The Fireplace Element

Fireplace Element did an outstanding job technically converting a wood burning, second floor fireplace to gas. Their analysis of existing gas use in the home and supply to add the Napolean 56kBTU unit was thorough and accurate. Removal of original two sided wood fireplace, surround and ducting was extensive, followed by rebuild of new corner surround, electrical, lengthy gas pipe runs, and replacement roof ducting.
Decided not to use them for surround finishing as options were limited. Also post installation service to replace a ceramic log that came broken was a huge waste of my time. After two failed attempts and nine months to get a new log by Fireplace Elements, I called up Napolean directly and received it in less than a week. I had been incorrectly informed by Fireplace Elements that I had to go through them for a replacement, which was not correct. I won’t recommend them for service, but design and new installation was superior on unfinished conversion projects.

I contacted the store to get quote for electric fireplace for remodeling and was instructed to e-​mail Ross directly for an official pricing. We have reviewed few models and options with Ross and the following day I have received the quote for a chosen model. I call the store on the following day to order after getting approval from the owners. Ross told me that he made a mistake and he cannot sell né the unit. I acknowledge that mistake happens and was trying to work some sort of compromise, but the owner/​manager, Karin was adamant not to give a penny less than MSRP. Karin who I could hear on background was rude and very unprofessional. She annulled the reduced cost offered by Ross, stating she does not care.
The business is scam and dishonest. Stay away from this place, cannot even call a business.

Corrine is magic with designs. She has all the solutions of installing a beautiful fire place inside or outside of your home
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Great owner great products all reasonably priced and good value for money. Will come back for sure. Highly recommended.

We had been looking for YEARS for a solution for our two-​sided contemporary fireplace. We went to many shops in the area and no one could come up with a way of giving us the fireplace we had in mind.
The Fireplace Element knew they could provide us with a solution we would be happy with, and they did!
We needed a complete gas line install (which required county inspection), as well as the installation of custom glass doors and the fireplace unit itself. They did it all with a very high level of professionalism and quality. They tweaked everything until every aspect of it was perfect.
I can’t speak for all styles, but it is very rare to find a fireplace shop that speaks the language of modern design. They do! They are the only ones in the area that do. And they have the experience and dedication to deliver on your contemporary vision.
They are small family run operation, so sometimes scheduling and communication become inefficient. However the quality of work they do and the products they carry are all top notch.
As with any business with high quality products and experienced craftspeople, the prices are not cheap. But that should not be a surprise, especially in this area. And you get what you pay for.
We are so glad we came to Fireplace Element. I wish had done so earlier!

I visited the showroom several times and was pleased with their in-​store service. I ended up buying a burner and set of logs and had it installed. After using my newly installed gas fireplace and new log set a few times, I noticed black soot over some of the logs. I called The Fireplace Element to inquire about getting a replacement set. They told me that black soot forms on the logs if the flame touches the logs. I now have black soot on my new logs and it look terrible. I wouldn’t recommend buying from this place. There are other options in the area.

We bought a fireplace installation from this shop and have had problems ever since. Their service is terrible. Very unresponsive and unhelpful. I would not recommend this place at all.

I was charged $ 350 for a 10 min home inspection visit that they showed up three hours late to. I also bought my fireplace two months ago and have yet to be able to use it because I’m still waiting for a replacement part that came broken.

I am very happy with my new fireplace, Gerard and Corrine helped with choosing the right model. We wend through number of different places to get estimate and The Fireplace Element was the most reasonable. It took us awhile to figure out what we really want and need and they were very supportive, provided quotes for all our requests right away. When the fireplace unit was ordered, they scheduled the installation and came over on time. It took them two days instead of estimated one to do the installation, but they kept it on budget anyway. When the little problem occurred, Gerard did come over on Saturday and fixed it on the spot.
I find them very reliable and reasonable.
Thank you Gerard and Corrine!

Don’t bother with them… You can find the exact same product for WAY less… I’m talking about $ 2000 less!!! I had Fireplace Element price out two different fireplaces for me. For good measure, I got another estimate from a place in redwood city (for the exact same thing, so we are comparing apples to apples!). Both estimates from Fireplace Element were $ 2000 more than the other place! AND that didn’t even include their $ 850 installation fee! Beware!!! They are way overpriced!!!

I had purchased our fireplace insert from another Bay Area dealer, but was delaying installation because that dealer was going to charge nearly $ 3500 to install it. For the life of me, I couldn’t understand why the installation needed to cost so much, especially since our contractor set everything up to be as easy as possible, including doing all of the roof penetrations. Funny enough, the other dealer couldn’t — or really, wouldn’t — explain their pricing either. The lack of transparency inevitably made me feel like I was getting ripped off so I looked elsewhere.
Enter in Fireplace Element. Corinne, Gerard, and Amy were a dream to work with. I had a clear and honest bid within 24 hours of my first call. It was about 40% less than the other place. Within 2 weeks, the job was done. Our contractor was very pleased with the level of expertise and craftsmanship, and he has exacting standards.
I haven’t used the unit regularly yet but hope to do so soon. I highly recommend this business!

I converted a circular free standing wood burning fireplace to gas with the campfire motif. I loved that they responded (on a weekend even) to an inquiry email and we were able to get much done by email before having the tech come out for an estimate. They kept me informed to reschedule when the part was delayed due to weather in the east and the installation guys were very professional. I would highly recommend both the ladies in the showroom and the guys who come out to the house. Love my old fireplace now and I din’t care if it is «Spare the Air»!

Good products. Terrible service.
I’m very happy with the fireplace insert I purchased, but I would not buy from them again. The products are good, but their service is terrible.
Getting confirmation on if the permit had been issued and when the installer would be at my home proved immensely difficult and required many phone calls back and forth. This is a high-​end product and I expect high-​end service. I didn’t get that.
The install work failed inspection two times, to the point where the city inspector wrote down information to write them up for poor work. It took three inspections and four scheduled inspections just to get the inspection to pass.
All in all, I’m happy with the fireplace, but the process of getting it installed and getting the work properly inspected left me with a terrible taste in my mouth.
In the future, I’ll probably just find another dealer of the products that they carry.

I’ve never written a review before, but I’m sufficiently annoyed with this business that I’m doing it now.
Absolutely the worst customer service I’ve ever had. For such a high priced and potentially dangerous product, you’d think they would go out of their way to make sure it is working properly and any bugs are dealt with quickly. Not this place!!!
They scheduled an inspection appointment many weeks after requesting one when I complained that the flames were too small compared to what I saw in the store. They subsequently «forgot» the scheduled appointment, had me wait for hours before getting someone here, the person showed up without any necessary parts, said would order it and be back to replace it in a couple of weeks. 2 months went by with no response or return calls. Meanwhile a new and even more alarming issue developed with the fire place (sparkler wouldn’t light up the flames followed by a minor explosion in the box). I’ve made many more calls with no follow up or return calls. I still can’t use the stupid fire place that spent thousands for.
If you are considering a gas fireplace, do your homework, and consider other vendors first. The Fireplace Element needs to see a dent in their income before realizing customer service is key in keeping their business afloat.

We decided to have a gas fireplace insert installed and had enjoyed using Kingsman inserts at some vacation locations. We sought a local dealer and got multiple quotes. We chose The Fireplace Element for the install, and they quoted the complete job including gas and electrical along with a custom surround.
We had the contractor who was helping us do some remodeling do the gas and electrical, but had Gerard of The Fireplace Element do the rest. We chose the Direct Vent type of insert (two ducts up the existing chimney, one inlet, one exhaust), and opted for fan and remote control.
The installation was one day in 2009, and we have been extremely happy with the result ever since. We often use only the fireplace to heat that end of the house on cold mornings/​evenings. We’d definitely recommend this enhancement and their installation.

Gerard is a true artist. He quickly understood our love for modern, simple lines and recommended designs that fit really nicely with the rest of the house’s designs.
He built a very large aluminum frame for the gas powered fireplace that created a beautiful, remarkable addition to our formal living room.
The work took longer than expected as Gerard wouldn’t settle for anything but the highest quality and smoothest finish.

Guess it’s hit or miss at this place. I had fun while in there. It has a nice selection of items to look at and get a feel for what it will be like in your yard/​house. 1 star for good selection of stuff.
The customer service is questionable though. I explained that I wanted a log burning outdoor fireplace. I said I have stubbed in gas plumbing for a future gas only fire if logs become a hassle. She did not suggest a log lighter.
The installer came out and promptly said, you have the wrong equipment. Then he said why didn’t she sell you the log lighter, and I said, I’m not sure. So now, the guy would have to come back out to install that item as well.
The two hour appt. was closer to 30 minutes in reality. But we were charged for 2 hours. When asked about this, I was told the installer charged them 2.5 hours. So it was my word against theirs. They were very rude about it on the phone, as if I had to prove this or something.
I called back to ask if we could order the log lighter, which we would pay for, and have the guy come back and install it at no charge. They never called back.
I called them and since the person I was working with wasn’t there I was asked to call back. When pressed she said she would take my number but that «there are a lot of numbers on ‘her’ desk so it might take a while to get back to you». I’m a paying customer who has already dropped a bunch of money at your store and I’m looking to spend more. I’d think in normal circumstances, you would WANT to take my number and make sure I was called back. UGH.
Needless to say, I gave my number and was never called back.
Sorry, I really wanted to like you Fireplace Element but customer service trumps good selection any day. I’ll take my business elsewhere from now on.

I went in looking for pretty colored glass for my firepit and was happy with their large selection of colors. The woman who helped me was very courteous and helpful. They had a large selection of fireplaces as well and I will definitely go back when I’m in the market for a fireplace upgrade.

Excellent job — courteous, flexible, easy to wok with and GREAT result. !!! Highly recommend

Highly highly highly recommend!!! I cannot express just how happy I am with Gerard and The Fireplace Element.
Gerard installed our Napolean HD81 See-​through fireplace and we could not be happier with the installation and price. He was so wonderful to work with as was Amy who helped coordinate everything.
Thank you so much Fireplace Element for making this part of our home remodel so easy and pleasant.