A step-by-step cost, safety & code guide from Pure Flame Co
Installing an electric fireplace typically costs $200 – $2 200 for labor + materials, averaging $1 000 in 2025—far less than a vented gas unit ($2 800 – $7 300). Wall-mounted plug-ins sit at the low end, while custom recessed builds top the range. Home AdvisorAngi
Searches for “how to install electric fireplace” and “electric fireplace insert DIY” top 20 000 queries/month. Yet many 2024 posts omit updated 2025 cost data, NFPA clearances, or the latest ICC code changes. Use this guide to:
Decide between DIY vs pro install based on skill, wiring, and code.
Compare actual 2025 costs across wall-mount, insert, and recessed builds.
Follow safety clearances and inspection rules that keep insurance valid.
This article links to Pure Flame Co’s product pages and cost calculator, strengthening our topical authority and guiding shoppers straight from research to purchase.
| Install type | Typical labour | Typical materials | Total 2025 cost* | Skill level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plug-in / Wall-mounted | $0 – $250 | Bracket + screws | $200 – $650 | Beginner |
| Insert (into existing wood-burning opening) | $100 – $300 | Trim kit | $400 – $900 | Intermediate |
| Recessed / Built-in | $500 – $1 500 | Studs, drywall, wiring | $900 – $2 200 | Advanced / Pro |
*US averages; regional calculators show $822 – $2 068 in Phoenix, AZ as an example verygoodfireplaces.comhandoff.ai.
| Factor | DIY is OK when… | Call a pro when… |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical | The unit is plug-in (≤ 1 600 W) and outlet is nearby. | You need hard-wiring or a new 15 A/20 A circuit. |
| Framing | You’re comfortable cutting drywall & adding 2 × 4 studs. | Load-bearing wall, masonry cut-out, or hidden utilities present. |
| Permits | No structural change; plug-in unit only. | Municipalities require a permit for recessed or new circuit work. |
| Code Compliance | You can follow NFPA clearance tables. | You’re unsure about NFPA 1 §11.5 or ICC IRC R1001.11 rules. |
Pro tip: Even seasoned DIYers hire a licensed electrician for final hard-wire connections—insurance may demand it. verygoodfireplaces.com
Tools: stud finder, level, drywall saw, drill/driver, wire fish tape, 14-2 NM cable (or 12-2 for 20 A), wire nuts, 2 × 4 studs, R-rated insulation, mounting screws, finish trim.
Choose height (eye-level from primary seating).
Locate studs; mark an opening 1/4 in wider & taller than the firebox.
Shut off power at panel.
Cut drywall along marks; remove insulation.
Sister 2 × 4 studs to frame the opening—square & level.
Fish 14-2 cable from nearby receptacle OR pull a new circuit; leave 12 in pigtail inside opening.
Mount remodel box; wire per manufacturer (usually black-hot, white-neutral, green-ground). Hire an electrician if codes require.
Slide the unit in; secure with manufacturer screws through side flanges.
Test flames & heater; add surround trim or build a shiplap/stone façade.
Patch drywall edges, paint, or clad with finish material.
Have a final electrical inspection if your jurisdiction requires one.
| Standard | Key rule |
|---|---|
| NFPA 1 §11.5.3 | Portable electric heaters must be listed (UL/ETL) & stable so they can’t tip. NFPA |
| ICC IRC R1001.11 | Combustibles within 12 in of the firebox opening must not project > ⅛ in per 1 in clearance. codes.iccsafe.org |
| Manufacturer manual | Overrides generic codes: follow specified side/top clearance (often 2 in). |
| Hard-wired units | NEC requires a dedicated 15 A or 20 A circuit; GFCI if in bathrooms. |
Always photograph wiring & framing before closing the wall—many insurers ask for proof of code compliance after a claim.
| Cost item | Plug-in wall | Insert | Recessed build |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fireplace unit | $250 | $300 | $450 |
| Electrical materials | $20 | $35 | $80 |
| Finish materials | $0 | $50 | $200 |
| Labour (avg) | $0 – $250 | $150 – $300 | $500 – $1 500 |
| Typical total | $270 – $520 | $535 – $985 | $1 230 – $2 230 |
(Sources: HomeAdvisor, Angi, VeryGoodFireplaces, Homewyse). Home AdvisorAngiverygoodfireplaces.comHomewyse
Skimping on circuit capacity → tripped breakers; always match heater wattage.
Ignoring stud layout → forced off-center installs; pre-plan TV + fireplace combo.
No expansion gap around firebox → trim warps; leave 1/8 in float.
Using wood studs too close → breach NFPA clearance; follow manual.
Seal drafts behind firebox with mineral-wool insulation to boost efficiency.
Do I need a permit?
Most U.S. counties require one only if you add a new circuit or cut a structural stud. Check local AHJ.
Can I mount a TV above a recessed electric fireplace?
Yes—maintain the manufacturer’s minimum separation (often 12 in) and route TV cables in a rated conduit.
What about apartments?
Choose a plug-in wall unit; no hard-wiring or structural cuts. Our Aurora Slim 60″ installs with four screws and plugs into a standard 120 V outlet.
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