A fireplace remodel cost depends on the extent of the remodel and the materials you choose. Use this guide to calculate your costs and budget accordingly.
What Is a Fireplace Hearth and Why Do I Need One?
A fireplace hearth provides your home protection and a stylistic focal point
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A fireplace hearth is a fireproof floor area extending from your firebox that protects your home by containing embers and preventing floor fires.
Expect to pay $2,400 for fireplace installation or $1,200 for remodeling, with hearth materials like marble, granite, or slate adding design appeal.
Your hearth needs to extend at least 16 inches forward and 8 inches on each side to meet building codes and keep your home safe.
Hiring a local fireplace installation professional provides expert guidance on material selection and precise measurements, ensuring your hearth meets safety codes and complements your design.
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There’s nothing more comforting than the slow, methodical crackle of a fireplace on a cold night. For centuries, the fireplace hearth has been an essential element—and notable focal point—in many homes. But the hearth is more than a cozy gathering place or holiday card backdrop. The fireplace hearth is a protective element that keeps your home safe by keeping the flames and their embers contained.
What Is a Fireplace Hearth and What Is It Used For?
The fireplace hearth is the horizontal area that extends from the fireplace’s firebox, which is the inner section of the fireplace where you light and burn fires. It is a protective foundation made of noncombustible materials such as stone or brick. The fireplace hearth also extends along the sides of the fireplace. Gas and wood fireplaces typically have hearths, which should extend at least 16 inches in front and 8 inches on each side.
Fireplace hearths come in two different heights: flushed (floor-level) and raised. Fireplace hearths are also a key feature of interior design thanks to their charming, yet functional, exterior. There are several different types of stone for fireplace hearths, giving homeowners plenty of design options. Marble creates a luxurious, elegant focal point that’s ideal for rooms that see a lot of foot traffic from parties and other gatherings. Slate gives your fireplace hearth a calm, earthy vibe—perfect for family rooms and vacation homes.
Fireplace hearths aren't optional for gas or wood-burning fireplaces because they're a safety feature. Most building codes (and insurance companies) require you to have one.
Flushed vs. Raised Fireplace Hearths
No matter if you’re building a new home or renovating your current space, you’ll want to spend some time deciding between a flushed or raised fireplace hearth. Often, the choice boils down to an aesthetic preference, but each design has functional consequences, too.
Flushed (floor-level) hearths easily meet building codes, as long as they extend 16 to 18 inches from the firebox. Many builders and interior designers like this fireplace hearth type because it allows for continuous flooring, creating an uninterrupted, uniform look. If there are small children or curious pets in your home, you may want to consider extra protection around the firebox so that no one accidentally burns themselves.
On average, raised fireplace hearths are about 15 to 17 inches tall, which creates more space between the mouth of the fireplace and the floor. Some homeowners prefer raised hearths because they offer additional seating. This hearth type sometimes costs more because of the additional materials needed to build them.
Photos: Jackyenjoyphotography / Moment / Getty Images, Med-Ved / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images, tc2412 / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images, StevanZZ / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images, Nora Carol Photography / Moment / Getty Images, natthanim / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
6 Types of Fireplace Hearths
Photo: Liudmila Chernetska / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Just as there are different types of fireplaces, there are several options when it comes to choosing material for a fireplace hearth. Some of the most popular choices are:
Brick: This is the more traditional option, as bricks are readily available and more affordable than some of the other options. A brick hearth is easier to repair, but you’re often limited in creating a unique design.
Ceramic: Heat- and corrosion-resistant, ceramic is an ideal choice to pair with wood-burning fireplaces. This material is available in a vast range of colors and styles, making it highly customizable and a homeowner favorite.
Granite: If you’re looking for a sleek, smooth finish, this igneous rock is your best bet. Typically, this option is more expensive to install because it requires a custom order from a manufacturer.
Limestone: Many builders like to use limestone for fireplace hearths because it’s inexpensive yet durable and fire-resistant. Plus, it’s easier to cut the exact shape and size needed—a great option if you’re looking to create a unique design around your fireplace.
Marble: Go with this material for instant elegance. A couple of drawbacks are that marble is porous, meaning it can hold on to stains from spills, and it’s more prone to chipping.
Slate: You’ll get a variety of color options with this stone, and it’s one of the more easily cleaned of all the options. You might want to hire a pro for installation, as the different pieces come in different shapes and sizes—unlike traditional bricks and ceramic tiles.
Installing Fireplace Hearth Tiles
Fireplace hearth tiles are a good place to start when looking for fireplace remodel ideas. Installing fireplace hearth tiles on your own can be a challenging project, as there are several tools involved and steps that require focus and a steady hand.
Before starting, you’ll want to check local building codes. Then comes preparing the substrate and dry setting the tiles to ensure you have the perfect pattern and placement. The more difficult part of this DIY comes with cutting and setting the tiles, followed by applying grout and seal.
Installing fireplace hearth tiles can be tricky, as the hearth is a visible spot in any room. A local fireplace installer and builder can offer professional advice and a steady hand if you decide to hire them for this project.
Is a Fireplace Hearth Installation Worth the Price?
Realtors agree that installing a fireplace can increase a home’s value, but the desire for them seems to be waning among buyers. The average fireplace installation cost is $2,400, while the average fireplace remodel costs $1,200.
There are pros (e.g. interior appeal and an additional heat source) and cons (e.g., expense and maintenance) associated with installing a fireplace. Ultimately, the decision is up to the homeowner, and it’s often based on their personal style and wants.
Popular Hearth Accessories
If you’ve ever watched HGTV, you know there are limitless possibilities when it comes to hearth accessories and decor. Here are some of the most useful accessories to consider:
Fireplace screen
Log rack
Fireplace poker
Fireplace shovel
Hearth rug
Hearth chair
Frequently Asked Questions
Fireplace services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
4.8★ avg. • 6 total reviews
- Sue B.
Terrible experience. Walls/trim/floors/cabinets/doors all have drip marks, overspray, etc. Tiling at the fireplace had to be redone by another vendor due to incorrect and shoddy install by Profect. Contractor had his children in our house while he was on site without prior authorization or...
Profect painting & exteriors - Alexander W.
Supreme Brick & Chimney did a great job with a cleaning and inspection of the fireplace! He was efficient, on time, and very pleasant. The space was kept very clean, and the fireplace was spotless when he was done. He also performed a thorough inspection, and did a great job talking us...
Supreme brick & chimney - Donald L.
Ace Fireplace Services came to the rescue for my chimney repair. They were quick to pinpoint the issue and worked their magic to fix it. My chimney is now in excellent shape, and I'm a satisfied customer.
Ace Fireplace Services - Chanda L.
Custom Paint Jobs LLCs custom murals brought life to our childrens rooms. They love it!
Custom Paint Jobs, LLC - Hannah T.
Storms Mobile Welding was great to work with. They were prompt, professional and did an overall excellent job on the project. I highly recommend.
- Heather M.
On time, clean and finished fast. Windows seem sturdy and the finish is good. Caulking was done with no smudges. Would recommend.
Window Depot USA of Central Ohio - Tiffany V.
The team is awesome!! I can generally pick up and clean throughout the week, but they CLEAN! Windows, stair rails, microwave. All the things I can’t ever seem to get to regularly. The house looks and smells great after they leave.
- Steven K.
Bought a half a cord of firewood from Pitzer with stacking last month. I waited to report so I could see how the wood burned. <br /> <br /> I have three pet peeves regarding landscapers, but Pitzer scored "A"s regarding all three. First, rather than having customers "leave a message" and...
Pitzer Landscaping - M T.
We decided to update our partially finished basement, with a budget. Gerald worked with me on the lighting and chair rail selections, and produced an end product that was everything we wanted and within our budget. The work was done quickly, and he and his crew were always prompt and...
- Amy T.
Outstanding! The granite and the installation went so well that we had the remaining slabs of the granite put into our new house. The 2ND kitchen/wet bar installation went as well as the 1ST, so we had them put granite on our master bath counter top, shower seat, ledge and kick plate for...
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