How Much Does a Stone Fireplace Cost in 2025?
The average cost of a stone fireplace is $20,000
A real stone fireplace costs $20,000 on average, with most projects costing between $4,000 and $15,000.
Large fireplaces, custom designs, and rare materials can all raise your total costs.
Installing a stone fireplace can increase a home's value, especially if you’re upgrading an old or outdated one.
Hiring an experienced fireplace installer costs $50 to $100 per hour, ensuring proper construction, structural safety, and long-lasting craftsmanship.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
The cost of installing a stone fireplace can vary significantly depending on factors such as size, location, material quality, and overall design. On average, homeowners spend between $4,000 and $15,000, with smaller projects dipping below $3,000 and custom, high-end installations exceeding $8,000. Carefully planning your budget ensures you get the perfect fireplace while keeping expenses under control.
Stone Fireplace Cost Factors
Before setting your budget, consider the primary cost drivers: fireplace size, indoor versus outdoor placement, material choice, and current labor rates.
Size
The size of your fireplace, or the size of the area you’re refacing, is a primary factor in determining the cost of fireplace installation. Installing a stone veneer over an existing fireplace costs $45 to $75 per square foot, with some designs and patterns costing a higher rate. Larger fireplaces require more material and labor, so total costs rise accordingly.
| Fireplace Width (In.) | Average Cost (Including Labor) |
|---|---|
| Up to 36 | $4,000–$6,000 |
| 36–90 | $6,000–$10,000 |
| Over 60 | $10,000–$15,000 |
Type
Stone fireplace exteriors come in many shapes and sizes, with standard veneers being just one of the options. The materials used in the construction and design contribute to the project’s overall cost.
Veneer
Standard stone fireplace veneers cost $4,000 to $15,000, with an average price of $45 to $75 per square foot. Custom stone veneer fireplaces can cost $20,000 or more. Costs rise dramatically if the veneer spans the height of a wall or covers an area over 50 sq ft. A veneer is a decorative add-on applied to an existing structure.
Stone Surround
A stone surround costs $500 to $3,000 for minor additions, and the price can increase for custom designs. The surround frames the firebox and often includes shelves, adding value.
Indoor vs. Outdoor
Indoor refacing or installation costs 10% less than outdoor work. Outdoor fireplaces often come as kits. Outdoor fireplace installation costs $5,000 to $20,000, while indoor fireplaces cost $4,000 to $15,000.
Real vs. Manufactured Stone
Manufactured stone costs $4,000 to $10,000 and is lighter and easier to install. Natural stone costs between $8,000 and $20,000 and may require longer lead times due to sourcing and shipping.
Mantel and Design
Custom mantels add style and shelf space to your fireplace, priced from $500 to $3,000 or more, depending on the design and materials.
Labor
Expect to pay $50 to $100 per hour for skilled fireplace contractors. Complex jobs, multiple contractors, and hard-to-access locations all contribute to increased labor costs.
DIY Stone Fireplace Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
Installing a stone fireplace yourself requires advanced masonry skills, specialized tools, and strict adherence to building codes. DIY installation requires 40 to 80 hours of labor for demolition, framing, stone setting, and finishing, plus an additional $300 to $1,000 for tool rental or purchase. Mistakes in layout, venting, or mortar application can lead to safety hazards or costly repairs.
Hiring a professional fireplace installer ensures expert workmanship, code compliance, and a one- to two-week timeline, often accompanied by a workmanship warranty and streamlined permitting.
Budgeting for Installing a Stone Fireplace
To keep the costs of your stone fireplace within budget, consider the following tips:
Choose stone veneer over real stone to lower material and labor costs.
Reface an existing fireplace instead of building a new one.
Reuse stone uncovered during excavation to lower material costs.
Keep the fireplace and chimney well-maintained to sidestep expensive fireplace repair costs.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
