of reasons you might want to remove your gas fireplace. Perhaps you want to open up the floor plan of your living room, or you’re simply tired of all the maintenance involved. Before you call someone to start knocking down your mantle, read our guide to get an idea of how much this project will cost. On average, the cost to remove a gas fireplace is between $600 and $2,500, though the price will be higher if you want to remove the breast, stack, and chimney flue as well.

Gas Fireplace Removal Cost Factors

When looking at fireplace removal costs, gas and electric fireplaces are almost identical in final costs. When thinking about removing a gas fireplace, first talk to your pro about all the potential options. Fireplaces add ROI to a home, so completely demolishing and removing one could lower your home’s overall value.

Extent of Removal

There are many components and parts to a fireplace, and how much of it you want removed will dictate the final cost.

Fireplace Only

If you simply want to remove your fireplace and are leaving the breast, stack, and chimney flue alone, the cost to remove a fireplace insert will likely be between $600 and $2,500. Before the demo begins, you should hire a plumber with a gas fitters license to turn off and disassemble your gas line. 

Full Demolition

Complete demolition of your fireplace and its chimney will set you back $4,000 to $10,000. With a full demolition, there’s simply more work—and more cleanup. In addition, you’ll likely need to reconstruct some walls, floors, and ceilings. Because this project could affect the structure of your home, contact a local structural engineer for advice.

Breast/Below Roof

The breast is the area that protrudes from the wall, where the fireplace lives. It’s probable that you want this section removed as well, as a lot of people decide to remove a fireplace to create more floor space in their homes. If you’d like to remove the breast, expect to pay between $1,500 and $2,500. If you need the room refinished after, which might entail new wall installation or hanging drywall, you’ll pay an additional $2,000 to $3,000.

Location

If you are looking to do a complete demolition of both fireplace and chimney, and the chimney is on a load-bearing wall, you will need to hire a structural engineer to assess the impact the demolition will do to your home. The overall costs will likely be much higher than the average (likely starting at $10,000) and will take much longer to finish.

Material

Fireplaces and chimneys made of brick cost more to remove than those made of metal because the material is heavier and harder to work with and to dispose of.

Damage

As your project begins, you may discover there is damage or hazardous material in your walls that will require additional money to remove or fix. For instance, if your contractor finds asbestos (commonly used in the construction of fireplaces built before the 1980s), expect to pay $200 to $700 for its removal. You might also need to replace brackets or other reinforcing elements. 

Local Regulations

Depending on your zoning, you may need special permits or permission to remove your fireplace (or other components of your home). A local engineer will help you understand the local regulations and building codes, and your contractor should have knowledge about permits (and whether or not they are included in the fee for the work). 

Alternatives to Removing a Gas Fireplace

There are some options you can consider instead of totally removing your gas fireplace. Here’s a look at some alternatives: 

Convert It to Wood

You can convert a gas fireplace to a wood-burning fireplace for $150 to $300. For this job, it’s best to hire a fireplace contractor who knows how to do it safely. Converting a gas fireplace to a wood-burning one is easier and less expensive than the reverse. Your contractor can convert it by removing the gas logs or inserts and capping the gas line.

Cap the Gas Line

If you don’t want to convert your gas fireplace to wood, you can simply cap the gas line. Capping a gas line costs between $74 and $150, and basically means that you’ve turned off the fireplace’s gas source.

Why You Should Hire a Fireplace Repair Pro

The bulk of what you pay for during fireplace removal is labor, but it's always best to hire a local fireplace repair pro rather than taking on the task yourself. Removing your gas fireplace requires capping your gas line, which poses a serious risk of carbon monoxide leaks, fire, and explosion. This is in addition to the potential structural, electrical, and ventilation hazards associated with the demolition of fireplaces and chimneys. 

Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a fireplace pro

Hire a qualified professional for gas fireplace removal for the following reasons: 

• Many gas fireplace removals involve disconnecting electrical elements, such as blowers and fans, which can cause injury or fire if not done correctly.

• Improper ventilation, disconnection, or chimney sealing can leave your space vulnerable to leaks, water damage, drafts, pests, and exhaust issues.

• Many fireplace elements are heavy and bulky, which can cause injury if they are dropped or lifted incorrectly during removal.

• A fireplace repair pro understands how to remove your gas fireplace safely in a way that complies with building, plumbing, and electrical codes.

• Pros can remove your fireplace efficiently with minimal damage to the surrounding area, minimizing the overall disruption.

• Fireplaces may be built into structural framing, and pros will be able to remove them without compromising structural supports through unnecessary cutting or accidental damage.

• A full demolition, including chimney removal, is a labor-intensive task requiring a team of workers. 

• Reputable pros have insurance and may offer warranties or guarantees.

• Trying to DIY work on gas lines is extremely hazardous and can void your homeowners insurance. 

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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