How Much Does a Stone Fireplace Cost?
Last Updated: January 19, 2022
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While the thought of a crackling fire might bring to mind a cold, snowy winter's night, you don't have to live in Northern climes to enjoy the benefits of a stone fireplace. Whether you're using it for warmth, a center point for gatherings, or a little bit of each, stone fireplaces are an excellent addition to any home. Choosing the right one, however, can seem daunting due to the large number of stone fireplace designs and options. This buying guide makes the selection process easier by explaining the basics and breaking down stone fireplace costs.
Stone Fireplace Considerations #
You should have a general idea of the type of stone fireplace you'd like installed before speaking with contractors. Use the following criteria to narrow down your choices.
- Real vs. Manufactured Stone: The decision to use real stone such as marble or granite rather than manufactured stone (aka cast stone, cultured stone, faux stone, or stone veneer) comes down to cost and appearance. A manufactured stone fireplace made from a manmade limestone mixture tend to be less expensive, while natural stone is heavier and more difficult to work with but offers a rustic, classical appearance. Whichever option you go with, you'll have a huge variety of stone colors and finishes to choose from.
- Gas vs. Wood Burning: While an open flame can certainly be romantic, dealing with the ash and dust from a wood burning fireplace isn't quite so charming. Fortunately, you can install a stone fireplace that uses gas burning logs and have the warmth of a fire without the mess.
- Indoor vs. Outdoor: The heat and ambiance provided by a fireplace doesn't have to be limited to the indoors. Opt for outdoor stone fireplace installation and you'll have the perfect place for cookouts, campfires, and other backyard gatherings.
- Style: A quick internet search shows that when it comes to stone fireplace design, your options are virtually unlimited. Between the varieties of available stone, the size of the fireplace, and the appearance of the hearth, mantel, crown, and other fireplace elements, you have your work cut out for you. Once you do a bit of research on your own a contractor should be able to help you work out the final design.
Stone Fireplace Average Cost #
The actual cost of a stone fireplace may vary depending on your location, the materials selected, and the complexity of the installation.
- The national average cost for stone fireplace installation is $3,000 to $5,000, although an authentic masonry fireplace constructed by a stone craftsman could push the price tag up to $10,000 or more.
- A natural stone fireplace might cost $2,500 to $3,500, while a stone veneer fireplace costs about 25% less (or $1,875 to $2,625).
- If you plan on using gas burning logs in the fireplace, add $750 to $1,000 for a gas log kit.
- Should the new fireplace be incapable of connecting to an existing chimney (a relatively inexpensive project), you may have to install a new chimney at a cost of $60 to $100 per linear foot for an engineered (or metal) chimney or $100 to $200 per linear foot for a masonry chimney.