Pricing Concerns for Traditional and Electric Fireplaces

Whether you grew up in a house with a fireplace and are just used to having one, or are wanting one because of the beauty, you are making a great decision. Fireplaces can be breathtaking, no matter what form they come in. The two most common types are the traditional wood burning fireplace and the electric fireplace. However, there are also gas fireplaces and corner fireplaces. But, whichever fireplace you choose to install inside of your home, just know this: It is going to cost you some money.

How much money? Depends on what you are wanting. If your desire for a certain type of fireplace is so strong that it outweighs the concern for the price, then do not worry about it. But perhaps the biggest difference between an electric fireplace and a traditional wood burning fireplace is the price. Consider yourself very lucky if your home came with a wood burning fireplace already built in because they are by far much more expensive than electric fireplaces. However, many will argue that they carry more aesthetic appeal than electric fireplaces. When it all comes down to it, it really depends on personal preference.

For those of you who do not have the luxury of an already installed traditional fireplace, you need to know that the installation is going to cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 depending on the size and materials you are wanting. The benefits are that you have an actual fireplace that burns wood and helps to heat the home. The downside is that the price is ridiculously high. It can take weeks, months, and for some people even years to save up that much money for installation.

An electric fireplace can be purchased for under $200. As you can see, that price is much less expensive. However, this type of fireplace also has its ups and downs. The downside is that it is not a real fireplace and carries the potential of giving you a sky-high monthly electric bill depending on how much you use it. The upside is that there are plenty of electric fireplaces that are thought to be just as beautiful as the traditional ones. But, with all of the latest technological advances, it can be hard to discern an electric from a traditional wood burning fireplace.

It looks as if either way, you are going to spend quite a bit of money. If it isn't electricity you're using for your electric fireplace, it will be labor and wood cutting for your traditional fireplace. In the end, it all comes down to what you prefer. Perhaps basing your decision on another aspect will make choosing the right fireplace for your needs a lot simpler. Do you have small children? Then maybe a traditional fireplace isn't the best option. If you already have too many concerns with your monthly electric bill, you may be better off making a one-time investment on a wood burning fireplace. Whether your choice be an electric, traditional, gas, or corner fireplace, the decision all depends on what your personal needs are and how much you can really afford.