A new fireplace can be expensive and working out the final cost can sometimes be a difficult task.

It involves much more than choosing the fireplace you like the look of, you need to consider the surround, hearth, carbon monoxide detector and your chimney - all before installation and labour costs are factored in.

You can, of course, speak directly to us at Direct Fireplaces and we’ll be more than happy to assist - however, we’ve made this guide to help you understand the true cost of fitting a new fireplace. We’ll explain each consideration, from the cost of the fireplace itself to labour costs.

Read on to find out how much it costs to put in a fireplace

Fireplace Costs

The cost of a fireplace can vary, not only are there many sizes but there are different types based on fuel.

At Direct Fireplaces, we feature electric and gas-fuelled fires as well as wall-mounted fires. This is all before the fireplaces and surrounds, where the choice of design and stone can vary in price.

Pictured: Axon Small Block Limestone Fireplace

Prices for fires vary based on factors such as size, efficiency and style. Naturally, the larger or more efficient fire you want, the higher the price you will have to pay. The same goes for style, more contemporary or traditional-looking fires can be higher in cost.

As a guide, here are the price ranges you’ll find with Direct Fireplaces:

  • Electric fires: Electric fires can start from as low as £100 and range up to £2000 (Our cheapest electric fire is £124.95)
  • Gas fires: More expensive than electric, but start from around £200 up to £3000 (Our cheapest gas fire is £219.95)
  • Solid Fuel: More expensive due to burning coal or wood and can start from £200 up to £3000 (Our cheapest solid fuel basket is £90)

Electric Fire Costs

Electric fires are generally cheaper than gas-powered or wood-burning fires; however, they often have higher long-term running costs as electricity is a more expensive fuel.

Gas Fire Costs

Gas fires are more expensive than electric alternatives, but they should have lower running costs because gas is a cheaper fuel when it comes to heating your home.

Pictured: Valor Seattle Slimline Inset Gas Fire

Solid Fuel Costs

Solid fuel can be cheap to run, depending on the fuel you use, but installation can be higher if you have to reopen a chimney, purchase grates and casts.

The buying & installation process for electric fires

When it comes to buying an electric fire, there are various types you can consider which make them a much more flexible option.

They include:

  • Freestanding fires: these can be placed flat against a wall with a fireplace surround, creating the effect of a fireplace even if you don’t have a chimney.
  • Inset fires: these can be positioned in the recess or surround of traditional fireplaces, making them a good choice if you have limited floor space.
  • Wall-mounted: another option if you’re short on space while at the same time creating a very modern and contemporary option.

Installation costs of an electric fire

Unlike gas fires and stoves, you don’t need professional help to install an electric fire - which can save on costs.

Related: How To Install An Electric Fire At Home

If you’re not very confident with your DIY skills, you’ll need to call in professional help, especially if structural work is required to install the fire, such as an inset fire, to mount it or to conceal electrical cables.

Pictured: Be Modern Camberley Inset Electric Fire

This can cost up to £1000 as the installation will have to consider wiring for the fire. If it’s a fireplace and electric fire to install, it’s more likely to cost around £400 depending on where you are in the country.

The cost of installation is usually lower for a wall-mounted fire, a couple of hours work for a local handyman or electrician.

The buying & installation process for gas fires

A gas fire is cost-effective and doesn’t always require a chimney or flue - as long as you choose the correct type.

  • Flueless: With a Flueless Gas Fire you will likely have no chimney; flueless gas fires are also 100% Efficient so they're extremely cost-effective to run.
  • Hole in the Wall: Bringing a modern twist to the gas fire. Hole in the wall fires not only look fantastic but give a room a real feel of warmth and style.
  • Wall-mounted flueless or no chimney: Sometimes it's not possible to fit a gas fire in your room of choice because there's no chimney or flue, a wall-mounted gas fire could be the answer.

Which type of chimney or flue do you have?

Part of buying and fitting a gas fire is whether you have a chimney or flue; a traditional chimney, a pre-fabricated flue or a pre-cast flue - one that lies along the roof edge.

If you don’t have a chimney or flue, this doesn’t mean you can’t install a gas fire - there are flueless fires or those which vent through an external wall. This will mean placing the fire against an external wall.

Pictured: Ekofires 5510 Flueless Gas Fire

Tip: Flueless fires serve a purpose but we only recommend them when there is no flue or chimney present. If there is a flue or chimney, we always advise going for a conventional flue fire.

The cost of cleaning or repairing a chimney can be up to £100 - depending on when you last had it cleaned and checked.

Installing a gas fire

To make sure your gas fire or stove is installed safely, it must be fitted by a fully-qualified engineer who is Gas Safe registered. They should also check that the chimney, flue or vent system you’ll be using is suitable for the fire you’ve bought.

You will need to check, if you have a flue, to make sure that the type of fire you buy is compatible.

The average engineer will usually charge around up to £200 per day in labour charges with the job of fitting a gas fire usually taking from 2-3 hours. The price charged by an engineer will depend on the model of the gas fire as well as any extra work required, such as piping.

Pictured: Crystal Fires Laura Gem Hole-in-the-Wall Gas Fire

Once fitted, you need to get a qualified Gas Safe engineer to check your fire each year to make sure it’s safe to use. Annual check-ups can cost up to £100.

A carbon monoxide detector will typically cost between £10 - £20 and should be placed around five feet above the ground for an accurate reading.

The buying & installation process for solid fuel fires

The traditional heat source of your main room that often sits in cast iron gates or baskets with a wide stone fireplace. They do have regimented requirements:

  • They have to sit on a non-combustible plinth or hearth, the thickness of which will vary depending on the heat output.
  • The hearth must project outwards by at least 150mm to each side of the fire and at least 300mm in front of it.

Therefore, you will need a HETAS qualified fitter to undertake the work.

Prior to the fitting the fire

Like a gas fire, you will need to have your chimney swept by a qualified professional who will be able to report on the interior quality of the chimney and whether it needs a flue lining. Any work required to the existing chimney can then take place.

You’ll need to have a hearth installed whether new or after removing any old, redundant fire. Hearths and back panels can be made from various stones and range in price from £600 to £1,500 or more, depending on the work that needs doing.

Again, like a gas fire, you’ll need to install a carbon monoxide detector.

Flues and chimney liners

Chimney and flue liners prevent toxic emissions from escaping through gaps in the brickwork and into your home while also helping to avoid chimney fires.

You will need a new liner if your chimney doesn’t have one or it is damaged - these can be made out of clay tiles or metal. Liners can cost a few hundred pounds - around £350 - with labour costing up to £400 a day.

The price of a liner depends on the length and grade of steel that is required for your home.

If you want more advice on buying a balanced flue gas fire, feel free to contact us to speak to our expert team!

Shop Online With Direct Fireplaces

Find a brilliant range of fires, fire surrounds, hearths and more at excellent prices at Direct Fireplaces.

Looking for more articles? Find them on the Direct Fireplaces Blog

Guide to Inset Gas & Electric Fires | Everything You Need to Know About Gas Fires | Do You Need a Chimney to Have a Fireplace?

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