Gas vs wood vs electric vs pellet
| Type | Installed | Best for |
|---|
| Electric | $7,900 – $13,800 | Ambiance + supplemental heat, no venting |
| Gas insert | $8,100 – $14,100 | Convenience in an existing masonry fireplace |
| Gas zero-clearance | $16,600 – $28,900 | A new fireplace where none exists |
| Wood insert (EPA) | $9,200 – $15,000 | Real fire + efficiency in existing masonry |
| Pellet stove | $6,900 – $10,800 | Efficient zone heating from a hopper |
Electric is plug-in ambiance with no real heat output to speak of; gas is the convenience standard; wood is the real-fire option but needs a Class-A chimney and EPA-certified unit; pellet is the most efficient but needs electricity and pellet storage.
Insert vs zero-clearance new build
The single biggest cost split is whether you already have a fireplace. An insert ($8,100–$14,100) slides a sealed unit into an existing masonry firebox — relatively quick. A zero-clearance new install ($16,600–$28,900) builds a fireplace where there wasn't one: framing a chase ($1,470–$2,500), running new venting, and finishing the surround. If you're adding a fireplace to a room that never had one, you're in zero-clearance territory, not insert pricing.
The costs beyond the unit
The appliance is only part of the bill. Budget for: a gas line run ($705–$1,200 plus $23–$40 per foot), venting (direct-vent $17–$30 per foot, Class-A wood chimney $47–$80 per foot), the surround and mantel (stone or tile $47–$80 per sq ft, a mantel shelf $882–$1,500), electrical for the blower and ignition ($294–$500), and tearing out an old fireplace if you're replacing one ($1,176–$2,000). These extras are why two "gas fireplace" quotes can differ by thousands.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a fireplace cost in 2026?
Gas insert (existing masonry): $8,100-$14,100. Gas zero-clearance new install with chase + surround: $16,600-$28,900. Wood-burning insert (EPA-certified): $9,200-$15,000. Electric (no vent): $7,900-$13,800. Pellet stove install: $6,900-$10,800. Add gas-line run $400-$1,500.
Gas vs wood vs electric?
Electric ($7.9k-$13.8k) = cheapest, easiest, no vent, but visual-only heat. Gas ($8.1k-$28.9k) = clean, instant on/off, requires vent + gas line + permit. Wood ($9.2k-$25k) = traditional ambiance + real heat, EPA-certified models only by 2026 code, need annual chimney sweep + Class-A liner.
Are wood / gas fireplaces code-regulated?
Yes. New wood-burning fireplaces must be EPA-certified (2.0 g/hr particulate). Gas units must be direct-vent (sealed combustion). Permit and inspection are required in nearly every jurisdiction. Carbon monoxide alarms within 10 ft of the bedroom are mandatory.
Code requirements?
Wood = EPA-certified. Gas = direct-vent. Permit + inspection in nearly every jurisdiction. CO alarms within 10 ft of bedrooms.
Best for resale?
Gas direct-vent and modern wood inserts add the most resale appeal. Electric and pellet stoves are room features, not whole-house value-adds.
Can I DIY?
Electric plug-in only. Gas and wood are pro work for code, safety, and warranty.
How much does it cost to install a fireplace?
An electric unit runs $7,900-$13,800, a gas insert $8,100-$14,100, a gas zero-clearance new install $16,600-$28,900, a wood-burning insert $9,200-$15,000, and a pellet stove $6,900-$10,800 - before gas line, venting, and surround.
Gas or wood fireplace - which costs more?
They overlap: a gas insert is $8,100-$14,100 and a wood-burning insert $9,200-$15,000. Wood needs a Class-A chimney and an EPA-certified unit; gas needs a gas line and direct venting. Gas wins on convenience, wood on real-fire feel.
Can I add a fireplace where there is not one?
Yes - a zero-clearance unit ($16,600-$28,900) builds a fireplace in a room that never had one, which means framing a chase, running venting, and finishing a surround. That is why it costs more than an insert into existing masonry.
