Do you wish to give your fireplace a fresh look?
A fireplace is one of the most unique centerpieces of any living space. It’s a natural focal point where families gather for warmth, relaxation, and entertainment. Besides, it improves a home’s overall aesthetics and value.
Over time, fireplaces get exposed to several elements like temperature changes that cause them to wear and become dated. However, tearing out fireplaces and replacing them with new ones can be messy and expensive.
Because of this, today’s homeowners opt for a more cost-effective solution: Fireplace refacing. But, how much does it cost to reface a fireplace?
Here, we will go into detail about the costs of fireplace refacing to help you decide if the process is worth it.
How Much Does It Cost to Reface a Fireplace?
Fireplace remodeling or refacing involves several tasks, including:
- Clearing away cracks
- Repairing the motor between bricks
- Reconstructing the chimney to enhance the fireplace façade
- Changing the color
The tasks you undertake will determine the average cost of your fireplace remodel project. For example, expect to spend approximately $175 to repair cracks and around $54 for repairing mortar. Of course, the costs of these tasks will vary depending on whether you hire contractors or DIY.
Overall, expect to spend anywhere between $200 to $390 to reface a fireplace by yourself or $2,100 to $4,500 if you hire professionals.
The cost difference reflects the extent of repairs and the type of renovations to be undertaken. For example, minor repairs like painting brick and replacing worn-out wood will cost you about $180. But projects, like drywall installation, can set you back by nearly $1,906.
Also, expect to spend more money if you opt for customized materials. For instance, real stones cost more per square foot compared to manufactured stones.
Factors That Influence the Cost of Refacing a Fireplace
The average cost of refacing your existing fireplace will depend on several factors. For instance, a fireplace consists of a variety of materials, each with its price range to reface, restore or repair. Labor and surrounding material can also have a significant influence on the overall cost.
Below, we’ve discussed some factors that affect the costs of refacing a fireplace.
1. Materials
For fireplaces, homeowners can choose from an endless combination of materials. While this gives them the freedom to design the fireplace of their dreams, it also means the remodeling or refacing costs vary significantly. The most common fireplace materials include:
- Wood
Fireplaces made from wood give your home a more traditional or rustic look and feel. Whether coated with stain or paint, wood-covered fireplaces bring a sense of nature and warmth to any living space.
The price of wood supplies for fireplace refacing usually contrasts depending on selected varieties. For instance, a common 1-inch thick pine board can cost you less than $1 per foot. Whereas, you can spend over $12 per foot for a 1-inch-thick board for exotic hardwoods like walnut or mahogany.
But before beginning the refacing, check with your local fire codes to know the rules and regulations. According to the international building code, no combustible material should get installed within six inches of a working fireplace.
- Tile
Tile is the number one go-to material for most homeowners. Besides lending a modern look to the fireplace, it comes in a wide selection of color choices and styles. Tiles can cost anywhere between $1 to $15 per square foot. Some expensive brands can reach a price of up to $30 or $50. But you can save more if install the tiles yourself.
- Stone
The type of stone you will choose for your fireplace exterior will depend on your preferred style. Homeowners can select from slate, granite, soapstone, quartz, and other stones.
However, stone slabs tend to cost more compared to other fireplace materials. A square foot of quartz and granite can start at $50, whereas for slate, you can spend about $70 per square foot. Expect the cost to rise for slabs with unique shades and designs.
- Concrete
Concrete is a good option for people who don’t want to spend lots of money. While it doesn’t look good like tiles and stone, concrete or stucco mix allows you more room for customization without being expensive.
This material comes in powder form. All you need to do is mix it with water, and you’re all set. A bag of concrete mix costs around $9. It usually covers a fireplace area of about 25 sq. ft if applied 3.8-inch thick.
- Masonry Veneer and Stone Veneer
Masonry veneer and stone veneer are popular materials for fireplaces since they are less costly than natural stone and offer DIY potential. Affordable options for masonry veneer range from $34 to $50 per square foot, while stone veneer cost $6 to $15 per square foot. But the cost can go up to $100 per square for veneers with intricate designs.
2. Size
Besides material, another factor worth considering is the size of the fireplace. As stated earlier, stone veneer installation costs anywhere from $6 to $100 per square foot, while natural stone can range from $50 to $100 per square foot. These values increase with the size of your fireplace.
3. Indoor vs Outdoor
Compared to indoor fireplace refacing, outdoor fireplace installations cost more by about 10%. This is because not every material can withstand outdoor elements. Luckily, outdoor fireplaces come as prefab kits or models. As a result, it makes the installation job seamless. You can spend between $200 to $3,500 for these kits. But if you opt for veneers, the range will be $11 to $20 per sq. ft.
4. Labor Costs
While there is some fireplace refacing tasks you can handle on your own, some might require the help of professionals. A good example is when you want to convert your fireplace from wood-powered to gas-powered.
Contractors ensure complex and overwhelming refacing jobs get completed quickly and safely. These experts usually charge anywhere from $40 to $150 per hour. While most professionals charge by the project and not the hours, hourly rates come in handy when determining the project cost.
You can pay up to $1,000 in labor costs to reface a surround. But these costs increase significantly depending on the complexity of the job and the accessibility of the fireplace.
Extra Costs and Considerations
1. Fireplace Insert
Fireplace inserts provide homeowners with a cost-effective way to improve their fireplace aesthetics while reducing heat loss. They’re also super easy to operate.
But before installing a fireplace insert, understand the cost of this heating unit varies based on the material size and features. But generally, a fireplace insert installation costs anywhere between $600 to $6,500.
If you opt for a gas fireplace insert, expect to spend between $580 and $980. For an electric unit, the installation cost ranges from $50 to $3,500.
2. Mantel or No mantel
You can also reface your fireplace by installing a new mantle. Prefabricated mantel pieces range from $300 to $2,000 for wood and $500 to $5,000 for cast-stone marble. If you choose a marble or limestone mantel, expect to spend more than $8,000.
Aside from a prefab mantel, you can opt for a custom-designed mantel, which costs around $2,000 to 5,000. You can also look for an antique mantel and customize it. But you might end up using more money depending on the complexity of the task and the designer’s rate.
3. Carbon Monoxide Alarm
If you plan to use your fireplace regularly, you might need to install a carbon monoxide alarm for increased safety. That will add around $50 to your total refacing cost. But if your home already has a carbon monoxide alarm, there’s no need to invest in one.
4. Repairs
When refacing your fireplace, you might decide to address other necessary repairs. After many years of use, water exposure can cause minor cracks. If the cracks go ignored, they can lead to other expensive repairs. The average cost to repair cracks is about $175.
If you need to repair cracking chimney bricks, be ready to spend about $150 and $1,000. As for the firebox, repair costs can range between $160 and $750. The price is even more for a stone firebox.
But for extensive fireplace repair work, you might need a permit. That can cost you around $500 to $900, depending on your city.
Bottom Line
A refaced fireplace will transform the look and feel of your home while making it cozier and increasing its value and safety. However, this project takes a bit of consideration. Without proper planning, you might end up spending more money than you originally intended.
The average cost to reface a fireplace ranges between $200 to $4,500. But several factors influence this cost, including material, labor, and other repairs. If you wish to save money, consider DIY or opt for refacing kits. And don’t forget to maintain your fireplace regularly after the reface.
That’s all for today! If you’ve found this article eye-opening, leave us a message in the comment section.