Electric fireplace installation typically costs $0 to $3,000+, not including the fireplace unit itself. The final price depends on whether the fireplace plugs into an existing outlet, needs to be mounted, requires a new outlet or dedicated circuit, or is being recessed into a wall. 

A simple plug-in model may have no installation cost if you set it up yourself. A wall-mounted fireplace may only require basic mounting labor. Recessed, built-in, insert, and custom fireplace wall installations cost more because they may involve electrical work, framing, drywall repair, trim, or finish materials. 

Electric fireplaces are usually more affordable to install than gas or wood-burning fireplaces because they do not require chimneys, venting, gas lines, or masonry work. HomeAdvisor lists average electric fireplace installation costs from $200 to $2,200, while Angi notes that labor for electric fireplace installation can start around $225, depending on the project.  

Modern Ember Highmark recessed in a living room wall in blue and beige tones.

Electric Fireplace Installation Cost by Type 

Installation costs below exclude the fireplace unit, taxes, shipping, and optional furniture or mantel packages. 

Installation Type 

Typical Installation Cost Only 

What’s Included 

Plug-In Or Freestanding 

$0–$300 

Placement, assembly, basic setup 

Wall-Mounted 

$150–$800 

Mounting, leveling, basic wall attachment 

Wall-Mounted with New Outlet 

$400–$1,200 

Mounting plus electrician labor for outlet placement 

Electric Fireplace Insert 

$200–$1,000 

Fitting insert into existing opening, trim, minor prep 

Recessed Electric Fireplace 

$700–$2,500 

Framing, drywall cutting, mounting, patching, electrical work 

Built-In Electric Fireplace 

$1,000–$3,500+ 

Framing, hardwiring or outlet work, drywall, trim, finish labor 

Custom Fireplace Wall 

$2,500–$8,000+ 

Fireplace wall framing, TV/media wiring, cabinetry, tile, stone, or millwork 

These are planning ranges. Local labor rates, wall conditions, electrical access, finish materials, and permit requirements can all affect the final installation cost. 

What Affects the Cost to Install an Electric Fireplace? 

The biggest installation cost factors are labor and electrical work. If the fireplace can plug into an existing outlet and sit on the floor, installation may cost little or nothing. If it needs to be recessed, hardwired, or built into a custom wall, the cost rises quickly. 

Common cost drivers include: 

  • Mounting labor: Wall-mounted fireplaces may require secure anchoring, leveling, and cord management.
  • Electrical work: New outlets, hardwiring, or dedicated circuits add electrician costs.  
  • Wall modifications: Recessed and built-in fireplaces may require drywall cutting, framing, patching, and painting.  
  • Finish materials: Trim, tile, stone, shiplap, mantels, and cabinetry increase labor and material costs.  
  • Permits: New electrical wiring or structural changes may require permits depending on local code.  
  • Old fireplace prep: Insert installations may require cleaning, measuring, minor repairs, or trim adjustments.  

            For reference, Homewyse estimates the national average cost to install an electrical outlet starts around $297 to $360 per outlet, while HomeGuide lists dedicated circuit installation at $250 to $900 on average.  

            Electric fireplace recessed in a gray living room with mid century modern style.

            Do You Need an Electrician to Install an Electric Fireplace? 

            You may not need an electrician if the fireplace is a plug-in model and there is already a properly located outlet. However, you should hire a licensed electrician if the project requires: 

            • A new outlet
            • A hidden outlet behind the fireplace  
            • Hardwiring  
            • A dedicated circuit  
            • Panel work  
            • Concealed wiring  
            • Electrical permits or inspections  

                        This is especially important for recessed, built-in, and custom fireplace wall installations. These projects often place wiring behind the finished wall, so the electrical work should be handled safely and according to local code. 

                        Can You Install an Electric Fireplace Yourself? 

                        Yes, some electric fireplace installations are DIY-friendly. Plug-in freestanding fireplaces, electric stoves, mantel packages, TV stand fireplaces, and some wall-mounted models can often be installed without hiring a contractor. 

                        DIY installation is most realistic when: 

                        • The fireplace plugs into an existing outlet
                        • No wiring changes are needed  
                        • No framing or drywall work is required  
                        • The wall can safely support the unit  
                        • The manufacturer allows homeowner installation  

                                Hire a professional if the fireplace needs to be recessed, hardwired, built into a wall, installed with custom finishes, or connected to a new outlet or circuit. 

                                Grand living room with high ceilings and floor to ceiling bump out fireplace with electric fireplace recessed.

                                Hidden Installation Costs to Budget For 

                                Even when the fireplace unit is already purchased, installation can include extra costs. Budget for possible add-ons such as: 

                                • New outlet installation
                                • Dedicated circuit installation  
                                • Electrical permit  
                                • Drywall cutting and patching  
                                • Paint touch-ups  
                                • Wall reinforcement  
                                • Trim kit installation  
                                • Mantel installation  
                                • Mounting hardware  
                                • Tile, stone, or shiplap labor  
                                • TV and media wiring  
                                • Removal of an old mantel, surround, or insert  

                                                      A good rule of thumb: the more built-in the fireplace looks, the more you should budget for labor, electrical work, and finishing. 

                                                      Is Electric Fireplace Installation Cheaper Than Gas or Wood? 

                                                      Yes. Electric fireplace installation is usually cheaper than gas or wood-burning fireplace installation because electric models do not require venting, chimneys, gas lines, or masonry work. 

                                                      Gas fireplaces often require professional installation, venting, and gas line work. Wood-burning fireplaces may require chimney construction, masonry, structural support, and inspections. By comparison, many electric fireplace projects only require mounting, electrical access, and basic finish work. 

                                                      Fireplace Type 

                                                      Installation Complexity 

                                                      Why Electric Usually Costs Less 

                                                      Electric Fireplace 

                                                      Low to moderate 

                                                      No chimney, venting, gas line, or fuel storage 

                                                      Gas Fireplace 

                                                      Moderate to high 

                                                      May need gas line, venting, permits, and pro installation 

                                                      Wood-Burning Fireplace 

                                                      High 

                                                      May need chimney, masonry, structural work, and inspections 


                                                      The Spruce notes that electric fireplaces are                                                       generally easier and more affordable to install than gas fireplaces, with many models needing only an outlet unless a recessed installation or new outlet is required.                                                        

                                                      Comfy living room in beige with linear electric fireplace recessed in a tiled bump out.

                                                      Electric Fireplace Installation Cost FAQ 

                                                      Does The Installation Cost Include the Fireplace Unit? 

                                                      No. In this guide, installation cost means labor, electrical work, wall modifications, permits, and finish materials only. The fireplace unit itself is separate. 

                                                      What Is the Cheapest Electric Fireplace to Install? 

                                                      A plug-in freestanding electric fireplace is usually the cheapest to install. If you set it up yourself and use an existing outlet, installation can cost $0. 

                                                      How Much Does It Cost to Wall Mount an Electric Fireplace? 

                                                      Basic wall mounting often costs $150 to $800, excluding the fireplace unit. The cost increases if you need a new outlet, cord concealment, masonry mounting, or wall repair. 

                                                      How Much Does It Cost to Recess an Electric Fireplace? 

                                                      A recessed electric fireplace installation often costs $700 to $2,500, excluding the unit. Costs depend on framing, drywall work, electrical access, and finish materials. 

                                                      How Much Does an Electrician Cost to Install an Electric Fireplace? 

                                                      The electrician cost depends on the work needed. A new outlet may cost a few hundred dollars, while a dedicated circuit can cost several hundred dollars more. HomeGuide lists dedicated circuit installation at $250 to $900 on average.  

                                                      Do Electric Fireplace Installations Require Permits? 

                                                      A basic plug-in fireplace usually does not require a permit. New wiring, hardwiring, dedicated circuits, or structural changes may require one depending on local code. 

                                                      Ready To Plan Your Installation Budget? 

                                                      Electric fireplace installation can be as simple as plugging in a freestanding unit or as detailed as building a custom fireplace wall. Once you separate the installation cost from the fireplace unit cost, it becomes much easier to compare options and plan your budget. 

                                                       

                                                      Compare Electric Fireplace Installation Costs and Find the Right Budget for Your Project 

                                                      Explore plug-in, wall-mounted, recessed, insert, and built-in electric fireplaces to find the right fit for your space and installation plan. 

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