A wood burning fireplace adds timeless charm, warmth, and value to a home. It serves as both a practical heating source and a statement feature in any living space. If you are building a new home or planning a high-end renovation in 2026, the cost of a wood burning fireplace should be carefully factored into your budget.
This guide will walk you through pricing, features, and upgrades. You will gain clarity about where your money goes and how to plan for the fireplace that fits your style and space.
Base Price for a Wood Burning Fireplace in 2026
Expect to invest between $25,000 and $80,000 for a new construction wood burning fireplace in 2026. This wide range reflects variations in size, design complexity, material choices, and site conditions.
A $25,000 fireplace covers all the essentials:
- Wood burning firebox
- Venting and flue system
- Labor and materials
- A half-height stone or brick surround
This level delivers function and form without any decorative upgrades. It creates a warm, working hearth that complements most home interiors.
What the Base Package Includes
1. Firebox Installation
The firebox is the heart of the system. For new builds, masons and HVAC technicians coordinate to install a fire-rated masonry box that meets code. This core component contains the flames, supports proper airflow, and protects surrounding framing.
2. Chimney Venting
Every wood burning fireplace requires venting. Most new homes use Class A double-wall stainless steel chimney pipe or full masonry chimneys, depending on design and code requirements. This cost includes everything from roof penetration to cap installation.
3. Surround Finishing (Half Wall Height)
Expect a basic brick or stone veneer finish that rises to about 4 feet above the floor. This creates a classic profile and gives the fireplace a durable, fire-resistant surface.
4. Skilled Labor
The estimate covers a qualified mason who understands the layering and bonding required to adhere stone veneer securely. Fireplace construction is not a DIY job. Your investment ensures safety and code compliance for years to come.
Popular Upgrades That Affect Cost
While a basic fireplace satisfies functionality, many homeowners choose to upgrade the appearance and performance. These additions contribute to the higher end of the pricing scale.
Mantle: $1,500 to $5,000
A custom wood or stone mantle creates a focal point and adds architectural depth. Precast concrete mantles or reclaimed timber beams both fall within this range, depending on size and material.
Hearth: $1,500 to $5,000
The hearth is raised or sits at floor level and extends into the room, adding a place to sit close to the warm fire. It protects flooring from sparks and adds visual weight to the fireplace. Materials like natural flagstone, slate, or cast limestone influence the price.
Full-Height Masonry Surround: $2,500 to $5,000
Raising the stone or brick surround to the ceiling gives the fireplace a commanding presence. Floor-to-ceiling masonry often becomes the main design feature in great rooms or open-concept living areas.
Chimney Height and Complexity
Tall chimneys and multi-story flue systems add labor and material costs. If your home includes a vaulted ceiling or second-story vent run, expect additional charges for scaffold access, material volume, and design coordination.
Exterior Chimney Masonry
Homes with exterior chimneys may require full brick or stone facades. This masonry must match or complement the rest of the exterior cladding. Costs vary depending on the height, style, and access.
Advanced Firebox Patterns
Some homeowners request detailed firebrick patterns inside the firebox. A herringbone or basketweave layout adds visual interest but also increases labor time. This is a popular upgrade for luxury homes or traditional designs.
What Impacts the Final Price
Several key factors influence the final quote for your wood burning fireplace:
- Location of the fireplace within the home
- Height and routing of the chimney system
- Type and finish of masonry materials used
- Framing and access challenges
- Permit and inspection requirements
A fireplace installed against an exterior wall may cost less than a unit installed in the center of the home with a longer vent run.
Should You Build a Fireplace During New Construction?
New construction presents the best opportunity to add a wood burning fireplace. Building from scratch allows proper planning for clearances, chimney routing, and code compliance.
Retrofit installations can still happen, but they often come with greater complexity and cost. Framing modifications, demolition, and structural reinforcement all contribute to higher project budgets. For this reason, many homeowners choose to include fireplaces during the design phase of a new home.
How to Plan for Fireplace Costs in Your Build Budget
Plan early and work with your general contractor or architect to allocate the correct funds. Fireplace features often get added later in the design process, but setting a realistic budget from the start helps you avoid cutting corners later.
Use this rough pricing guide to set expectations:
- Basic wood fireplace with half wall surround: $25,000 to $35,000
- Mid-tier build with mantle, hearth, and full masonry surround: $35,000 to $55,000
- Luxury installation with tall chimneys, detailed masonry, and exterior finishes: $55,000 to $80,000+
What to Ask Your Masonry Contractor
Before you hire a team for your fireplace, ask these questions:
- Do you install both the firebox and chimney?
- Will your quote include labor, materials, and venting?
- What masonry materials do you recommend for my home style?
- How do you coordinate with other trades during construction?
A qualified contractor will offer clear answers and detailed timelines. Look for professionals who specialize in fireplace work rather than general-purpose masons.
Can’t Decide Between Wood or Gas? Use Both.
Homeowners often ask whether they should choose a wood burning fireplace or a gas fireplace. Each has benefits. Wood creates an unmatched ambiance. Gas provides instant, low-maintenance flames. You don’t have to choose one over the other.
Modern fireplace construction allows for a gas log lighter to be installed in a wood burning firebox. This addition makes starting a fire easier than ever. Stack your logs, flip the switch, and the gas lighter will ignite the fire for you. Once the wood catches, you can turn off the gas and enjoy a traditional fire. Or leave the gas running for consistent, effortless warmth.
This hybrid setup offers the charm of wood with the ease of gas. It also adds practical value to your fireplace remodel.
Final Thoughts
A wood burning fireplace adds value, ambiance, and architectural appeal. In 2026, expect to budget $25,000 to $80,000 depending on the design and materials you choose. Understanding the base cost and the impact of upgrades helps you make informed decisions for your home.
Request an estimate early in the construction process. Clear goals and accurate pricing help your fireplace project go smoothly and deliver the lasting warmth you’re looking for.
Working with David’s Stone
At David’s Stone, we specialize in high-quality masonry features for new homes across Clark County. We help homeowners and builders design and install custom fireplaces that combine function, safety, and beauty.
Our team works directly with clients to plan the right layout, choose materials, and coordinate all necessary trades. We also understand regional codes and climate considerations, ensuring that your fireplace performs well for decades to come.
Whether you need a modest hearth or a floor-to-ceiling showcase, we provide transparent pricing, expert craftsmanship, and on-time results.
Whether you need a modest hearth or a floor-to-ceiling showcase, we provide transparent pricing, expert craftsmanship, and on-time results.
Contact us for a quote!
Check out some more resources from David’s Stone:
- How Much Does It Cost to Wrap My Brick or Sheetrock Fireplace with Stone Veneer in 2026?
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