Fireplace installation costs vary more than almost any other home improvement. We have quoted jobs at $4,000 and we have quoted jobs at $18,000. The unit itself is often the smaller part of the bill. What pushes the cost up or down is the install: where the flue goes, what is in your walls, how old your home is, whether you have gas already, and which licensed trades the job needs.
This guide provides indicative Victorian pricing for 2026 to help you understand what contributes to the overall cost before requesting quotes. If you're still deciding which heating option best suits your home, read our guide to compare wood, gas, and electric fireplaces before budgeting for installation costs. All prices are estimates only and should be verified against current supplier pricing, installation costs, and labour rates before making a purchasing decision.
The Short Answer: Average Total Cost By Fireplace Type
Wood fireplace, fully installed
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Entry-level: $4,000 to $6,500
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Mid-range: $6,500 to $10,000
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Premium inbuilt: $10,000 to $18,000
Gas log fire, fully installed
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Entry-level: $4,500 to $7,000
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Mid-range: $7,000 to $11,000
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Premium: $11,000 to $16,000
Electric fireplace, fully installed
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Plug-in: $800 to $2,500
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Wall-mounted hardwired: $2,500 to $5,000
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Built-in feature wall: $5,000 to $8,500
These figures are indicative only and generally include the fireplace, installation labour, flue or venting components where applicable, hearth requirements, and compliance documentation for a standard installation. Renovation work, structural modifications, custom cabinetry, and non-standard site conditions will increase overall project costs.
Wood Fireplace Installation: The Breakdown
The wood heater itself
Quality Australian-made wood heaters are available across a wide range of price points, with unit prices generally starting from around $2,500 for entry-level models and increasing for larger-capacity or premium designs. At Evolution Fires, we recommend choosing from the quality brands available in our showrooms, including models from Spectre, Supreme, and other selected manufacturers. Rather than focusing on brand alone, the right wood heater should be sized for your home, meet current Australian emissions standards, and suit your heating and installation requirements. Once you've determined the right size and installation requirements, you can compare our range of wood heaters to see how different models fit your budget.
Flue and components
This is where many people are surprised. A standard flue kit for a freestanding wood heater costs $600 to $1,500 depending on the height of your ceiling and whether you need any roof flashings, storm collars, or insulated sections. A two-storey home or a cathedral ceiling pushes this higher.
Hearth requirements
Every wood heater needs a non-combustible base underneath it. If you have a concrete slab or existing tile, this is usually fine. Timber floors need a hearth pad installed, which is typically $400 to $1,200 depending on size and material. Tiled and stone hearths in feature designs can run $1,500 to $4,000.
Licensed plumber install labour
In Victoria, all wood heater installations must be carried out by a licensed plumber registered with the Victorian Building Authority in Mechanical Services. A straightforward freestanding install in a single-storey home is usually a one-day job at $1,200 to $2,500. Inbuilt installations or jobs requiring cavity construction can run two to three days and $3,000 to $5,500.
Council and compliance
In Victoria you generally do not need a building permit for a wood heater installation, which is one less cost compared to New South Wales. However, your installer is responsible for compliance with AS/NZS 4013 (emissions) and AS 2918 (installation). Reputable installers include this in their quote. Our guide to Victorian wood heater regulations explains these requirements in more detail.
What pushes the cost up
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Two-storey homes (longer flue, more labour, often roof access challenges)
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Cathedral or raked ceilings
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Tile or slate roofs (more careful flashing work than colorbond)
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Heritage or older homes with thicker walls and tighter roof cavities
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Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) requirements in rural Victorian properties
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Inbuilt installations requiring structural framing or new cavities
Gas Log Fire Installation: The Breakdown
The gas log fire itself
Entry-level gas log fires start around $3,000. Mid-range units from Heatmaster, Jetmaster, or Real Flame typically run $5,000 to $8,000. Premium designer units with custom logsets, remote control, and high-output ratings can run $9,000 to $14,000. If you're comparing models within your budget, explore our range of gas log fires to see the different styles, heat outputs and installation configurations available.
Gas line work
If your home already has a natural gas connection, extending a line to the fireplace location typically costs $400 to $1,500. If you have no existing gas connection, you will need a new mains connection, which can run $1,500 to $3,500 plus the fireplace gas line.
Flue work
Most modern gas log fires use a direct-vent system that goes out through the wall or roof. A standard flue install is usually $600 to $1,500. Some units use power flues or longer runs that push this higher.
Licensed gas fitter labour
All gas appliance installations in Victoria must be carried out by a licensed gas fitter. Typical install labour is $1,200 to $2,800 for a standard job.
Annual servicing
Worth factoring into your decision: gas log fires need a yearly service by a licensed gas fitter to stay safe and efficient. Budget $150 to $300 per year ongoing.
Electric Fireplace Installation: The Breakdown
The unit
Plug-in freestanding units run $400 to $1,500. Wall-mounted and inbuilt units typically run $1,500 to $4,500. Premium units with three-sided viewing or large feature designs can reach $6,000.
Electrical work
A plug-in unit needs nothing more than an available power point. Wall-mounted or recessed units usually need a power point installed at the right height, which is a one to two hour job for a licensed electrician at $250 to $600. Hardwired feature installations with switching can run $600 to $1,500.
Joinery and cabinetry
Where electric installations get expensive is the cabinetry. A feature wall built around an inbuilt unit, with stone cladding or timber surround, can easily add $3,000 to $8,000. This is decorative cost, not unit cost. The fireplace itself remains affordable.
Running Costs You Should Factor In
Installation is the upfront cost. Running cost matters more over five or ten years. Here is what to expect.
Wood
A tonne of firewood in Victoria costs $300 to $450 in 2026, delivered. A typical Victorian household uses two to three tonnes across winter. Annual running cost: roughly $600 to $1,400 for fuel. Plus annual flue cleaning at $150 to $250.
Gas
A typical gas log fire run for four hours a night through winter (90 days) at $1 per hour costs around $360 per winter at current Victorian rates. Add the annual service at $150 to $300. Annual running cost: roughly $500 to $700.
Electric
A 2 kW electric fireplace run for four hours a night for 90 days at 32 cents per kilowatt-hour costs around $230 per winter. No service costs. Annual running cost: roughly $230.
Choosing the correct heating capacity also affects long-term running costs. Read our guide on what size fireplace do you need before selecting a model. For more advice on choosing an energy-efficient heating solution and reducing household energy use, Sustainability Victoria provides practical guidance on efficient home heating and cooling.
How to Get an Accurate Quote
Online price ranges only get you so far. The most useful thing you can do before committing is to get a site assessment from an actual installer. A good quote should be itemised so you can see exactly what you are paying for. Watch out for these patterns when comparing quotes.
Red flags in fireplace quotes
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Single lump-sum number with no breakdown. Ask for itemisation.
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No mention of hearth or flue costs. Often added later as variations.
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Quotes that exclude compliance certification. This is your protection.
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Installers who are not licensed plumbers (for wood) or gas fitters (for gas). Walk away.
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Quotes that are dramatically cheaper than two other quotes for the same unit. Something is missing.
What a good itemised quote looks like
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Unit cost and model number
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Flue kit and components cost
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Hearth and protection cost
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Installation labour
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Any structural or carpentry work
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Compliance certificate and council notifications
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Delivery
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Warranty terms
Pricing Disclaimer
All pricing in this guide is intended as an indicative budgeting reference only. Supplier pricing, fireplace models, installation labour, fuel costs, electrical work, gas connection requirements, flue systems, and site conditions can all change over time and vary between projects.
Before committing to a fireplace purchase, we recommend obtaining a current, itemised quotation from Evolution Fires to ensure pricing reflects the latest supplier costs and your home's specific installation requirements.
Talk to Us For a Free In-Home Quote
Pricing a fireplace honestly takes someone in your home looking at your ceiling, your roof, your existing infrastructure, and your living layout. We do free in-home consultations across regional Victoria and we will give you a fully itemised quote you can actually compare against others.
Geelong: 304 Melbourne Rd, North Geelong | (03) 5272 2587
Ballarat: 845 Howitt St, Wendouree | (03) 5338 2586
Traralgon: 194 Argyle St, Traralgon | (03) 5149 0344
Book your free consultation online or call your nearest showroom.
