How Much Does a Tile Fireplace Cost?
Last Updated: January 19, 2022
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If you already have a fireplace installed, you don't need to be sold on its virtues as a heat source, focal point for gatherings, and the perfect place to curl up and relax. But aside from adding comfort to your home, your fireplace should enhance its beauty as well. While brick and stone fireplaces provide rustic charm, it might be time to update your décor with fireplace tiles. In this buying guide you'll learn more about the benefits and costs of a modern, updated tile fireplace.
Types of Tiled Fireplaces #
Many homeowners opt to tile over their existing masonry fireplace, but you may be interested in building a tile fireplace from scratch. In either case, you'll need to first choose a fireplace tile variety, the most common of which include:
- Natural Stone: A marble tile fireplace, slate tile fireplace, or granite tile fireplace is considered a relatively high-end product (provided you go with the real thing and not faux stone), but the beauty, strength, and durability of natural stone makes it an appealing option.
- Ceramic: A ceramic tile fireplace won't be as tough as one made from natural stone. Still, ceramic is durable, easy to maintain, and available in a huge variety of colors, textures, and patterns.
- Glass: If you're looking to make a stylistic splash, then the installation of a glass tile fireplace could be the way to go. Glass tiles, sold in multiple colors, shapes, and designs, will brighten up any room. And don't let the name fool you: glass tiles are strong and impermeable.
- Mosaic: Made from glass, ceramic, porcelain, and other materials, a mosaic tile fireplace represents the ultimate in elaborate design. Used since Egyptian times, mosaic tiles let you create a truly one-of-a-kind design.
Note that more elaborate tile fireplace designs using terracotta, travertine, and metals such as copper and tin are additionally available. For more tiled fireplace ideas, check out HGTV.com, visit local stores for samples, or speak with a contractor.
Tile Fireplace Average Costs #
The actual cost of a tile fireplace will vary depending on your location, the materials selected, the complexity of the installation, and other factors.
The average cost of a custom built fireplace is $3,000 to $5,000, although for more elaborate projects, don't be surprised if the price creeps towards, or even exceeds, the $10,000 mark.
For a custom-built fireplace that uses gas logs, budget an additional $750 to $1,000 for a gas log kit.
A new chimney might run you $60 to $100 per linear foot for a metal chimney (engineered chimney) or $100 to $200 per linear foot for a masonry chimney. There's a good chance, however, that you can splice a new fireplace into an existing chimney.
Things get quite a bit cheaper if you're simply adding tile to an existing fireplace, as you'll only be installing a few square feet. Prices for leading fireplace tiles include:
Natural Stone: $25 to $40 per square foot installed.
Ceramic: $20 to $35 per square foot installed.
Glass: $25 to $40 per square foot installed.
Mosaic: $30 to $50 per square foot installed.
Additional, miscellaneous costs for tiling a fireplace, including removing the existing brick or stone and prep work, could run $250 to $750.
