A Blaze King Princess 29 insert typically costs about $4,000-$5,600 for the appliance, while a professionally installed project often totals $6,000-$10,000. Final pricing depends on dealer inventory, chimney condition, liner length, hearth preparation, and local labor rates.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Princess 29 insert | $4,000 | $4,800 | $5,600 | Appliance only; dealer and finish options vary |
| Installation labor | $900 | $1,600 | $2,800 | Standard placement through more involved installs |
| Chimney liner and parts | $700 | $1,300 | $2,400 | Typically stainless steel liner, cap, and connector parts |
| Installed project | $6,000 | $7,700 | $10,000 | Assumes a sound masonry fireplace and ordinary access |
What a Princess 29 insert costs before installation
The Princess 29 is a catalytic wood-burning fireplace insert. For budgeting, allow roughly $4,000-$5,600 for the unit alone, with about $4,800 a reasonable planning midpoint. Dealer quotes may include freight, a surround, blower, or other options, so buyers should ask for an itemized appliance price rather than compare headline prices alone.
The installed total commonly lands near $6,000-$10,000 when the existing masonry fireplace is usable and the chimney needs a standard liner. An average project around $7,700 assumes a typical U.S. market, a straightforward installation, and no major masonry repair. Assumptions: standard insert configuration, normal access, sound fireplace, and no structural or electrical upgrades.
How the liner, labor, and fireplace work add up
The appliance is only one part of the quote. A new stainless steel liner is often necessary to connect the insert to the chimney safely and in accordance with applicable installation requirements. Ask whether the quote includes the liner, insulation where specified, chimney cap, surround, blower, delivery, and removal of the old unit.
| Quote item | Typical price range | What changes the charge | Common unit basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insert and standard trim | $4,000-$5,600 | Dealer pricing, options, finish | Per insert |
| Stainless liner and cap | $700-$1,700 | Chimney height, diameter, insulation | $40-$90 per linear ft for liner materials |
| Installation labor | $900-$2,800 | Access, fit, removal, crew time | $75-$150 per labor hour |
| Hearth or masonry work | $0-$1,500 | Clearance corrections, repairs, extension | Per job |
| Delivery and old-unit removal | $150-$600 | Distance, stairs, disposal needs | Per job |
Labor and chimney work together can add $1,600-$5,000 beyond the insert price. The upper end usually reflects longer or difficult-to-access chimneys, extra preparation, or correction work rather than a simple placement.
Chimney height and fireplace dimensions shift the quote
Chimney height is a direct material and labor driver. A 15-foot liner may fit a simple job, while a 25-foot run can add several hundred dollars in liner material and make installation slower. A narrow, offset, or damaged flue can also require additional planning or repair before the insert can be installed.
Firebox opening dimensions and hearth clearances matter because the installer must confirm that the unit and surround fit the existing fireplace. If the opening needs masonry changes or the hearth must be extended, the project may add $300-$1,500. A quote should identify any proposed alteration and explain why it is needed.
Check the actual flue height and opening measurements before treating a low quote as comparable. The Princess 29’s published installation specifications and the home’s existing conditions should be checked by a qualified installer; a generic estimate cannot confirm fit or code compliance.
Installation time and crew charges for a masonry fireplace
A straightforward insert installation often takes a two-person crew about 4-8 hours, including moving the appliance, fitting the liner, and completing basic setup. Removal of an existing insert, difficult roof access, or fireplace repairs can extend the visit or require a separate appointment. At roughly $75-$150 per labor hour, a crew’s total labor bill can vary substantially by market and job scope.
Some dealers quote labor as a package rather than by the hour. That is not necessarily more expensive, but the written estimate should state what is included, whether startup and operating instructions are covered, and what charges apply if the crew finds a damaged flue. Confirm that inspection and final testing are included or priced separately.
Three installed Princess 29 quotes with different scopes
A basic replacement in a sound fireplace might include a $4,400 insert, a 15-foot liner and cap for $900, $1,100 labor, and $250 delivery, for a total near $6,650. This assumes no masonry changes and straightforward access.
A typical installation could use a $4,800 insert, a 20-foot liner package for $1,300, six labor hours for a two-person crew billed as a $1,500 package, and $400 for delivery and minor preparation. The estimated total is about $8,000.
A more involved project might combine a $5,400 unit, a 25-foot liner package at $1,900, $2,500 installation labor, and $1,000 of fireplace or hearth work. That brings the estimate to approximately $10,800. These examples are planning scenarios, not fixed dealer prices.
Why Princess 29 prices differ across U.S. regions
Dealer availability and installation labor create regional variation. In areas with more certified wood-stove installers and shorter travel distances, an ordinary installation may come in around the national midpoint. Urban markets with higher labor costs can run about 10%-20% above that level; remote rural locations may also carry a premium for travel or limited contractor availability.
Climate and local demand can affect scheduling more than the appliance’s base price. In cold-weather regions, fall appointments may book quickly, while spring or summer installation can offer more scheduling flexibility. Compare local installed quotes, not just the stove price, because labor and travel can outweigh a modest dealer discount.
Permits, inspections, and extras that can raise the total
Permit and inspection charges depend on the municipality and project scope. Where required, allow roughly $50-$300 for a basic permit or inspection, with additional fees possible for related electrical or masonry work. Local rules may require specific clearances, a listed liner system, or inspection before use; the installer should clarify which fees and compliance tasks are included.
Common extras include old insert removal at $150-$500, chimney sweeping at $150-$350, and masonry or hearth repairs at $300-$1,500. A blower or trim option may be part of a dealer package or priced separately. Request a written list of exclusions so an attractive base quote does not omit necessary work.
How to lower the installed price without cutting safety
Have the chimney inspected and measured before accepting a final price, and compare at least two itemized quotes using the same liner length, appliance configuration, and removal scope. If the existing fireplace and flue are sound, retaining them rather than adding cosmetic masonry work can avoid hundreds of dollars. Combining delivery, removal, and installation through one dealer may also reduce separate trip charges.
Off-season scheduling can improve availability, although the appliance price itself may not change. Avoid choosing a shorter or unsuitable liner, skipping required clearances, or omitting inspection just to reduce the bill. The safest savings come from preventing duplicated charges and limiting the project to verified requirements.