How much does it cost to self install an electric fireplace?

You can build your very own mantel and install a professional-grade electric fireplace for under $2,600. If you’re looking to fill that empty spot under your TV, the SimpliFire Electric Fireplace with the Boyd Build-Out Kit is our #1 recommendation for a seamless, DIY-friendly look.

Note to our readers: If you choose to purchase through our links, our small business may earn a commission from Amazon at no extra cost to you. While we’d love to serve everyone in person, we know not everyone lives within our 15-mile service radius. Using these links is a great way to support our expert content and help us keep providing high-quality fireplace education for everyone. It’s a true win-win!

Scare away the chill of fall and winter with an electric fireplace that seamlessly combines style, functionality, and ease of installation. Transform your living space effortlessly with our hassle-free electric fireplace mantel kits, allowing you to self-install the mantel of your dreams without any fuss. Expert Note: We recommend the 50-inch SimpliFire linear electric fireplace for most standard living rooms. It offers the best balance of visual impact and heat output (5,000 – 10,000 BTUs). Is an electric fireplace right for your home or is gas, pellet or wood a better option?

Best Linear Electric Fireplace:

SimpliFire Allusion Platinum Linear Electric Fireplace

What should you expect from SimpliFire?

- Modern Aesthetic: Provides a clean look that is fully recessed on a finished 2 x 6 wall; is removable for easy relocating. As a result, you don’t need to hire a contractor making re-designing your space just a little bit easier.

- Continuous Heat: 5,000 BTU by simply plugging in the electric fireplace or 10,000 BTU of heat through a dedicated electrical line. In other words, electric fireplaces provide consistent heat that will remove the chill on a cool spring or fall evening.

- Easy Installation: All you need to do is plug in your new electric fireplace. As with any electrical fireplace installation, gas lines and venting are not needed. Framing is made easy with an easy to understand guide from SimpliFire – How to Install an Electric Fireplace: SimpliFire Allusion Platinum with Boyd Build-Out Kit?

Allusion Platinum Mantel Kit Add-On:

Boyd Build-Out Kit

Combine the SimpliFire Allusion Platinum electric fireplace with the Boyd Build-Out Kit. The optional kit creates a built-in look, without the need for construction. You can just slap this electric fireplace on the wall. It is super easy and looks great! The Boyd is the perfect product for DIYers looking for a straightforward fireplace installation with a professional look.

Best Traditional Electric Fireplace:

SimpliFire Inception Electric Fireplace

What do you get from the new Inception electric fireplace?

The SimpliFire Inception is essentially a television with logs. This electric fireplace is also a high quality electric heater with the quietest fan we have ever heard in our fireplace showroom. This is the first iteration of the Inception, so we hope the price will reduce in coming years. This is a compelling product that will get better with time, we hope. The fireplace is also on a platform enabling consistent software updates with new sounds, fires and features.

- Easy Installation: First and most importantly, as with any electrical fireplace installation, gas lines and venting are not needed! This limits available heat to 10,000 BTUs, but makes warmth with the ambiance of fire available to everyone regardless of gas availability or venting access. Consequently, this keeps costs down and let’s you focus on design & ambiance if heat is not your goal.

- Customizable Fireplace: Personalization is at your fingertips. Choose from a range of backgrounds and fire types, designed to deliver the most authentic, electric fireside experience yet. You can even enhance your space with natural sound effects! (In addition, since the Inception can connect to the internet, ongoing updates are expected.)

- High Quality: SimpliFire makes the high quality electric fireplaces that are built to last. Affordability is a big consideration when buying an electric fireplace. As they say, what you pay for is what you get (usually). One thing is for sure, high quality electric fireplaces made in the United States cost more than what you can purchase at Walmart, Home Depot or Lowes.

- Changeable Fronts: The Inception has a number of fronts and other options available that you can see here on Amazon.

Inception Electric Fireplace Add-on:

Wescott Mantel Kit

If you want a beautiful, customizable mantel for your new electric fireplace, the Wescott mantel kit is the perfect solution. Easy to assemble with no construction required. You can even paint the mantel whatever color you want to fit your space! Refer to the Wescott mantel install guide for in-depth info.

Is it difficult to DIY an electric fireplace install with a mantel?

We say “2/10 difficulty” for a plug-in electric fireplace. 5/10 if you want a dedicated line for additional heat. Electric fireplaces are the easiest fireplaces to install if you are a DIYer. It comes down to ease of installation. Venting and gas lines can get expensive. Overall, electric fireplaces with mantels offer numerous benefits, including:

- Convenience: Easy installation with no need for venting or gas lines.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Enhances your home décor with customizable designs.
- Efficiency: Provides efficient heating with minimal maintenance.
- Safety: Safe for indoor use, with no emissions or open flames.

Installing an electric fireplace with a mantel is one of the easier DIY projects compared to traditional fireplace installations, but it still requires careful planning and attention to detail. Most electric fireplace units are designed to be user-friendly, with clear instructions provided by manufacturers. The process typically involves positioning the mantel, securing it to the wall (if required), and connecting the electric fireplace insert, which often just requires plugging it into a standard outlet.

However, challenges can arise if adjustments are needed to fit the unit properly or if additional wiring is required for outlets behind the mantel. Ensuring proper clearance for ventilation and safely mounting the mantel are critical for both functionality and aesthetics. For those who prefer extra peace of mind, consulting a professional for final adjustments can ensure a seamless and safe installation. You don’t want to waste your money, so it is important to get the details right up front. Did you know?! An electric fireplace install costs on average $1,200 – 3,400.

Thank you for reading, it is an honor to provide educational information based on our decades of collective experience. Still want to learn more and interested in professional installation beyond DIY? Check out our favorite electric fireplaces overall right now!