Cost to Open Up Fireplace

Wondering how much it costs to open up a fireplace? In the UK, prices typically range from £300 to £1,200, depending on whether the fireplace is boarded or bricked up, and how much structural work is involved.

This guide covers a complete cost breakdown, including labour, materials, chimney work, and the key factors that affect the final price. Read on to find out what to expect — and how to find and hire a local builder.

How Much Does It Cost to Open Up a Fireplace?

More and more homeowners in the UK are choosing to open up a fireplace — whether to install a wood-burning stove, reinstate an open fire, or simply restore a period property's original features.

The average cost to completely open up a fireplace is £1,000, though prices can range from £300 for a straightforward unblocking to £1,200 or more for a full reinstatement including plastering, a new flue liner, and a fire surround.

Fireplace Opening Prices

The cost of opening a fireplace can vary a lot. Some of the main factors that influence the price include:

• The size of the fireplace
• The fireplace's age and condition
• How you intend to use the fireplace (fully functional or decorative)
• Whether the chimney breast needs structural work
• Whether a new flue liner is required for solid fuel or gas fires

Here's an overview of costs based on different scenarios:

One of the biggest influences on how much you’ll pay is whether the fireplace was originally boarded up.

In some cases, some of the old surround or insert will still be visible, but in most cases, this will no longer be present, and the opening will have been boarded or bricked up.

You can expect to pay less if the opening has been boarded up rather than bricked over.

Supply Costs

There are quite a few costs that you may need to think about if you wish to open up your fireplace.

You might need to cover the costs of a hearth, lintels, fire surrounds, and flue liners, to give a few examples.

Here are the costs you are likely to encounter:

Opening Up a Fireplace Supply Costs

The materials you choose can also have a big influence on the overall fireplace cost. There can be significant differences between stone, brick, and cast iron, and you can expect to pay more for higher-end finishes and designs.

If you're opening up a fireplace in a period property, it's also worth budgeting for a new flue liner — particularly if you plan to burn solid fuel or use gas fires, as both require a lined chimney to meet building regulations.

Additional Costs

When you’re opening up a fireplace, or moving a fireplace, you’ll also need to think about potential extra costs that you might face beyond the main installation.

Structural Engineer Survey

Depending on your situation, you may need a structural inspection to confirm that the chimney breast and surrounding walls are safe, particularly if reinforcement work is required. A structural engineer typically charges between £200 and £400 for this service.

Chimney Costs

If you're planning on using your fireplace, rather than having it as a decorative feature, you'll need to budget for additional chimney costs:

• Chimney sweeping costs £95, and is critical before you use your fireplace.
• Chimney liners cost around £800, and are essential if you're going to be burning wood, coal, or gas.
• Chimney capping costs £150 to £250 per chimney pot, helping to prevent water ingress and stop wildlife entering the flue.

Ventilation and Flue Liners

A flue liner is essential if you're installing a wood-burning stove or open fire. It ensures smoke and dangerous gases are safely directed outside, while also protecting your home from fire hazards and improving heating efficiency.

The cost of installing a chimney liner in the UK is typically between £600 and £1,000, with an average cost of around £800, depending on the type of liner and the size of your chimney.

Supply-only costs are lower, with materials such as stainless steel liners costing from around £18 to £25 per metre. However, most homeowners will need professional installation to ensure the system meets building regulations and operates safely.

If additional work is required — such as chimney sweeping, repairs, or improving ventilation — the total cost can increase beyond £1,000, particularly for older or blocked up chimneys.

The most common types of flue liners include stainless steel flexible liners, as well as clay, concrete, and pumice liners. Your installer will recommend the best option based on your chimney type and the fuel you plan to use.

Labour Costs and Timescales

There are a few factors that can influence what you’ll pay in labour:

• The project's complexity - Whether you're fully opening a fireplace, or just adjusting for decorative use
• Your location - You may pay more if there are fewer tradespeople in your area to carry out the work

Let's look at some average project durations:

Opening Up Fireplace Timescales

A basic fireplace opening typically takes 1 day. The tradesperson will assess the space, remove any blockages, and clear debris.

If you're adding features like a wood-burning stove, flue liner, or ventilation system, allow an extra 1 to 2 days to ensure everything is installed safely and to a high standard.

Cost Factors for Opening Up a Fireplace

Here’s a list of the main cost factors you need to think about when opening up a fireplace:

• Size of the existing chimney - The taller your chimney, the longer it'll take to work on.
• Structural condition - If you have a damaged, old chimney, expect your timescales to extend as the job's complexity increases.
• Fireplace type and material finishes - Simple fireplace designs and budget materials will cost less than premium decorative features.
• Flue liner installation and ventilation - To meet building regulations, flue liners and ventilation will be required.
• Building inspections - Structural changes will incur additional fees for structural inspections before work can be carried out.
• Waste removal - If you're removing an old fireplace, you'll need to pay for the waste removal.
• Labour costs - Labour charges vary from location to location, with higher charges in London and the surrounding areas.

Building Regulations Linked to Opening Up Fireplaces

When opening up a fireplace, you'll need to comply with specific building regulations for safety and legal reasons.

All fireplace openings must meet strict safety criteria under Part J of the Building Regulations. The chimney must be structurally sound, in good condition, and of sufficient height to provide safe ventilation. If it isn't tall enough, this could cause inadequate ventilation and a dangerous build-up of fumes.

The chimney breast may need to be inspected for structural integrity, and the flue lined with a suitable liner for the appliance being installed. Your installer should be able to advise on whether this applies to your property.

While planning permission isn't usually required to open up a fireplace, you may need it if:

• You're making structural changes to your chimney.
• You live in a listed building.
• Your property is within a conservation area.

In all cases, work must comply with relevant regulations to maintain the safety, value, and integrity of the property. All work must be signed off by Building Control or a registered installer.

Types of Fireplaces to Open Up

There are several options to consider when opening up a fireplace:

Opening Up a Fireplace for a Log Burner

Opening up a fireplace for a log burner is one of the most popular reasons homeowners choose to reopen a blocked up chimney. It can add warmth, character, and kerb appeal to a period property.

Opening up a fireplace for a log burner typically costs from around £800, but can exceed £2,500 once chimney lining, ventilation, and finishing materials are included.

The total cost can rise significantly once you include chimney sweeping, a new flue liner, ventilation, and the stove installation itself.

Decorative Fireplaces

Decorative fireplaces can serve as impressive focal points, often featuring original period designs and historic craftsmanship. That said, not all decorative fireplaces are suitable for heating, so if warmth is a priority, you'll need to consider a functional option instead.

Wood-Burning Stoves and Open Fires

Wood-burning stoves are a popular choice for homeowners who want both atmosphere and practical heat output. They're efficient, visually appealing, and can reduce reliance on central heating.

Open fires are similarly atmospheric but often require more extensive structural work to meet current safety and efficiency standards. Both options will add to the overall cost due to flue liner and ventilation requirements.

Alternative Types of Fireplaces

If you’re thinking about installing another kind of fireplace, you can choose from stylish and convenient electric and bioethanol fireplaces.

These have become popular amongst people looking for efficient and aesthetically pleasing solutions that don’t require them to make big changes to their homes.

Electric fireplaces don’t need ventilation, which means they can be great for homes that don’t have chimneys.

Bioethanol fireplaces use renewable bioethanol fuel to make real flames. You don’t need flues or chimneys to install these because they only emit carbon dioxide and water vapour.

Benefits of Opening Up a Fireplace

Opening up a fireplace can improve your home in several ways, from aesthetics and heating efficiency to property value.

Aesthetically Pleasing

An open fireplace can serve as a striking centrepiece, whether you're restoring an original feature or creating something new. It can add warmth and character to a room, particularly during the colder months.

Reopening a fireplace can also help restore a period property's original features and improve air circulation throughout the home.

Heat Generation

A functional fireplace can serve as a practical heating solution — whether that's a wood-burning stove or an open hearth — helping to reduce reliance on central heating.

Value-Adding Benefits

A fireplace is a desirable feature for many buyers, and the cost of opening one up can be outweighed by the value it adds to your property — particularly if it's an original period fireplace in good condition.

Sustainable Option

If sustainability is a priority, a wood-burning stove fuelled by responsibly sourced local wood can be a more environmentally friendly heating option than relying solely on central heating.

Removing or Restoring a Fireplace

Depending on the condition of your fireplace, you may need to consider restoration, renovation, or full removal alongside the opening-up work.

Fireplace Renovation and Reinstatement

The cost of reinstating a fireplace will vary depending on the materials and finish you choose. Opening up a fireplace using low-end materials typically costs around £640, while high-end materials, such as premium stone or brick finishes, can bring the total closer to £2,640.

If you're planning to use the fireplace for burning fuel, you'll also need to budget for chimney sweeping and lining. Installing a new flue liner typically costs between £600 and £1,000, with an average cost of around £800, although the total can be higher if additional repairs or ventilation work are required.

Fireplace Removal

Removing a fireplace is a significant job. You'll need to budget for the removal itself, debris disposal, and any repairs to nearby walls and floors once the fireplace has been taken out.

Checklist: Hiring a Builder to Open Up a Fireplace in the UK

Here's what we suggest when you're looking for a local builder:

• Gather at least 3 quotes from different builders near you using MyJobQuote.
• Get clear, itemised quotes, so there are no hidden costs.
• Check certifications, including HETAS certification for solid fuel installations, or Gas Safe registered status for gas installations.
• Ask about warranties or guarantees on the labour or parts.

Sources

https://www.imaginfires.co.uk/blog/how-to-open-up-fireplace-guide/
https://www.direct-fireplaces.com/our-blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-opening-up-an-old-fireplace/