HEATING
Fireplace Installation Cost: Gas vs Wood in 2026
Estimate fireplace installation cost — with the free HVAC calculator.
A fireplace is the heart of a living room — and one of the pricier upgrades you can install. Gas vs wood is the biggest cost decision. Here's the real 2026 number.
THE SHORT ANSWER
The short answer
Gas fireplace installation runs $7,200–$16,200 in 2026 (full unit); inserts run $7,200–$8,880. Wood-burning runs $2,500–$10,000 installed. The unit runs $1,500–$8,000; labor is 30-50% of the total.
Gas vs wood burning
Gas fireplaces run $7,200–$16,200 fully installed — the unit runs $1,500–$8,000 and installation $3,000–$8,000 including the gas line and vent. Wood-burning runs $2,500–$10,000 with masonry or a prefab chimney.
- Gas full install: $7,200–$16,200
- Gas insert: $7,200–$8,880
- Wood-burning: $2,500–$10,000
- Labor: 30–50% of total
Insert vs full fireplace
An insert fits into an existing fireplace opening ($3,000–$8,000 installed). A full fireplace adds a vent, hearth and surround ($7,000–$16,000+). Inserts are the cheaper path when a masonry chimney already exists.
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