Fireplace Installation Cost

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Fireplace?

The average cost to install a fireplace is around £500, which is broadly representative of a straightforward gas fire replacement into an existing opening with no additional pipework. More complex installs — such as fitting a wood-burning stove with a new flue liner, or building an entirely new fireplace — typically cost between £1,500 and £3,500.

The total price depends on the type of fire, the size of the appliance, whether new pipework or structural work is needed, and your location in the UK. Those in London and the South East should expect to pay more than those in the North or Midlands.

If you are installing a gas fireplace, a Gas Safe registered engineer must carry out the work. This is a legal requirement — not optional. Installation labour alone typically runs £150 to £300, not including the cost of the appliance itself.

Fireplace Installation Prices

Fireplace Installation Costs (Supply Only)

The cost of a fireplace can vary because they come in various sizes and fuel types.

Fire prices vary depending on size, efficiency, and style. Naturally, the bigger or more efficient the fire you desire, the higher the cost. The same is true for style, and contemporary or classic fires can be more expensive.

Electric fires can cost as little as £100 and as much as £2,000. Gas fires are more costly than electric fires, but prices range from around £200 to £3,000. Solid fuel is more expensive due to coal or wood, and prices range from £200 to £3,000.

An open front gas fire will typically cost between £200 and £400, while an outset living flame gas fire will cost between £200 and £700.

A glass-fronted high-efficiency gas fire will cost between £700 and £1,000, while a flueless gas fire will cost between £600 and £1,000. A balanced flue gas fire will cost between £800 and £1,400, while a power flue gas fire will cost between £900 and £2,000.

Fireplace Installer Cost & Timescales

If you are purchasing your fire separately but then hiring a contractor to install it for you (as most people do), you may be curious how much it will cost to hire a professional.

When you hire a professional to fit your fire, you can expect to pay between £50 to £200 for the work. The cost will be determined by the type of fire you are installing, the size of the fire, or your location in the United Kingdom. Those in the London area can consider paying more for work than those in the North or elsewhere in the UK.

If you intend to install a new fire, you may be interested in the timeframes involved with this type of work. It usually takes about 2 to 3 hours to install a gas fireplace. However, if additional pipework is required, it may take longer.

If you hire an electrician to install an electric fire, the process should take about 1 to 2 hours, but it could take longer if additional wiring is required.

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Factors That Impact Fireplace Installation Costs

The cost of installing or removing a fireplace is not standardised. However, there is a wide range of pricing options available for installation and removal, which is due to the factors involved with the process that may increase your final cost.

Fireplace Size

If you already have a larger fireplace or are considering installing one, you should expect the cost of this job to be on the higher end of your budget. A larger fireplace will require more labour to remove or install, raising the overall cost.

If you want to keep your costs low when installing a fireplace, you can always go with a smaller model, which is less likely to be expensive than larger models. You will need the fireplace insert and basket, the fires, the surround and mantel, the framing and flashing, and the chimney, flue, and vent to remove a fireplace.

There is a lot of equipment to disassemble and take down. The bigger and more diverse the design, the more labour required to remove it and the more expensive the job.

Fireplace Design

When it comes to installing and removing traditional fireplaces, the process differs from gas or electric fireplaces. Traditional fireplaces do not typically require any cabling or wiring, so this is a step you can skip!

A chimney is required when installing a wood-burning fireplace. It is usually more expensive to install than other options because you must find space in your home for the chimney, and the materials used to install the fireplace insert can be heavy or difficult to work with. However, the procedure for removing a traditional fireplace is relatively simple.

However, the fireplace is likely to be heavy and bulky, making moving them difficult. To prevent water damage, the top of the chimney will be removed or capped.

Location

Pricing is also affected by where you are in the United Kingdom. For example, prices for installing or removing a fireplace in London are two or three times higher than prices in the midlands and northern regions, so be prepared to pay more if you live there.

If you try to hire a contractor who lives outside their usual radius for work, the price could be increased by up to £50 depending on the individual or business, due to the additional travel required to get to your property.

Also, keep in mind that any additional costs for parking or tolls are the homeowner's responsibility.

What's Involved in Installing a Fireplace?

Installing a fire isn't something you should attempt on your own. It's not only dangerous (as it involves gas or electrical connections and potentially deadly carbon monoxide), but it also requires compliance with strict Building Regulations.

Because this isn't a DIY-friendly job, the vast majority of homeowners choose to find and hire a qualified fire installer.

With MyJobQuote, you can get several quotes from fire installers near you which are fast, free, and there is no obligation to go ahead.

Let's take a look at the typical process of getting a fire installed:

Before the Job

• Regulations Explained — Any experienced professional will be able to walk you through the laws and fire regulations for this type of project.
• Chimney is Swept and Inspected — Before installation, your chimney should be swept and pass all necessary inspections.
• New Lining is Installed — A new lining is installed if necessary to ensure the chimney meets current standards.
• Site Assessed — The installer will confirm measurements and assess the installation area to ensure it meets Building Regulations.

During the Job

• Hearth is Installed — The hearth must be installed beforehand to provide a non-combustible base for the fireplace.
• Connections are Run — Gas lines or electrical connections are run to the fireplace location, depending on the type of fire being installed.
• Fireplace is Fitted — After that, the fireplace can be fitted and installed into position.
• Flue is Connected — The flue or ventilation system is connected to allow fumes and gases to escape. The installer should perform a smoke test on the completed installation to confirm nothing leaks back into the room. The chimney base is sealed with a metal plate, and a cowl is fitted to the top to prevent birds from nesting. Insulating the flue helps maintain gas temperature, reducing condensation and the build-up of tars and creosotes.
• Safety Shields are Installed — All seals and combustible shields are installed to ensure safe distances from flammable materials.

After the Job

• Fire is Tested — The installer will test the fireplace to ensure it's working safely and efficiently.
• Area is Cleaned — All debris is removed, and the installation area is cleaned.
• Operation is Demonstrated — Your installer will demonstrate how to use the fire safely and adequately.
• Certificate is Issued — You'll receive a Gas Safety Certificate (for gas fires) or HETAS Certificate (for solid fuel fires).
• Building Control is Notified — The installer notifies Building Control that the work has been completed in compliance with regulations.

Building Regulations and Planning Permission

Building Regulations

Installing a fireplace is classified as building work, which means it must comply with UK Building Regulations — specifically Approved Document J in England and Wales (Building Standards in Scotland, Technical Booklet L in Northern Ireland).

The key requirements cover the fireplace opening, hearth size, ventilation, and flue specification. Walls forming the fireplace recess must be constructed from brick or stone with no combustible materials, and side and rear walls must be at least 200mm thick. The room must also have adequate ventilation to allow the fuel to burn safely and prevent the build-up of carbon monoxide.

Any work that installs, alters, or relined a chimney or flue is notifiable building work. A Gas Safe registered engineer (for gas fires) or HETAS-registered installer (for solid fuel) can self-certify the work and notify Building Control on your behalf, so you don't need to apply separately.

If your chimney needs repair work ahead of installation, budget an additional £350 to £460 for leadwork replacement without scaffolding, or £700 to £920 if scaffolding is required.

Planning Permission

Planning permission is not usually required to install a gas or solid fuel fire. You may need consent if the work involves altering an external flue or chimney, or if the property is listed or in a conservation area. If you're unsure, contact your local planning authority before work begins.

Types of Fireplace Installations

There are many different types of fire to choose from, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Below is a list of the various types of fire that you can get on your own, along with their prices and a list of pros and cons for each type:

Open Front Gas Fireplace Cost

An open-front gas fire has several different controls and can be decorated in various ways. This allows you to select a fireplace that perfectly complements your home's décor. They are warmed by a heat exchanger and expelled through the upper canopy.

The price is standard, and if you're looking for a cheap gas fire, you could find lower-priced open fronts. They will usually cost between £250 and £400.

Pros

• ✔ Beautiful in appearance, giving a natural, realistic flame.
• ✔ It has a variety of control options and generates no ash or soot.

Cons

• ✖ Less efficient than other types of gas fireplaces, such as sealed fireplaces.
• ✖ No sealing presents a risk of burning or flame exposure.

Living Flame Gas Fireplace Cost

An outset living flame gas fire spreads from the hearth wall. This type of fire produces a lot of heat since the body of the fire heats up and efficiently converts heat around the room. They frequently have a clear glass cover that amplifies warmth and converts cold air into heat, and they can even have a log effect if wanted.

Some even have remote controls, ideal for elderly people or anyone who has trouble bending over. These can range in price from £300 to £700.

Pros

• ✔ Produces a lot of heat and has large, easy-to-use controls.
• ✔ Creates a realistic flame, giving a cosy ambience.

Cons

• ✖ Not as heat efficient as other fireplaces, as they are mostly designed for aesthetic appeal, making them expensive to run.
• ✖ Open flames pose burning risks.

High-Efficiency Gas Fireplace with Glass Frontage Cost

A glass-fronted high-efficiency fire will typically have an efficiency rating of 80-90 per cent. This type of fire employs technology to improve energy efficiency beyond a standard gas fire. High-efficiency gas fires with glass fronts are built into the property's wall and force heat out through the glass front.

These are slightly more expensive, with prices ranging from £800 to £1,500.

Pros

• ✔ Extremely effective with great heat efficiency, helping to prevent heat loss.
• ✔ Lower running costs compared to open fires as the fuel is being used efficiently.

Cons

• ✖ High up-front installation costs.
• ✖ The appearance might not be as realistic as other fireplace variants.

Gas Fireplace with No Flue Cost

Flueless fires are intended for people who do not have a chimney in their homes. This is a clean-burning appliance with a built-in catalytic converter. This catalytic converter reduces the emission that passes through it and removes any toxic gases before safely releasing them into the atmosphere.

The price ranges from £500 to £1,000.

Pros

• ✔ Easy installation as no chimney or flue is required.
• ✔ Very effective with good heat efficiency, with lower running costs compared to open fires.

Cons

• ✖ The release of safe air is dependent on a catalytic converter.
• ✖ Can lead to damp issues over time.

Gas Fireplace with Balanced Flue Cost

A balanced flue fire is intended for homeowners who want all the advantages of a gas fireplace but do not have a chimney or flue built into their home. Instead, this type of fire has a flue that runs through an exterior wall. Supply costs typically range from £800 to £1,400, with installation adding a further £1,000 to £1,600, giving a total of around £1,800 to £3,000.

Pros

• ✔ Allows you to have a fire without requiring a chimney.
• ✔ Extremely effective with a high heat output.

Cons

• ✖ It could be difficult to install, with higher installation costs as a result.
• ✖ These fires can look less realistic than some other options.

Electric Fireplace Cost

Electric fireplaces are typically less expensive to buy and install than gas options, which can make them a practical choice if you're working to a tighter budget. Supply costs range from £100 to £2,000, with installation adding £400 to £1,000, giving a typical total of £500 to £3,000. Running costs are higher over time, however, as electricity is more expensive than gas.

Pros

• ✔ Purchasing upfront is less expensive and is simple to set up.
• ✔ They are available in a variety of styles.

Cons

• ✖ Long-term operating costs are higher, and heat output may be limited.
• ✖ Electric fires are dependent on electricity - if there's a power cut, you won't be able to use it.

Checklist: Hiring a Fireplace Installer in the UK

Ready to install a new fire? Here’s what to keep in mind when hiring a professional installer to ensure the job is done safely and legally.

• Are they qualified for the job? This is the most important check. For gas fires, the engineer must be on the Gas Safe Register. For wood, solid fuel, or biomass stoves, look for an installer registered with HETAS. Always ask to see their official ID card.
• Are they insured? Ask to see proof of their public liability insurance. This is essential to cover you and your property in the unlikely event of accidental damage during the installation.
• Do they understand building regulations? A competent installer will have expert knowledge of UK Building Regulations (Approved Document J) covering ventilation, flue requirements, hearth specifications, and safe distances to combustible materials.
• Have they provided a detailed written quote? Don't accept a verbal estimate. Ask for an itemised quote that breaks down all costs, including the fire appliance, flue liner (if needed), hearth, labour, and VAT.
• Will they provide a certificate of compliance? This is a legal requirement. A Gas Safe engineer must provide you with a Gas Safety Certificate. A HETAS installer will issue a HETAS Certificate of Compliance, which is used to notify your local council's building control department.
• What warranty is included? Check the manufacturer's warranty for the fire appliance itself and ask what guarantee the installer offers for their workmanship.
• Can they provide references and a portfolio? Request to see photos of previous installations and speak to past clients if possible. You can also check their MyJobQuote profile to read verified reviews, see ratings, and view their past work.

Following these steps will help you choose a qualified, fully insured fire installer with a proven track record, ensuring your new fireplace is safe, compliant, and installed to the highest standard.

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