Last updated: September 24, 2026
Local housing snapshot: Des Moines, IA
- Population: about 212,000
- Median year homes were built: 1960
- Homes built before 1980: 72%
- Owner-occupied homes: 60%
Older homes can mean different materials, wiring, venting or permit needs. Mention your home's age when you contact a provider.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019–2023 5-year estimates.
What affects the price
When you are looking at wood fireplaces, the final cost depends on several moving parts. Choosing between a pre-fabricated insert and a custom masonry build is the biggest factor. You also have to think about venting requirements, the type of chimney lining needed, and the finish materials like stone or brick veneer. If your home needs structural modifications to meet current safety codes, that will add to the labor hours. We look at your specific setup to provide a clear path forward. Exact pricing confirmed free on the call.
About this service
Finding an insert nearby allows you to see the unit in person and discuss your specific hearth dimensions with a pro. Local experts can help you determine the right heat output for your room size and ensure the insert will fit your existing masonry. This is the best approach when you want a custom fit rather than a generic solution. We help you connect with local teams who can measure your space and ensure a proper installation.
Frequently asked in Des Moines
Is it worth it to have a wood-burning fireplace?
For Des Moines homes, a wood-burning fireplace can be a great addition for ambiance and supplemental heat, especially during Iowa winters. It offers a unique coziness that many people enjoy. The pros can help you determine the potential benefits for your specific home and lifestyle.
What is the most efficient wood-burning fireplace?
The most efficient wood-burning fireplaces are typically modern inserts that meet EPA standards. These are engineered to burn wood more completely, maximizing heat output and minimizing emissions. The specialists can recommend efficient models suitable for Des Moines homes.
How expensive is a wood-burning fireplace?
Will a wood-burning fireplace heat a house?
A wood-burning fireplace can provide significant supplemental heat for a Des Moines home, especially in the main living area. For larger houses, it often serves as a supplementary heat source, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The pros can advise on the heating potential for your home.
Are wood-burning fireplace inserts worth it?
What is the average cost of a wood-burning fireplace insert?
Also serving nearby: Cedar Rapids · Omaha · Davenport · Lincoln · Independence
More on this: EPA Burn Wise — efficient clean burning.
Service area details
Serving all of Des Moines — population 210,381; about 2,386 residents per square mile across 88.2 sq mi. ZIP codes covered include 50301, 50302, 50303, 50304, 50305, 50306, 50307, 50308.
Neighborhoods served in Des Moines: Waterfront, Beaverdale, Sherman Hill, Drake Neighborhood, South of Grand — and every surrounding area.
Areas we serve
Browse by state, then city.
Alabama (4)
All of Alabama · Birmingham · Huntsville · Mobile · Montgomery
Alaska (1)
Arizona (8)
All of Arizona · Gilbert · Glendale · Mesa · Peoria · Phoenix · Scottsdale · Tempe · Tucson
Arkansas (1)
California (32)
All of California · Anaheim · Bakersfield · Chula Vista · Elk Grove · Fontana · Fremont · Fresno · Garden Grove · Glendale · Huntington Beach · Irvine · Lancaster · Long Beach · Los Angeles · Modesto · Moreno Valley · Oakland · Oceanside · Ontario · Oxnard · Palmdale · Rancho Cucamonga · Riverside · Sacramento · San Bernardino · San Diego · San Francisco · San Jose · Santa Ana · Santa Clarita · Santa Rosa · Stockton
Colorado (3)
District of Columbia (1)
Florida (10)
All of Florida · Cape Coral · Fort Lauderdale · Hialeah · Jacksonville · Orlando · Pembroke Pines · Port St. Lucie · St. Petersburg · Tallahassee · Tampa
Georgia (3)
All of Georgia · Atlanta · Augusta-Richmond County · Columbus
Hawaii (1)
Idaho (1)
Illinois (2)
Indiana (2)
Iowa (1)
Kansas (2)
Kentucky (1)
Louisiana (3)
Maryland (1)
Massachusetts (2)
Michigan (2)
Minnesota (2)
Missouri (2)
Nebraska (1)
Nevada (4)
All of Nevada · Henderson · Las Vegas · North Las Vegas · Reno
New Jersey (2)
New Mexico (1)
New York (4)
All of New York · Buffalo · New York · Rochester · Yonkers
North Carolina (6)
All of North Carolina · Cary · Charlotte · Durham · Fayetteville · Greensboro · Winston-Salem
Ohio (5)
All of Ohio · Akron · Cincinnati · Cleveland · Columbus · Toledo
Oklahoma (2)
Oregon (3)
All of Oregon · Eugene · Portland · Salem
Pennsylvania (2)
Rhode Island (1)
South Dakota (1)
Tennessee (6)
All of Tennessee · Chattanooga · Clarksville · Knoxville · Memphis · Murfreesboro · Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance)
Texas (18)
All of Texas · Amarillo · Arlington · Austin · Brownsville · Corpus Christi · Dallas · El Paso · Fort Worth · Frisco · Garland · Grand Prairie · Houston · Irving · Laredo · Lubbock · McKinney · Plano · San Antonio
Utah (1)
Virginia (5)
All of Virginia · Chesapeake · Newport News · Norfolk · Richmond · Virginia Beach
Washington (4)
All of Washington · Seattle · Spokane · Tacoma · Vancouver
