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Thinking about removing that old gas fire in your living room?
Well, you're in the right place.
Gas fire removal is one of the most popular home redesign projects. It opens up the room, modernises the space and can completely transform the look and feel of your home.
Plus, with over half of UK homeowners renovating their properties in 2024, there's never been a better time to tackle the project.
But here's the best part…
Gas fire removal is easier than most people realise. And the results are stunning.
So, let's take a look at everything you need to know, from understanding the costs to the design ideas after removal.
Let's go!
Why should I remove my gas fire?
Understanding gas fire removal costs
The gas fire removal process
Design ideas after removal
Safety tips you should know
Ok, so why do it?
Gas fires used to be the thing to have in your home. They were the height of home heating technology.
Fast forward to 2024 and the UK home improvement and maintenance market is on the rise. In 2024, it's valued at £11.2 billion and predicted to grow to a massive £16.67 billion by 2033. Gas fire removal is part of that boom.
Energy efficiency is one of the main drivers. Central heating systems have become much more efficient in recent years. They heat your home more effectively and are cheaper to run. With the cost of energy bills continually rising, every pound saved is a pound earned.
But it's not all about the money…
Gas fires take up a lot of wall space in your home that could be better used. Storage cupboards or shelving are more practical and don't spit out that toxic blue flame.
Plus, if you live in an older property (more than half of UK homeowners renovating live in homes built pre-1940) that gas fire might be an ugly relic that's holding back your interior design.
Gas fire removal is common for a variety of reasons including:
Upgrading to more efficient central heating systems
Creating more space in the living room
Updating and modernising the room decor
Addressing safety concerns with older models
Saving on maintenance and repair costs
Ok, let's get serious.
Gas fire removal costs will vary depending on a number of factors. But it always helps to understand the process before starting any project like this.
Before you begin, have a look at a comprehensive guide to gas fire removal to get an idea of the costs involved and exactly what you should be paying.
A few factors which influence the cost include:
The type of gas fire you have has a big impact. A simple gas insert is cheaper to remove than an elaborate built-in model. If you have a flue or chimney, it will also add complexity and therefore cost.
Gas fire removal costs can range from £150-£500 to disconnect the appliance and cap off the gas supply. But that's only the gas work.
You'll probably want to have the surround and hearth removed too. Wooden surrounds are the easiest and cheapest. Stone or brick surrounds will be more expensive as they need to be dismantled brick by brick.
Finally, the "make good" work of plastering the wall, replacing flooring where the hearth was and redecorating add to the total cost. Budget for the entire job and not just the removal part.
Ok, you've made the decision. But how does it actually work?
Step 1: Call A Gas Safe Registered Engineer
Gas fire removal must be done by a qualified professional. This is not a DIY job. Not only is it illegal, but it's also dangerous. A Gas Safe registered engineer will need to safely disconnect the gas fire and cap off the gas supply.
Step 2: Remove The Fire Insert
Once that's done, the fire unit can be removed. This is generally easy – most gas fires are designed to be removable once the gas is disconnected and safely capped.
Step 3: Deal With The Flue Or Chimney
If your gas fire has a flue, this will also be removed. The engineer will remove the exhaust pipe which you can either cap off or have filled in with brickwork. Flueless gas fires don't require this step.
Step 4: Remove Surround And Hearth
This is the messy part. The builder can do this work after the gas side is complete. The surround needs to be detached, usually screwed off in the case of wood or forcefully prised off for stone.
Step 5: Make Good The Space
Finally, the wall needs to be plastered over, the flooring replaced where the hearth was and redecorated. It's this work that turns the space from "looks like I've just removed a gas fire" to "professionally done room."
Super easy really.
Ok, now for the fun part…
Design ideas after gas fire removal are one of the best parts of the project. Once that old gas fire is gone, it really is a blank canvas.
Transforming the space is all about the design ideas.
Create A Media Wall
This is a huge trend at the moment. Mount a flat-screen TV where the fire used to be, add some sleek shelving either side and you've created a modern entertainment centre. LED strip lighting behind floating shelves is extra points too.
Build In Storage
I love recessed shelving or cupboards. They make excellent use of the alcove and give you loads of space to store books, display ornaments or hide away all the clutter. Always a good investment.
Install An Electric Fire
Want the look without the gas? You can! Modern electric fires look incredibly real and are much easier to install. Plus, they're more efficient and safer.
Feature Wall
Paint or wallpaper the recessed area a contrasting colour or pattern. It's a great way of creating a focal point in the room without adding any physical features.
Simply Open It Up
Sometimes, less is more. Leave the space open, paint it to match the walls and enjoy the extra space in your living area.
All pretty cool options, right?
Before we wrap up, I just want to say…
Safety has to be the number one priority when it comes to gas fire removal.
There are huge risks involved in getting it wrong. Serious, life-threatening risks.
Never try to do gas fire removal as a DIY job. Even if you're a dab hand at home improvements, gas work is specific, technical and dangerous. Only qualified professionals can legally do it. You risk gas leaks leading to explosions, carbon monoxide poisoning, structural damage to your home, voided insurance and criminal charges.
Gas Safe registered engineer: Verify they're Gas Safe registered before allowing work to begin. Check their ID card and search their details on the Gas Safe Register website. Taking two minutes could save your life.
Think about it…
Professional gas fire removal is only a few hundred pounds. The potential cost of getting it wrong is catastrophic.
Gas fire removal is a brilliant home redesign project.
The market is ripe with homeowners investing significant amounts in making their homes work harder. With median renovation spending hitting £21,440 in 2024, people are spending what they need to properly transform their spaces.
Gas fire removal costs are reasonable when you consider the long-term benefits. The process itself is straightforward when you have qualified professionals do the work. And design ideas after removal are limited only by your imagination.
Remember these key points:
Only use a Gas Safe registered engineer
Budget for the entire job, not just removal
Plan your new space design before starting
Consider professional help with finishing work
Always think about the long-term use of the space
Gas fire removal is one of those home improvements where you can literally enjoy the results every day. Whether you go for a sleek media wall, valuable storage or simply open up the space, removing that old gas fire could be the best home redesign decision you make all year.
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