Built-in Fireplaces

A built-in fireplace recesses into a framed wall cavity for a flush, finished look, with no housing projecting into the room. This collection spans electric, gas, ethanol, and water vapor models in a range of sizes, including single-sided and multi-sided designs.

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What Is a Built-In Fireplace?

A built-in fireplace, also called an in-wall or recessed fireplace, installs inside a framed wall cavity so the unit sits flush with the wall surface. Nothing projects into the room, which is what gives a built-in its clean, architectural look and makes it feel like part of the house rather than an appliance added to it.

Built-ins are made for new construction or a remodel, where a wall is framed to the fireplace's exact rough-opening dimensions. If you are working with an existing masonry firebox instead, a fireplace insert is the right product, since inserts are built to slide into an opening that already exists. See our fireplace inserts for existing fireplaces.

Built-In vs. Wall Mounted: What's the Difference

Both are wall fireplaces. The difference is whether the unit sits inside the wall or on it. A built-in recesses into the wall for a flush finish, which means framing, a rough opening, and in most cases a bit of construction. A wall mounted fireplace hangs on the wall's surface using a bracket, no framing required, so it installs faster and can be moved later. If you would rather avoid the construction, browse our wall mount fireplaces, the surface-mounted counterpart to everything on this page.

Choosing a Fuel Type

Built-in fireplaces are available in four fuel types, each with different installation requirements:

Built-in electric fireplaces are the simplest to install, with no venting, chimney, or gas line required. They plug in or hardwire, and many recess into a standard framed wall.
Built-in gas fireplaces deliver the most heat of the four and a real flame. Vent-free models need no flue at all; direct-vent models require a vent run. Both call for a gas line and professional installation.
Built-in ethanol fireplaces burn a real, vent-free flame with zero emissions, so they need no chimney, flue, or fuel line, just a framed opening.
Built-in water vapor fireplaces create a remarkably lifelike flame effect from cool mist and light, making them a strong fit anywhere realistic flame imitation is the priority. The flame effect itself gives off no heat, but optional heaters are available on some models, producing about the same warmth as a standard electric fireplace.

Heat Output by Fuel Type

How much a built-in fireplace actually heats depends entirely on its fuel:

Gas produces the most heat of the four and is the only one that can realistically serve as a primary or near-primary heat source for a room. A traditional wood-burning fireplace still puts out more raw heat, but requires a chimney and ongoing cleanup.
Ethanol burns a genuine flame and gives off real warmth, more than a typical electric model, but is still best treated as supplemental.
Electric is built for ambiance first, typically around 5,000 BTUs and up to roughly 10,000 on select models, enough for zone heating rather than whole-home heating.
Water vapor produces no heat from the flame effect itself, since there is no combustion involved, though some models offer an optional heater with roughly the same output as a standard electric fireplace.

Check the individual product page for a model's specific heat rating and room coverage.

Framing and Installation

Every built-in needs a rough opening sized to the model's exact framing dimensions, so confirm those before you build or cut. Electric and ethanol models are the most forgiving and are often DIY-friendly for anyone comfortable framing a wall. Gas models require a gas line, correct venting where applicable, and professional installation to meet local code. Whatever the fuel, follow the manufacturer's clearance requirements for combustible materials around the opening.

Explore Related Collections

Looking for more fireplace styles? Browse more options:

Fireplace Inserts for Existing Fireplaces, if you are retrofitting an existing masonry firebox rather than framing a new opening
Wall Mount Fireplaces, wall fireplaces that hang on the wall's surface instead of recessing into it
Built-in Electric Fireplaces, our full built-in electric range
Built-in Gas Fireplaces, vent-free and direct-vent models for indoor and outdoor
Built-in Ethanol Fireplaces, real flame with no venting
Built-in Water Vapor Fireplaces, the most realistic flame imitation, with optional heat

Frequently Asked Questions about Built-in Fireplaces

What is a built-in fireplace?

A built-in fireplace, also called an in-wall or recessed fireplace, installs inside a framed wall cavity so the unit sits flush with the wall surface. Nothing projects into the room, which gives it a clean, architectural look. Built-ins are made for new construction or a remodel; for an existing masonry firebox, a fireplace insert is the right product instead.

What is the difference between a built-in fireplace and a wall mounted fireplace?

Both are wall fireplaces; the difference is whether the unit sits inside the wall or on it. A built-in recesses into the wall for a flush finish, which requires framing and a rough opening. A wall mounted fireplace hangs on the wall's surface using a bracket, so it installs faster, needs no construction, and can be relocated later.

Do built-in fireplaces need venting?

It depends on the fuel type. Electric, ethanol, and water vapor built-ins need no venting, chimney, or flue at all. Gas models vary: vented and direct-vent models require a vent run, while ventless gas models do not, though both still need a gas line and professional installation.

Can a built-in fireplace be installed in an existing wall?

Yes, but it means framing a new opening in that wall, not dropping the unit into an opening that already exists. Built-in fireplaces are zero-clearance units sized to an exact rough opening, so the wall is opened up and framed to the model's dimensions. If you have an existing masonry firebox you want to convert, that is what a fireplace insert is for, since inserts are built to slide into an opening that is already there.

How much heat does a built-in fireplace produce?

Heat output depends entirely on fuel type. Gas produces the most of the four and can realistically heat a room, though a traditional wood-burning fireplace still puts out more. Ethanol gives off real warmth but is best treated as supplemental. Electric is ambiance-first, typically around 5,000 BTUs and up to roughly 10,000 on select models, suited to zone heating. Water vapor produces no heat from the flame effect itself, though some models offer an optional heater with roughly the same output as a standard electric fireplace.

Do built-in fireplaces require professional installation?

Gas models do, since they involve a gas line, venting where applicable, and local code compliance. Electric, ethanol, and water vapor built-ins are often DIY-friendly for anyone comfortable framing a wall and, for electric, handling a standard outlet or hardwired connection. Always follow the manufacturer's clearance and framing requirements.