How Much Does Firebox Repair or Replacement Cost?
Normal range: $160 - $750
Firebox repair or replacement costs $455 on average, but it can cost between $160 and $750, depending on the project's scope and details.
You were a responsible fireplace owner and booked your local chimney sweep for an inspection before the start of the cozy winter season. Unfortunately, they've spotted a problem with your firebox—the important structure inside your fireplace that houses fire. Depending on your firebox's age, style, and the extent of the issue, repair or replacement could cost between $160 and $750.
- Average
- $455
- Low end
- $100
- high end
- $2,500
What Is a Firebox?
First off, what is a firebox? Within the anatomy of your fireplace, the firebox is the brick-and-mortar area that comes in direct contact with the flame. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), there are two main types of fireboxes: masonry and prefabricated.
Masonry fireboxes are hand-laid with firebrick and fire-resistant mortar. Prefabricated fireboxes include a metal panel that’s built to fit your chimney, which is also typically lined with metal.
How Long Does a Firebox Last?
The life span of a firebox can depend on several factors, including the type of material, how well it's maintained, and how often you use it. Here are some guidelines for different kinds of fireboxes.
Masonry Firebox
A masonry firebox, made of bricks or refractory concrete, can last for several decades if properly constructed and maintained. With regular inspections and occasional repairs, it can remain in good condition for 20 to 50 years or even longer.
Metal Firebox
Metal fireboxes, often found in prefabricated or wood-burning stoves, have a shorter life span than masonry fireboxes. Depending on the quality of materials and usage, they may last anywhere from 10 to 20 years.
Gas Fireplace Firebox
Gas fireplaces typically have fireboxes made of materials like refractory panels or steel. The life span of these fireboxes can vary, but with proper maintenance and care, they can last 15 to 25 years or more.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Firebox by Repair Type?
| Firebox Repair | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Replace chimney liner | $2,500 |
| Replace mantel | $500–$1200 |
| Gas line connection | $45 per hour |
| Insulation and sealing | $250 |
Because the firebox connects to the rest of the fireplace, fixing it often requires replacing or repairing other parts of your fireplace, including the following.
Ventilation and draft adjustment: It might be necessary to adjust the damper, flue, or replace the chimney liner at around $2,500 to ensure proper airflow and efficient combustion.
Surrounding materials: You may need to replace the hearth or mantel, which costs between $500 and $1,200.
Gas line and connections: If you're replacing a gas firebox, a pro must disconnect and reconnect the gas line and ensure all connections are secure and leak-free, starting at around $45 per hour.
Insulation and sealing: Air gaps or openings around the firebox will need sealing to prevent heat loss and smoke leakage, starting at $250.
If you notice any signs of wear and tear on your firebox, it’s time to call in a qualified professional to solve the issue. Here are some price ranges to expect for common firebox repairs.
Cost of Common Masonry Firebox Repairs
Understanding the potential expenses and considerations involved in these repairs can help you make informed decisions to maintain the warmth and charm of your hearth.
Tuckpointing Mortar
Your masonry firebox contains high refractory mortar, which is mortar that can withstand extremely high temperatures. When beaten down by years of fire and indirect exposure to rain and snow through your chimney, the space between the masonry, also known as the joints, can crack, settle, or break down.
The tuckpointing process involves removing and replacing worn mortar. You can expect to pay $5 to $25 per square foot for this work. The total price tag can range from about $400 to $2,100, depending on the size of the project.
Brick Replacement
While you will need to hire a mason who specializes in fireplace work, you can estimate the cost of your brickwork project by looking at standard per-square masonry rates. You'll likely pay between $34 to $40 per square foot, including the cost of labor. According to HomeAdvisor, the cost of firebricks—which cost between $0.50 and $1.30—is higher than your standard material.
Cost of Common Prefabricated Firebox Repairs
For homeowners aiming to preserve their fireplace's functionality and safety, it's crucial to grasp the possible expenses linked to typical repairs for prefabricated fireboxes.
Prefabricated Panel Replacement Cost
The price of replacing prefabricated panels ranges between $360 and $750. Since the new panels must match the other components of your fireplace system, you won’t have the option to choose a particular brand or variety.
Firebox Replacement Cost
Are you looking to start from scratch and replace your firebox? A complete re-installation will cost between $1,500 and $2,500, with additional costs to attach all of the related parts of the fireplace.
Additional Cost Factors
Here’s how your bill will break down, plus a few ongoing expenses.
Inspection
Most firebox repairs will begin with a professional chimney sweep inspection, which costs an average of $250. Complex inspections that root out major structural damage will cost more, depending on the extent of the work needed.
Permits
Large projects often require special permits to move forward. Construction permits range anywhere from $150 to $2,000, depending on the size of the project and the local regulations.
Removal of Old Fireplace
Take note that full removal of your old fireplace is often a separate fee, ranging between $500 to $2,500. The price depends on whether you require full demolition of the chimney or are only removing parts of the fireplace, such as the flue or the chimney liner.
Debris removal
You can’t forget about disposing of that old fireplace either. Junk hauling professionals charge between $60 to $600 to remove construction debris. If this is part of a larger home renovation, a dumpster may be worth the cost instead.
Fuel Costs
The most significant ongoing expense for fireplaces is the cost of fuel. Wood-burning fireplaces require regular firewood purchases, while gas fireplaces have monthly gas bills.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Regular maintenance and fireplace cleaning are essential to keep your firebox in good condition. The process involves hiring a local chimney sweep for yearly cleaning of wood-burning fireplaces, costing between $129 and $380. Most sweeps will also inspect your fireplace at an average cost of $450. An annual inspection ranges around $75 to $250 if you have a gas fireplace.
Insurance
Depending on your homeowner's insurance policy, owning a fireplace may affect your premiums. Gas fireplaces typically pose fewer risks than wood-burning ones and may result in lower insurance costs. However, even with a gas fireplace, your insurance premiums could increase by up to 10% annually.
How Much Do Fireboxes Cost to Install by Fireplace Type?
When it comes to estimating the cost of installing a new firebox, the price will differ based on the type of fireplace. Not only do the different materials affect the price, but experts will also charge you based on the complexity of your fireplace system.
Here are the main types of fireplaces and their average firebox installation costs:
| Type | Average Installation Cost |
|---|---|
| Masonry fireplace firebox | $1,300 |
| Wood-burning stove firebox | $1,700 |
| Gas fireplace firebox | $2,000 |
| Prefabricated fireplace (including full system) | $2,500 |
What Factors Influence the Cost to Repair or Replace a Firebox?
Suppose you have an older and more complex fireplace design. In that case, the cost to repair your firebox will be more expensive than the price of repairing a firebox in a newer, less complicated fireplace. For example, if you have a grand stone-stacked fireplace in a Victorian home, you may need a restoration specialist to repair or replace your firebox accurately. On the other hand, small and simple prefabricated fireplaces that were installed within the past decade could be an easy and less expensive repair.
Overall, the major cost factors include:
Whether you have a prefabricated or masonry fireplace
The firebox size
The firebox age and the last time it was updated
The extent of the repair and whether you need a full replacement
Where you live
Whether the original prefabricated panels or bricks are still available
What Kind of Firebox Repairs Can I Get on My Budget?
If your firebox needs to be fixed, how do you prepare your budget for the necessary work? Here are some common price ranges to expect for firebox repair and new installations.
$100 to $500
In this price range, you can hire a chimney professional to complete a thorough chimney inspection and a few small fixes. Minor repairs such as replacing masonry bricks, mortar tuckpointing, and even single refractory panel replacement can cost under $500.
$500 to $1,000
Significant mortar tuckpointing, brick replacement, and a full prefabricated panel installation can cost under $1,000, depending on labor costs and the size of your fireplace.
$1,000 to $2,000
For $1,000 to $2,000, you can purchase a new firebox and cover its installation costs. In some cases, the cost of labor, permits, and inspections may also fall within this price range, but it depends on your fireplace design.
$2,000 and Up
Major projects that include hauling away old materials and creating a new structure design will cost upwards of $2,000. If fireplace installers need to repair or replace anything behind the firebox—such as fixing a crack in the flue or restoring bricks in your chimney—you can expect the total bill to fall within this price range.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Firebox Near You?
There are many factors to consider when repairing or replacing something as specific as a firebox. You’ll need to budget for the cost of the firebrick, refractory panels, adjoining parts, and, of course, labor, chimney inspections, and building permits. Like many home repair projects, where you live will determine the cost of your final bill.
While specific costs vary widely, take a look at the difference between fireplace repair prices. Hiring a professional in New York City costs an average of $900 while Iowa fireplace jobs range as low as $175. The age of your home, size of your fireplace, and availability of materials will play a large role as well.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Inspecting and repairing a chimney requires highly specialized training. Organizations like the National Fireplace Institute and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) offer certifications for qualified professionals.
In other words, repairing a firebox is not a DIY job. Find a professional chimney repair pro near you who can recommend the best materials and a team of contractors for the job.
Ginny Bartolone contributed to this article.
Frequently Asked Questions
Handbuilt masonry fireplaces are likely what comes to mind when we think about curling up by the fire at the end of the day. But bricks in the firebox and chimney tend to be heavy, which is not ideal for homes with weak or damaged foundations.
Prefabricated fireboxes come with a full flue and chimney system, significantly reducing the price and installation time. However, if you need to replace the panels down the line, you are locked into the same model or something very similar.
When searching for the right chimney expert to handle your firebox repairs or replacement, always ensure that your chimney sweep is CSIA-certified. In addition, make sure that your prospective chimney expert offers customer testimonials and lists proof of their qualifications online. Before work on your firebox begins, ask for proof of liability insurance and request written documentation of your price quote.
Replacing your firebox may not be a DIY job, but you can still keep your fireplace tidy and safe to avoid further repairs. For example, keep the amount of soot in your fireplace to a minimum in between professional sweeps. Fireplace work is always a great time to have your chimney inspected, as well as your roof, particularly if you recently weathered a major storm or you’re about to embark on a major home renovation.
Deciding when to replace your fireplace depends on its condition and your preferences. Replacements may be necessary if your fireplace shows extensive damage, safety issues, or inefficiency. Signs include deteriorating masonry, cracked firebox panels, or a faulty chimney. Aesthetic reasons, such as outdated design, can also drive replacement. Wanting something more sustainable and energy-efficient is another good reason to replace your old fireplace.
Regular fireplace servicing is vital for safety and efficiency. You must inspect and clean wood-burning fireplaces annually to remove creosote buildup and address potential issues. Gas fireplaces benefit from annual inspections to ensure proper functioning and safety. More frequent servicing may be necessary if you use your fireplace extensively or live in an area with harsh winters. Always consult a local professional to establish a suitable servicing schedule for your fireplace.