Homeowners often ask us: what is the real fireplace liner replacement cost, and why does it vary so much? A chimney liner plays a critical role in fireplace safety. When it fails, replacement is not optional—it is a safety requirement.
In this guide, we clearly explain fireplace liner replacement cost, what affects pricing, liner types, and when relining a chimney becomes necessary. This content is educational only and written to help homeowners make informed decisions.
How Much Does Fireplace Liner Replacement Cost?
For most homes, the fireplace liner replacement cost ranges from $1,500 to $4,500.
Here is a quick overview:
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Chimney liner cost (average): $1,500–$4,000
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Fireplace liner installation cost: $2,000–$4,500
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Chimney liner cost per foot: $60–$200
The final cost depends on liner material, chimney height, and installation complexity.
Why Chimney Liner Costs Vary
Chimney liners are not one-size-fits-all. Costs vary because:
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Chimneys differ in height and diameter
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Fireplace types require different liner materials
From our experience reviewing chimney safety guidance, liner replacement costs increase when access is difficult or the existing liner is badly damaged.
Fireplace Liner Replacement Cost Explained
What Is a Fireplace or Chimney Liner?
A fireplace liner (also called a chimney liner or chimney sleeve) is a protective lining inside the chimney flue. It:
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Directs smoke and gases safely outside
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Protects masonry from heat and corrosion
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Improves draft and fireplace efficiency
When a liner cracks or deteriorates, relining the chimney is necessary.
How Much Does a Chimney Liner Cost?
The chimney liner price depends mostly on the material.
Stainless Steel Chimney Liner Cost
Stainless steel is the most common option.
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Cost of stainless steel chimney liner: $900–$2,500
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Cost of stainless steel chimney liner installation: $1,500–$4,000
These are durable and often used for safety upgrades.
Clay Chimney Liner Cost
Clay liners are usually found in older chimneys.
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Clay chimney liner cost: $1,500–$3,500
Replacing clay liners often requires partial chimney demolition, which raises costs.
Thermocrete Chimney Lining Cost
Thermocrete is a cast-in-place liner.
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Thermocrete chimney lining cost: $2,500–$5,000
This option is used when chimneys are irregular or severely damaged.
Chimney Liner Cost per Foot
Many homeowners ask about per-foot pricing.
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Chimney liner cost per foot: $60–$200
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Taller chimneys increase total installation cost
Labor, setup, and safety equipment are not always included in per-foot estimates.
Cost to Replace Chimney Liner by Fireplace Type
Wood-Burning Fireplace
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Cost to reline fireplace: $2,000–$4,500
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Higher cost due to heat and creosote exposure
Gas Fireplace
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How much does a chimney liner cost for gas: $1,500–$3,000
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Often smaller diameter liners
Oil or Furnace Chimney
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Chimney installation cost: $2,000–$4,000
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Requires corrosion-resistant liners
Cost of Lining Chimney vs Repairing a Liner
Some liners can be repaired, but many cannot.
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Minor flue repairs: $300–$1,200
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Cost to replace chimney liner: $1,500–$4,500
Cracked or collapsed liners usually require full replacement.
How Much Does Chimney Relining Cost?
Homeowners often use this phrase.
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How much does chimney relining cost?
Most projects fall between $2,000 and $4,000.
Relining includes materials, installation, and safety setup.
Fireplace Liner Installation Cost: What’s Included?
A standard installation may include:
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Removing debris or old liner material
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Installing new liner
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Insulation or sealing
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Final safety checks
Complex chimneys may need additional prep work.
Chimney Sleeve Cost vs Full Liner Replacement
A chimney sleeve is another term for a liner.
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Chimney sleeve cost: $1,500–$4,000
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Cost depends on material and installation method
Sleeves and liners serve the same safety purpose.
How Much Should a Chimney Liner Cost?
Most homeowners pay $2,000 to $3,500 for a complete liner installation. Costs below this range may not include proper insulation or preparation.
Chimney Liner Installation Cost Factors
Several factors affect pricing:
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Chimney height
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Flue diameter
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Liner material
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Roof access
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Condition of existing chimney
Each factor increases labor or material needs.
Fireplace Liner Replacement vs Chimney Rebuild
Replacing a liner is far less expensive than rebuilding a chimney.
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New chimney liner cost: $2,000–$4,500
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Chimney rebuild: $8,000–$15,000+
Liner replacement is often the safer and more affordable solution.
How Long Does Chimney Liner Installation Take?
Most liner installations take:
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1 day for standard chimneys
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2–3 days for complex or damaged chimneys
Weather and access can affect timelines.
Safety Reasons for Fireplace Liner Replacement
Liner damage can lead to:
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Chimney fires
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Carbon monoxide leaks
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Masonry damage
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Poor draft
Industry guidance recommends replacing liners that are cracked, corroded, or missing.
Is Fireplace Liner Replacement Worth the Cost?
From a safety perspective, yes.
Replacing a damaged liner:
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Protects your home
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Improves fireplace performance
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Helps meet modern safety standards
Delaying replacement often leads to higher repair costs.
Chimney Pipe Installation Cost vs Liner Cost
Chimney pipe installation is different from liner replacement.
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Chimney pipe installation cost: $2,000–$5,000
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Pipes are often used for new systems, not existing chimneys
Liners are installed inside existing chimneys.
Common Cost Questions Homeowners Ask
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How much to install a chimney liner?
$2,000–$4,500 for most homes. -
How much does it cost to replace a chimney liner?
Similar range, depending on removal complexity. -
How much is it to line a chimney?
Typically $2,000–$4,000.
Planning for Fireplace Liner Replacement
Before replacing a liner:
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Have the chimney inspected
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Identify liner type and size
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Understand material options
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Budget for installation
Clear planning helps avoid surprises.
FAQs
How much does it cost to replace a fireplace liner?
The average fireplace liner replacement cost ranges from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on liner material, chimney height, labor, and installation method. Stainless steel liners usually cost more than clay liners.
How much does a chimney liner cost per foot?
Chimney liner cost per foot typically ranges from $65 to $250 per linear foot, including materials and installation. Flexible stainless steel liners are usually more affordable than cast-in-place options.
Is chimney relining cheaper than full replacement?
Yes, chimney relining is often cheaper. Chimney relining costs usually start around $1,000, while full liner replacement can exceed $4,000 if structural repairs are required.
What affects the cost of lining a chimney?
Several factors affect chimney liner installation cost, including:
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Chimney height and size
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Liner material (clay, stainless steel, thermocrete)
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Labor complexity
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Fireplace type (wood, gas, or oil)
Is replacing a chimney liner worth the cost?
Yes. Replacing a damaged chimney liner improves fire safety, heating efficiency, and code compliance, while preventing dangerous issues like carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires.
Final Thoughts: Fireplace Liner Replacement Cost
So, what is the real fireplace liner replacement cost?
Most homeowners should expect $1,500 to $4,500, depending on chimney height, liner material, and installation complexity. Replacing a damaged liner is a critical safety investment that protects both your home and your family.
Understanding chimney liner costs allows you to plan responsibly and maintain a safer, more efficient fireplace system.
The Expert Chimney Team provides research-based guidance and practical tips on fireplaces, chimneys, and home safety. With 6 years of editorial experience, we help homeowners maintain safe, efficient, and well-functioning homes with clear, easy-to-understand advice. Read More
