Costs
Entertainment Wall Cost in Calgary
Updated 2 min read
The short answer
A custom entertainment wall in Calgary ranges from $3,000–$6,000 for a simple fireplace mantel surround to $12,000–$25,000+ for a full wall treatment with integrated media, storage and fireplace surround. The cost depends on whether the fireplace is being reworked, the complexity of the millwork, and whether electrical and media wiring are being added.
Cost ranges by scope
| Scope | Typical range | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
| Mantel replacement only | $1,500–$3,500 | New timber or built-up mantel on existing surround |
| Fireplace surround reface | $3,000–$6,000 | New face material, mantel, tile or stone |
| Full media wall, no fireplace | $6,000–$12,000 | Custom millwork, TV niche, shelving, wiring |
| Media wall with fireplace | $10,000–$20,000 | Full wall treatment, integrated fireplace, media storage |
| Full wall with flanking built-ins | $15,000–$30,000 | Wall-to-wall millwork, lit shelving, media, integrated storage |
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What determines the cost
- Fireplace appliance
- If you are keeping the existing fireplace and only reworking the surround, the cost is primarily millwork. If you are adding, replacing, or relocating the fireplace, a licensed gas fitter and a building permit are required. Gas fireplace inserts run $3,000–$8,000 alone.
- Millwork complexity
- A simple floating mantel beam is one component. A full wall with flanking cabinetry, lit shelving, concealed wiring and a TV mount is a multi-week fabrication and installation project. Complexity scales with every feature you add.
- Electrical work
- Adding outlets, HDMI routing, speaker wiring, or dedicated circuits behind the wall requires a licensed electrician. In-wall cable management with proper power routing runs $500–$2,000 depending on complexity.
- Material choice
- MDF and paint is the most affordable millwork option. Stained hardwood (oak, walnut) is premium. Stone or tile facing adds $2,000–$5,000 for materials alone. The material palette determines the visual result and the budget.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
- Should I put the TV above the fireplace?
- It depends on the fireplace and the seating distance. The ideal TV height is centre of the screen at seated eye level, which is typically 1000–1100mm from the floor. A fireplace opening is usually 400–600mm from the floor with a mantel at 1200–1400mm, which pushes the TV above comfortable viewing height. If the room is primarily for TV viewing, an adjacent wall placement is usually better.
- Do I need a permit for an entertainment wall?
- A millwork-only entertainment wall does not require a permit. If the project involves moving or adding a gas fireplace, relocating electrical outlets, or modifying the wall structure, separate permits for each trade are required. The City of Calgary requires permits for gas and electrical work.
- How long does an entertainment wall take?
- Design and fabrication: 2–4 weeks. Installation: 2–5 days depending on complexity. If electrical work is included, add 1–2 days for the electrician. The total project timeline from design approval to completion is typically 3–5 weeks.
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