Cost of a Fake Chimney Breast

There are a lot of ways to improve the appearance of a room, one of which is adding a fake chimney breast. A false or faux chimney breast allows you to create the look of a classic chimney but without the structural complexity, cost and inconvenience that comes with building a real one.

The average cost to build a fake chimney breast is £2000, but this can vary greatly due to many factors, which we will show you in this guide!

If you'd like a quote for a fake chimney breast from one of our builders, click here!

How Much is a Fake Chimney Breast?

The average cost of creating a fake chimney breast is £2,000, with prices ranging from £500 to £3,000, depending on the size, materials and installation complexity. Larger fake chimney breasts require more materials and labour, which increases the price.

A fake chimney breast can serve both aesthetic and functional purposes, making it a versatile choice for homes. You might decide to install a fake chimney breast to provide a unique focal point in a room, or you might decide to use it to house entertainment systems or to create the appearance of a traditional fireplace.

Plasterboard, MDF and solid wood are commonly used for fake chimney breasts, largely due to their durability, longevity and ease of installation. The cost of adding a fake chimney breast can vary widely based on factors such as the dimensions, design complexity and any additional features like shelving, TV recesses or integrated lighting.

This is also the case with complex installations and fake chimney breasts with intricate designs, both of which require more labour and skill. The cost of having someone fit a faux chimney breast can vary slightly depending on where you are in the UK. You’re likely to pay more in busy, urban areas such as London, where the cost of labour and materials tend to be slightly higher.

Fake Chimney Breast Prices

Below we take a look at the various costs involved in having a fake chimney breast installed.

Supply Costs

The materials for a fake chimney breast can vary depending on the quality and desired look required. For a basic design, plasterboard and wooden framing are often used as a budget-friendly option. Alternatively, MDF is often used as a simple yet effective material.

For a more realistic finish, brick slips offer an authentic brick finish, albeit at a higher cost. Meanwhile, using stone veneers are generally a more affordable option, although both options provide a durable and premium look compared to using cheaper materials.

Labour Costs and Timescales

You can expect to pay around £150 to £250 per day in labour costs for constructing a fake chimney breast. This cost will vary depending on where you’re located, project complexity and contractor experience.

Basic, straightforward faux chimney breast installations usually take a day to complete, and labour costs typically range from £150 to £250. More complex builds - such as those with added features, complex designs or those that are larger than average - may take up to three days, increasing the cost of labour to between £450 and £750.

Cost Factors for a Fake Chimney Breast

There are various factors that impact faux chimney breast cost, all of which need to be taken into account when you’re deciding on a budget for the work. You might decide to keep things cheap with a DIY approach, but this means sacrificing the skill, expertise and experience of a professional tradesperson.

Here are some of the major cost factors for a fake chimney breast:

Size

The size of the fake chimney breast is one of the biggest factors affecting the price. Larger designs require more materials, longer installation times and labour, which increases the cost. If you want a cheap or budget-friendly faux chimney breast, you’ll need to stick to smaller dimensions.

Design Complexity

The design complexity will also have an impact, especially if you’re factoring in intricate details - such as custom shelving and decorative mouldings - into the fake chimney breast cost, as this requires more labour, skill, time and materials, all of which increase the cost. Basic designs tend to be more straightforward, keeping costs down.

Material Choice

The materials you choose will have a major impact on the cost of a fake chimney breast. Whereas MDF and plasterboard tend to be budget-friendly, they’re only suitable for simple installations, such as fake chimney breasts that are only being added for visual appeal. Brick, stone and solid wood are strong, durable and versatile, but they’re also more expensive.

Electrical Work for Lighting or Media Devices

Adding electrical elements - such as lighting fixtures or wiring for sound systems and TVs - will increase the cost of installing a fake chimney breast. These additions require specialised labour and time, but they also add to the material costs.

Additional Features

Incorporating recesses for TVs or fireplaces requires more customisation and unique structural requirements of the installation, increasing the cost. Fireplace inserts often need additional safety measures and ventilation, especially if you’re working with gas, which can also bump up the cost.

If you are working to a strict budget, or you want to be mindful of how much you spend on your faux chimney breast, the above factors need to be taken into account.

Building Regulations Related to Fake Chimney Breasts

In the UK, planning permission is not usually required if you're installing a fake chimney breast as it's considered a "permitted development". However, if there are any structural impacts or significant masonry changes involved, building regulations may apply.

If you are including a fireplace into your fake chimney breast, then the work must comply within certain Building Regulations.

Combustion appliances, such as a gas fire installations must follow Approved Document J and be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Electrical work must also comply with Approved Document P, which sets out safety standards for home electrical installations to reduce the risk of fire or electric shock.

If your home is listed or in a conservation area, then planning permission may still be required, especially if the work affects the property’s character.

In this instance, planning applications typically cost £100 to £200, with a reply usually received within 8 weeks. As such, you should always check with your local council before starting any work.

Types of Fake Chimney Breasts

There are three main types of fake chimney breasts, each of which serves a slightly different purpose.

• Aesthetic Fake Chimney Breasts - These are often made of decorative plasterwork or brick facades, designed solely for visual appeal, providing the look and feel of a traditional chimney breast without the functional elements.
• Fireplace Chimney Breasts - Fake chimney breasts can also be built to house electric or gas fireplaces, adding a warm, realistic ambience without the need for a full, functioning chimney.
• Media-Focused Chimney Breasts - Blending traditional design with modern function, incorporating built-in recesses for TVs, faux mantels, shelving or feature walls, without the need or cost of a full installation.

Feature Walls

A feature wall offers a focal point similar to that of a faux chimney breast without depth. Using wallpaper, wood panelling or exposed brick, you can create a wall that has a similar look as a chimney breast, but without the cost.

Feature walls are generally the least expensive option, with costs ranging from £50 to £400.

Faux Mantels

Faux mantels are standalone mantels attached directly to the wall, mimicking the appearance of a fireplace surround. These are often paired with decor like mirrors, candles or artwork to create a focal point in a room.

Faux mantels are simple to install and versatile in style, and they can be made from wood, plaster or stone. They are relatively affordable, with the average cost coming in at around £400 to £600.

Modular Shelving Units

Modular shelving is a versatile option that provides storage and functionality, as well as a decorative focal point. Modular shelving units are customisable in height, width and depth, and they can replicate the shape of a chimney breast.

The average cost of modular shelving units ranges from £300 to £1,000, depending on materials and size.

Hiring Contractors Checklist

• Research Various Contractors - It’s important to choose a contractor with experience in building a fake chimney, so be sure to do your research. You can also ask friends, family, and neighbours for recommendations or look at local forums.
• Check Qualifications - Building a fake chimney can be complicated, so you need to ensure you’re working with a contractor that’s qualified, licensed and has the right certifications. Make sure they have experience that’s relevant to your project.
• Look at Similar Past Work - It’s always a good idea to see a portfolio of similar projects, as this gives you peace of mind that a contractor can provide exactly what you’re looking for. Ask for references from previous clients to learn about their experience.
• Get Quotes from Multiple Contractors - You should get quotes from at least three tradespeople, which you can then compare with one another. Each quote should specify materials, the cost of labour and any additional fees.
• Clarify Materials and Labour Included - You need to ensure that each quote clearly states which materials and finishes are included in the price to avoid any unexpected costs. Confirm who will be responsible for purchasing, delivering and handling the materials and the cost of doing so.
• Discuss Timeline and Project Milestones - It’s a good idea to set a realistic timeline and confirm the estimated start and completion dates with your chosen contractor to ensure that you’re both on the same page. Agree on project milestones, which will give you an insight into whether the project is on track.
• Review the Contract - Before you jump into building a fake chimney, review the contract. Make sure that the contract includes the scope of work, payment terms, start and finish dates, and any warranties. If there are any problems along the way, you’ll have the contract to refer back to.
• Arrange for a Final Inspection - Before signing everything off and making the final payment, do a thorough inspection to make sure that all of the work has been completed to your satisfaction and you’re happy with the end result. Let the contractor know if any repairs or touch-ups are needed before the project is marked as complete.

Removing a Fake Chimney Breast

The process of removing a fake chimney breast starts with dismantling the faux chimney breast and disposing of any debris, which tends to require hiring a skip or waste removal services. Repairs are then usually needed to restore walls, floors and ceilings to their original condition, which can include plastering. To finish, painting or wallpapering is used to help blend the area where the fake chimney was with the rest of the room.

The cost to remove a fake chimney breast varies from £500 to £3,000, with most tradespeople charging around £2,000 to complete the job. This includes removing the faux chimney breast, repairing the space, replacing it with slate or tile, and disposal of waste materials. The cost of removing a fake chimney breast varies depending on the size of the chimney breast, the complexity of the job, the amount of work required and the finishing option chosen.

FAQs

Sources

https://bonfire.co.uk/false-chimney-breasts/
https://www.weclearjunk.com/average-skip-hire-cost-in-uk
https://www.lowcostfireplaces.co.uk/browse/c-Mantels-38/c-Mantels-Made-to-Measure-92/