Reface
$600 to $4.5k
- New brick, tile, stone, stone veneer, concrete or metal over the existing firebox
- A surround of 5 to 25 sq ft
- Removal of the old surround material included
- Firebox, chimney and venting stay as they are
How Much Does a Fireplace Remodel Cost in 2026?
A surround refresh, an insert replacement and a fireplace wall with built-ins are different projects. Separate the appliance, venting, utility work, cabinetry and finishes in each quote. Have the installer confirm the selected model’s requirements before ordering materials.
Plan your fireplace remodel & built-ins budget
Match the budget to the work you need. Each tier is a published range for that scope, with its source listed at the end of this guide, and the local figures below show how your area compares. None of them is a quote. Confirm dimensions, preparation, materials, labor, fees and exclusions in each proposal.
Built-ins around the fireplace
$1k to $8k
- Shelving and cabinets on one or both sides of the fireplace
- Built-in shelving at $300 to $850 per linear foot installed
- Labor is 70% to 80% of the cost
- Floor-to-ceiling or deeper units cost 20% to 50% more
Replace or rebuild
$2.4k to $8.1k
- The old fireplace comes out and a new one goes in
- Price depends on size, fuel source, placement and material
- Prefab units at the low end; stone, masonry and brick at the high end
- A chimney rebuild is its own line at $1,000 to $15,000
How to use these estimates
Use the ranges to discuss scope and allowances. A site assessment and written proposals determine your actual cost. Material prices and service-life ranges below depend on product, installation and conditions; they are not warranties. References support their specific topics and do not validate all prices in this guide.
Compare project costs by areaHow much does it cost to reface a fireplace?
Refacing a fireplace costs $600 to $4,500, according to HomeGuide's fireplace remodel cost guide. Three things set where a job lands in that range: the surround material, how many square feet it covers, and whether the old material has to come off first. HomeGuide notes that in most cases the new material can go over the old brick or tile. When it cannot, removing the old surround adds $500 to $1,000. At the low end, premade resurfacing kits cost $200 to $1,000 for a do-it-yourself job.
| Material | Installed total for a 5 to 25 sq ft surround, removal included |
|---|---|
| Concrete | $530 to $1,600 |
| Tile | $550 to $2,300 |
| Metal | $580 to $2,300 |
| Brick | $630 to $2,300 |
| Stone veneer | $730 to $2,900 |
| Natural stone | $750 to $4,800 |
| Limewash or stain over existing brick | $1 to $4 per sq ft (not a new surround) |
| Plaster or stucco | No figure in HomeGuide's table; get a written quote |
Natural stone is the only row that runs past the overall refacing range: HomeGuide's stone total tops out at $4,800. Stone veneer, a lighter manufactured product, stays at $730 to $2,900 in the same table. For how refacing compares with built-ins and a full replacement, see the cost tiers on this page.
What refacing covers, and what it leaves alone
HomeGuide defines refacing as replacing the material that surrounds the firebox. The firebox, the chimney and the venting stay as they are. The hearth and the mantel are separate decisions: HomeGuide notes that hearth extensions are usually made of the same material as the surround, so ask whether a quote labeled "reface" includes the hearth, the mantel, or only the wall face.
Since the firebox and flue stay in service, get them checked before new tile or stone goes on. HomeGuide puts a chimney cleaning and inspection at $150 to $375 and an inspection alone at $55 to $130.
When a reface turns into a rebuild
If the inspection finds damage, or you want a different fuel, the work is no longer a reface. HomeGuide prices fireplace repairs at $100 to $2,000 and a complete replacement at $2,400 to $8,100. Replacing the unit brings in permits: the City of San Diego states that adding or replacing a fireplace requires a building permit. In the Bay Area, a chimney or fireplace remodel that costs over $15,000 and needs a building permit can only install a gas, electric or EPA-certified device, under Bay Area Air District rules. For a fuel change without masonry work, compare electric inserts, and see the line-by-line numbers in our 2026 fireplace remodel cost guide.
Clearance rules for the new surround and mantel
A new mantel or wood trim has to respect the clearance to the fireplace opening. For a masonry fireplace, section R1001.11 of the 2025 California Residential Code allows combustible mantels and trim directly on the masonry front, but not within 6 inches of the opening. Within 12 inches of the opening, combustible material can project no more than 1/8 inch for each inch of distance. A trim piece 8 inches from the opening can stick out 1 inch at most.
If the face around the opening grows, the hearth extension may need to grow with it. The code calls for a hearth extension at least 16 inches in front of the opening and 8 inches past each side, or 20 and 12 inches when the opening is 6 square feet or larger. A factory-built (prefab) fireplace follows its listing instead, so the clearances come from the manufacturer's installation manual for that model.
Stone veneer: weight and backing
Manufactured stone is light enough to hang on the existing wall. Westlake Royal says its Eldorado Stone weighs about 10 to 12 pounds per square foot and needs no footings or support ledges, because the mortar bond to the stone and the scratch coat holds it. Its Cultured Stone line averages about 8 to 12 pounds per square foot, against a code limit of 15. Cultured Stone should never go inside the firebox, and Eldorado recommends keeping the stone at least 18 inches from any direct flame to prevent discoloration. The stone is set in Type N, Type S or modified mortar over a properly prepared substrate, so ask the installer which preparation the manufacturer's instructions call for on your existing surface and whether the quote includes it.
Decide what your project includes
Plan the surround, the fireplace itself and the built-ins as separate scopes. Refacing, built-in shelving and a full replacement each have their own price range.
Surround, insert, or the whole fireplace wall?
These are different scopes. Ask contractors to separate the appliance, installation, finish work, and cabinetry so you can compare like for like.
- Surround and finish refresh
- Specify demolition, surface preparation, tile or stone, mantel, and hearth work. Confirm whether the existing appliance stays and whether any venting work is excluded.
- Fireplace insert
- Ask for the model and fuel type, installation scope, venting, utility connections, and inspection responsibilities. Have a qualified installer confirm compatibility and manufacturer requirements.
- Full wall and built-ins
- Itemize framing, wall finishes, cabinets, shelving, and media wiring separately from the fireplace. Ask which drawings, finishes, and installation details the price includes.
Compare fireplace insert costs or check the scope in your quote.
For chimney and venting questions, see CSIA homeowner resources.
Price the fireplace and the built-ins as separate parts of the project. HomeGuide puts refacing at $600 to $4,500 and a complete replacement or rebuild at $2,400 to $8,100. Built-ins around a fireplace run $1,000 to $8,000 in HomeGuide's built-ins guide. A fireplace wall that combines new fireplace work with built-ins adds those separate lines together, so ask a local contractor to itemize the appliance, venting, cabinetry, site work and permits in writing.
Fireplaces and built-ins: the highest impact living room upgrade
The fireplace and built-in wall is the visual anchor of most living rooms. A well-designed fireplace surround with custom millwork on both sides reads as expensive even when the rest of the room is modest. Conversely, a dated brick fireplace with no built-ins drags down an otherwise beautiful room. For national numbers line by line, see our 2026 fireplace insert cost guide.
HomeGuide's national ranges by scope: painting a fireplace $350 to $650, replacing the mantel alone $500 to $5,000, refacing $600 to $4,500, and a complete replacement or rebuild $2,400 to $8,100.
Gas, electric, or wood
Gas appliances vary in heat output, venting and service requirements. Compare the selected model's specifications and installation requirements, including the gas line and vent route. HomeGuide puts a new gas fireplace at $2,300 to $10,000 installed and a gas insert that fits an existing fireplace at $2,000 to $5,000 installed. Extending a gas line adds $250 to $500.
Electric is the budget choice. No gas line and no gas permit; smaller units plug into an outlet and larger ones need a dedicated circuit when the manufacturer calls for one. The flame effect on premium models (Dimplex Ignite XL, Modern Flames Orion) is now convincing in person. HomeGuide puts an electric fireplace at $200 to $3,000+ installed, with recessed built-in units at $1,500 to $3,000 or more with professional installation.
Wood-burning remains popular for cabin and traditional aesthetics, but new wood-burning installs are restricted in many California air quality districts (SCAQMD, BAAQMD) and parts of Washington. An insert is not automatically exempt from local restrictions. Confirm the proposed model and installation with the local air district and building department before purchase.
The built-in decision
Built-ins add storage and change the proportions of the fireplace wall. Price their cabinetry, finish and installation separately from the fireplace appliance. They store books and media, add architectural depth to a flat wall, and read as custom even with stock cabinetry painted on-site.
HomeGuide puts built-in shelving at $300 to $850 per linear foot installed. Standard shelving is 10 to 12 inches deep and 8 feet tall or less; deeper or floor-to-ceiling units cost 20% to 50% more. Mix open shelves (top half) with closed cabinetry (bottom half) for the most flexible storage. Add LED puck lights inside the open shelves for a magazine-photo glow.
Built-ins add storage and change the proportions of the fireplace wall. Price their cabinetry, finish and installation separately from the fireplace appliance.
Surround material strategy
HomeGuide's refacing prices per square foot installed: concrete $5 to $25, tile $10 to $50, brick $25 to $50, stone veneer $45 to $75 and natural stone $50 to $150. Tile is the budget pick and easy to refresh later. Stone veneer suits modern farmhouse and transitional styles. Natural stone is the premium choice, with dramatic veining.
How to compare fireplace cost estimates
The tiers on this page are HomeGuide's national ranges for three different scopes. A standalone insert, a refacing job and a fireplace wall with custom millwork should not be compared as the same project. Our insert cost guide provides a separate breakdown. For the full tables, see HomeGuide's fireplace cost guide.
We do not assign a resale-return percentage to this project: JLC's 2025 Cost vs. Value report does not list a standalone fireplace remodel. A project's appeal to a future buyer is not a guaranteed financial return.
Permit and code basics
Before ordering an appliance, have the installer confirm the local permit requirements, fuel restrictions and the manufacturer's installation instructions. Venting, gas or electrical work, clearances and structural changes depend on the appliance and the site. Do not use a generic clearance or permit-timing figure as an installation specification. Check the local air-district requirements as well as the building department.
Compare materials and options
Compare the complete specification, not just the price per unit. Ask which preparation, installation and finish work the allowance includes.
- Painted brick (refresh)
- $350 to $650 / project
Regional fit: Both
Professional painting; stain soaks in, paint sits on the surface
- Stone veneer
- $45 to $75 / sq ft installed
Regional fit: Both
Can go over the old brick or tile
- Natural stone
- $50 to $150 / sq ft installed
Typical service life: 100+ years · Regional fit: Both
Highest-priced surround in the HomeGuide table
- Tile surround
- $10 to $50 / sq ft installed
Typical service life: 70+ years · Regional fit: Both
One of the most common surround materials
- Gas fireplace insert
- $2,000 to $5,000 / installed
Typical service life: 15 to 25 years · Regional fit: Both
Fits an existing fireplace
- Built-in shelving
- $300 to $850 / linear ft installed
Regional fit: Both
Labor is 70% to 80% of the cost
How the project works
The guide’s planning timeline is 1 day to 4 weeks. Ask the contractor to separate design, approvals, ordering and construction in the schedule for your scope.
Decide gas, electric, or wood
Compare fuel types and appliance models with a qualified installer. Confirm maintenance, venting, utilities and local restrictions.
Permits and gas line check
Confirm approvals and the existing utility capacity before ordering. Itemize any gas or electrical changes in the proposal.
Frame and rough-in
Prepare framing and utilities to the approved design and manufacturer’s requirements, including applicable inspection stages.
Install insert and surround
Install the appliance and surround with the required clearances, venting and material specifications. Allow required curing time.
Build cabinetry and mantel
Coordinate cabinetry, shelving and the mantel with the appliance’s clearance requirements and the agreed finish drawings.
Final inspection and reveal
Complete applicable inspections, commissioning and finish work. Obtain operating instructions and warranty documents.
Compare the scope before the total
Give each contractor the same project description and product selections. Ask what is included, excluded or left as an allowance, who handles approvals, and how changes will be agreed in writing.
Details worth checking
Compare the complete installed scope
Ask for separate lines for the appliance, venting, gas or electrical work, surround, cabinetry and permit allowances. Heating output and running costs depend on the selected model and how it is used.
Why fireplace cost numbers differ
The tier ranges are HomeGuide's national whole-project averages for three separate scopes: refacing, built-ins and a full replacement. Surround prices are per square foot installed and built-in prices per linear foot, so each covers one part of the job, not the total.
Local planning context
Start with the authority responsible for your property. Costs and requirements vary within a metro. Browse California city guides.
Regional cost notes
Editorial planning notes; confirm the current scope, requirements and prices locally.
California
The tier ranges above are national averages from HomeGuide. A California quote moves with local labor rates, the fuel and venting you choose, and permits. Gas work needs a permit, and many air districts (SCAQMD, BAAQMD) restrict new wood-burning installs, so check with the air district and building department first.
Washington
The tier ranges above are national averages from HomeGuide. In older Greater Seattle homes, ask whether the existing gas line can feed the insert you want before you order it; HomeGuide puts extending a gas line at $250 to $500 nationally. Check local burn rules before choosing wood.
Fireplace Remodel & Built-Ins: common questions
How much does a fireplace remodel cost in 2026?
It depends on the scope. HomeGuide puts refacing at $600 to $4,500 and a complete replacement or rebuild at $2,400 to $8,100. Painting an existing fireplace runs $350 to $650 and a new mantel alone $500 to $5,000. Built-ins around the fireplace are a separate line at $1,000 to $8,000. Ask for an itemized local quote that splits these parts.
Are linear gas fireplaces worth the cost?
Compare the appliance, required venting, gas line work and the surround or cabinetry you want. A linear design suits some rooms, but it does not guarantee a resale return or lower heating bills. Ask the installer about maintenance and the selected model's specifications.
Do I need a permit to install a gas fireplace?
Confirm the requirements for your exact scope with the building department responsible for the property. Structural changes, utility work and changes of use can follow different approval paths. Ask the contractor to identify required permits, fees and inspections in writing; an exemption for one task does not cover the whole project.
Can I add built-ins around an existing fireplace?
Built-ins can often be added once the installer checks appliance clearances, venting and access for maintenance. Price cabinetry separately from the fireplace work. The cabinet layout, finish, wiring and any changes to the existing structure determine the scope. Get the clearance figures from the fireplace manufacturer in writing before the cabinet drawings are final.
How tall can my TV mount above the fireplace?
Use the fireplace manufacturer's heat and clearance requirements and the TV manufacturer's temperature limits. Have the installer check the proposed wall and mounting arrangement. There is no single clearance that is safe for every fireplace and television. Ask for the heat output at the mounting height before you buy the bracket.
What is the difference between gas insert and zero-clearance?
An insert is designed for an appropriate existing fireplace opening; a factory-built fireplace is a different appliance and installation. Compatibility, venting and clearances are model-specific. A qualified installer should confirm which system is appropriate for the site. Get the model number and its installation manual before you sign a quote.
How much does it cost to reface a fireplace?
HomeGuide puts refacing, meaning new surround material over the existing firebox, at $600 to $4,500 including removal of the old material. Per square foot installed: concrete $5 to $25, tile $10 to $50, brick $25 to $50, stone veneer $45 to $75 and natural stone $50 to $150. Refacing updates a dated fireplace without a full rebuild.
How much does it cost to redo an existing fireplace?
HomeGuide lists converting a wood fireplace to gas at $1,500 to $8,000, extending a gas line at $250 to $500, converting gas to wood at $500 to $2,500+ and rebuilding the chimney at $1,000 to $15,000. A surface update costs less: painting runs $350 to $650 and refacing $600 to $4,500. Keeping the existing structure avoids the demolition a full replacement needs.
Is it worth fixing an old fireplace?
Often, if the firebox and chimney are sound. HomeGuide reports that a fireplace can add $1,000 to $5,000 to a home's value and that 60% to 65% of buyers look for one, with gas fireplaces adding more value than wood-burning. If the structure is failing or you want another fuel, compare a full replacement at $2,400 to $8,100 against repairs.
How much does it cost to reface a fireplace with stone?
HomeGuide puts natural stone at $750 to $4,800 installed for a 5 to 25 square foot surround, including removal of the old material. Manufactured stone veneer costs less, at $730 to $2,900 for the same size. The overall refacing range across all materials is $600 to $4,500.
Is refacing a fireplace cheaper than replacing it?
Yes, in HomeGuide's national averages. Refacing runs $600 to $4,500 and a complete replacement or rebuild $2,400 to $8,100. Refacing keeps the existing firebox and only replaces the material around it, so it works when the firebox and chimney are sound.
Can I reface over the existing brick or tile?
HomeGuide says that in most cases the new material can go over the old brick or tile. When the old surround has to come off, removal adds $500 to $1,000. Manufactured stone makers call for a properly prepared substrate, so ask what preparation the quote includes.
How close can a wood mantel be to the fireplace opening?
For a masonry fireplace, the 2025 California Residential Code keeps combustible mantels and trim at least 6 inches from the opening. Within 12 inches, they can project no more than 1/8 inch per inch of distance. A factory-built fireplace follows the clearances in its own listing and manual.
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References and further information
- HomeGuide fireplace remodel cost guide (updated January 9, 2026)
- HomeGuide fireplace installation cost guide (updated January 27, 2026)
- HomeGuide electric fireplace cost guide (updated January 2, 2026)
- HomeGuide built-in bookshelves cost guide (updated April 6, 2023)
- JLC: 2025 Cost vs. Value report
- South Coast AQMD, Check Before You Burn
- 2025 California Residential Code, Chapter 10: Chimneys and Fireplaces (ICC)
- Westlake Royal Building Products: Eldorado Stone FAQs (page 2)
- Westlake Royal Building Products: Cultured Stone FAQs (page 2)
- Westlake Royal Building Products: Eldorado Stone FAQs (page 1)
- Westlake Royal Building Products: Cultured Stone FAQs (page 1)
- City of San Diego: Information Bulletin 201, fireplace permits
- Bay Area Air District: Wood smoke rules