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Before choosing a style, make sure the structure behind it is sound. Cracked firebox brick, a failing damper, or a deteriorated flue liner should be repaired first, because covering them with a new surround only hides the problem. The NFPA and the Chimney Safety Institute of America recommend an annual chimney inspection, so if yours hasn’t had one recently, do it before you spend money on finishes. Our guide to how much a chimney inspection costs explains the inspection levels, and our DIY chimney inspection guide covers what you can safely check yourself.
A brick fireplace makeover with paint or limewash is the cheapest way to change a room. White, cream, or a soft gray can make a dated fireplace feel intentional, and limewash gives a softer look that lets the brick texture show through. Professional fireplace painting is commonly quoted at about $350 to $650. If you paint it yourself, use heat-rated paint, and clean the brick first. Paint sits on the surface, while stain soaks in and tends to last longer.
Stone veneer can be applied over an existing brick or tile fireplace without demolition, giving you a stacked stone or ledgestone look for much less than solid stone. Per-square-foot prices vary a lot between sources, from roughly $11 to $18 in one national guide to $45 to $75 installed in another, so get itemized local quotes. Choose a stone that matches your home, and keep the rest of the design simple so the stone stays the focal point.
If you want the look of a full brick surround without the weight, thin brick veneer is installed more like tile, using heat-rated adhesive on the existing surface. It suits homeowners who want to refresh a plain or damaged surround while keeping a traditional brick appearance.
Fireplace surround ideas that use tile, stone, or even shiplap can reset the whole look. Tile and brick sit at the lower end of the price range, while natural stone and marble cost more. A new surround is commonly quoted at about $500 to $3,000, depending on material and size. Keep lines straight and grout consistent, because small mistakes are very visible next to a fire.
A new mantel changes the room quickly. Prices vary widely by size, material, and whether it is prefabricated or custom, with a mantel alone commonly quoted at $500 to $5,000. Whatever you choose, a mantel and any trim near the opening need to respect the required clearance from the firebox, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions and your local code.
The hearth is often brick, concrete, or concrete covered with tile or stone. Updating it with new tile or stone can modernize the fireplace without touching the firebox, and it is a good way to add a more durable, easier-to-clean surface.
A gas fireplace insert is designed to slide into an existing masonry firebox, converting a wood-burning fireplace without a full rebuild. Installed prices vary widely, with typical guides ranging from about $2,300 to $8,000, and conversions to gas from roughly $1,500 to $8,000 depending on the scope. A gas insert is a different kind of project than painting or a new mantel, with its own permits, gas line, venting, and contractor requirements, so confirm what your municipality requires before you commit.
Built-ins on both sides of the fireplace turn it into a feature wall. This is the most involved idea on the list, and it is usually combined with a new surround, mantel, and sometimes a gas or electric insert, so costs climb quickly. It makes the most sense when you are already doing a larger renovation.
Published figures differ by source, so treat these as planning ranges, not quotes. Here is how fireplace remodel cost typically breaks down:
A written, itemized estimate for your specific fireplace is the only reliable number.
A quick way to narrow the fireplace remodeling ideas above:
A few checks that matter more than the style you choose:
For help cleaning brick before you paint or reface it, see our guide on the best way to clean a brick fireplace. If you burn wood, our guide on how often you should sweep your chimney covers the schedule.
We inspect and sweep chimneys, and a remodel is a good time to check the chimney behind it.
The Quick Guys General Construction Inc. is a licensed Home Improvement Contractor in Westchester County, License WC-38593-H25. 1633 Melville Street, Bronx, NY 10460. Call (929) 257-9396.
The best fireplace remodel starts with a sound chimney and firebox, then matches the finish to your home and budget. A paint or limewash refresh costs the least, veneer and new surrounds sit in the middle, and a gas insert or full rebuild costs the most. Get an itemized estimate before you decide.
Contact The Quick Guys directly:
Phone: (929) 257-9396 — call or text, available 7 days
Email: info@thequickguys.com
Website: thequickguys.com
Service area: Westchester County, the Bronx, Yonkers, White Plains, Scarsdale, and surrounding areas
Painting or limewashing brick, replacing or simplifying the mantel, and updating small areas of tile. Professional painting is commonly quoted at about $350 to $650.
It depends on scope. Refacing runs roughly $600 to $4,500, a gas insert about $2,300 to $8,000, and a full remodel with a new surround, hearth, and mantel commonly $5,000 to $20,000 or more.
Yes, stone veneer can be applied over an existing brick or tile fireplace without demolition, using mortar or construction adhesive. Use heat-rated materials and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Often yes, if you clean the brick first and use heat-rated paint. Paint sits on the surface, so it tends to need touch-ups sooner than stain, which soaks into the brick.
Usually, yes. A gas insert is designed to slide into an existing masonry firebox, but it involves gas line, venting, permits, and contractor requirements, so confirm local rules before starting.
It is strongly recommended. The NFPA and CSIA recommend annual inspection, and hidden damage in the firebox or liner should be repaired before you cover it with new finishes.
