Cost of Stone Fireplaces

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Nowadays, stone fireplaces are a popular feature in homes everywhere. Fireplaces can create a unique ambiance, not found anywhere else. This beautiful and functional piece can create an aura of glamour, comfort, and style. On top of its ability to transform a room with its appearance, it is also a functional piece that will provide warmth to any area, both indoors and outdoors. 

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Most fireplaces include a hearth, a mantle and a surround. If you already have a fireplace in your home, there is no need for a completely new installation! Instead look to complete a renovation project. We recommend looking to alter the fireplace surround with new stone, however, the other elements can be altered as well. This renovation can make your home feel brand new.

Before you begin your home remodeling journey, be sure to look at the many factors that can contribute to the cost of installing a fireplace. This installation may seem overwhelming, but the cost is actually less than you would expect. Some factors that can change the price of a fireplace installation and renovation include the type of fuel, design style (prefabricated or custom build), stone type, as well as size and location. 

Fuel Type

If installing a brand new fireplace, one of the most important things to consider is fuel type. There are two main types of fuel used in a fireplace: wood and gas. These two types of fuel have their pros and cons in terms of maintenance and appearance, but they also have differences in cost. Stone surrounds can be used for both types of fireplaces. 

Wood burning fireplaces are the oldest and most traditional. They are charming and authentic, however, they also require some extra effort and costs such as the collection of wood and soot clean-up in the hearth, fireplace surrounds, as well as the chimney. They can take longer to light, and also can produce smoke.  Along with a wood-burning fireplace comes a wood-burning smell, which some may be happy to have in their home while others will be less than thrilled. 

Gas fireplaces are considered generally more efficient and require less maintenance. Gas fireplaces can use both propane and natural gas. These are easy to use, with gas units typically utilizing an on and off switch. They do not require the collection of wood or soot clean-up. This style of fireplace may require a gas line installed in the room, which may add on to the cost. Gas fireplaces also do not come with the ambiance of a traditional fireplace. For example, a traditional wood burning fireplace is an experience, requiring wood cutting as well as the unique smell. For some, these features are a blessing, but others would rather not have to deal with the extra maintenance that a wood burning fireplace requires and should look to gas fireplaces instead.
In terms of cost, gas fireplaces are the better deal, however, wood burning fireplaces create an aura of elegance and comfort unique to its design.

Prefabricated or custom build

Do you want an already designed, prefabricated fireplace or a one-of-a-kind design? This decision can be made by considering what is most important to you. If cost is most important, we recommend using a prefabricated fireplace. 

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While there are plenty of beautiful prefabricated options available, of varying price and design style, we recommend going with a custom fireplace surround which will ensure that you have something special in your home. Why compromise when you can have a fireplace that fits your personality and taste to a T? The world is your oyster if you choose to customize your fireplace. On top of appearance, custom built fireplaces are created to last a lifetime, while prefabricated builds may have parts that eventually need repairing or even a complete replacement. The typical cost of a custom fireplace is from $1K to $5K. Your only limitation for customization is your budget and imagination. 

Both of these options are to be considered if you are renovating a fireplace as well as completely installing a new one. The outer design can be altered both through premade options as well as through custom means.

Stone Type

The kind of building material you intend to have your fireplace made of can drastically change the total cost of the project. 

Stone is one of the most popular options for fireplace surrounds. The type of stone chosen can change the cost of the fireplace. Some options include granite, marble, limestone, and slate. All four materials are heat resistant and durable, but some are considered more luxurious than others. For example, marble stone is a sought-after stone for its glamorous appearance and therefore will be more expensive than the other stone types. 

One thing to consider is whether you want to use a full-thickness stone or a stone veneer. Although thinner, it replicates the appearance of full stones at a lower cost. Stone fireplaces range from $1K to $5K, depending on the other factors discussed in this article. If you already own a fireplace, the surround, mantle and hearth can all be altered to include a brand new stone design. This simple change can drastically change the ambiance of a space.

Size and Location

Like any home remodeling project, the bigger the project, the more it is likely to cost. A firepit that is small in size and pre-made will be significantly cheaper than a large, indoor grand fireplace. Examine the space where you intend to place your fireplace. If indoors, does it have tall ceilings? What is the total square foot of surface being covered with the fireplace surround? This is one of the most important parts of determining the cost of the project. 

Fireplace surrounds are where the most attention should be paid, both in a brand-new fireplace installation as well as a remodeling project. On average, expect to spend anywhere from $40 to $75 per square foot. If a project has more decorative features it will also cost more.

Location is also important when determining the overall cost of a fireplace installation project. For example, outdoor fireplace installation will have different procedures for the contractors involved as well as the likelihood that a homeowner will typically be adding more to their backyard than just a fireplace. 

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Other things to consider 

Many other elements may add cost to your fireplace installation. Do you intend to just add a fireplace to your home, or is this part of a bigger project? Many individuals adding a fireplace to an outdoor space also add other features. For example, many homeowners add an enclosed patio or deck so the fireplace can be utilized all year round. This can quickly double or even triple the initial cost of your project. What about maintenance? Depending on the type of fireplace you install, there may be some high maintenance costs such as cleaning of ashes, resealing, or even repairs. You may even want to consider fireplace accessories. For example, with a fireplace, you will want to add new decor to the space, such as a shelf or glass features. If renovating the stone features of a fireplace, you may want to change other features of a space as well to better fit the new aura of a space. Stone features can greatly enhance and alter a room’s overall appearance, and you may want to change other features to better harmonize with your new stone. 

All of this may seem overwhelming, but the extra cost is more than worth it when considering both the beauty and ease that comes with a fireplace.                                                   

Why you can trust Marble.com

When it comes time to get the job done, our fabrication and installation teams have the equipment and expertise it takes to get your project cut and delivered the right way, every time. We at Marble.com are known for our incredibly quick turnaround, as we understand having countertops and other mainstays installed quickly and properly is important to our customers. We value your time, and our goal is to create the best work possible and have you enjoying it as possible.

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