Tahoe’s Hearth Experts—Since 1985

Find a Reliable, Beautiful Fireplace at Your Local Source for Hearth Happiness

Q: How much does a fireplace installation cost in the Tahoe area?

Most installations in the Tahoe basin range from $3,000 to $12,000 depending on the type of unit, fuel source, and venting requirements. Gas inserts tend to be the most popular option for vacation rentals, while wood-burning fireplaces with full chimney systems are on the higher end. The best way to get an accurate number is to start with our online estimate tool — it takes about two minutes and gives you a solid ballpark before we schedule your in-home consultation.

Q: Do you handle the entire installation or do I need a separate contractor?

We handle the entire installation with our own 12-person in-house crew — no subcontractors, no third parties. Our team manages everything from the initial site assessment to the final walkthrough, including all venting, gas lines, and hearth pads. You don't need to hire anyone else.

Q: What's the difference between a fireplace and an insert?

A fireplace is a standalone unit that gets built into a wall or framed into new construction. An insert slides into an existing fireplace opening — it turns an old, inefficient masonry fireplace into a high-efficiency heat source. If you already have a fireplace and want more heat from it, an insert is usually the best move. If you're building new or don't have an existing opening, you'll want a fireplace.

Q: How often should my chimney be inspected in the Tahoe basin?

The NFPA recommends annual inspections for any home that burns wood or gas. In the Tahoe basin, this is especially critical — heavy snow load, freeze-thaw cycles, and animals nesting in the off-season can all cause hidden damage you won't see from the ground. Our CSIA-certified technicians perform Level 1 and Level 2 inspections, including video scans of the interior flue.

Q: Do you work with vacation rental owners and property managers?

Yes — rental properties and property management companies are a big part of what we do. We specialize in gas inserts and low-maintenance fireplaces that are safe, efficient, and guest-friendly. We also work with realtors and large accounts across the region. If you manage multiple properties, call us to discuss volume scheduling and priority service.

Q: What brands do you carry?

We carry Heat & Glo, Quadra-Fire, Thelin, Blaze King, Harman, Vermont Castings, HearthStone, and many other top hearth brands across gas, wood, pellet, and electric. Visit our showroom in South Lake Tahoe to see units burning live, or browse our selection online to get an instant estimate.

Call or Text Today! (530) 541-6833

We Are Fired Up to Serve You!

1985 Founded

12-Person In-House Team

CSIA Certified

A+ BBB Rating

Find Your Solution

What’s Your Situation?

We know that finding or fixing your fireplace can be confusing, but we make it easy. Just select your current situation, and our team will walk you through the entire installation process—from online estimate to final walkthrough.

Open masonry fireplace ready for an insert

Converting an Open Fireplace

Convert an older fireplace that burned wood at any point in the past.

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Old freestanding stove ready for an upgrade

Upgrading a Freestanding Stove

Add or replace an outdated stove with a new and efficient model.

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New home construction with fireplace framing

Starting a New Construction Project

Find a fireplace that’s the perfect fit for your new home.

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Existing sealed fireplace ready for replacement

Replacing an Existing Fireplace

Replace an existing fireplace with a newer, more efficient model.

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Adding an Outdoor Fireplace

Fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, and BBQ islands for your Tahoe backyard.

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Repairing Your Fireplace

Something’s not working right. We diagnose and fix all major brands.

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CSIA-certified chimney sweep and inspection

Servicing Your Chimney

CSIA-certified sweeps, inspections, and repairs to keep your chimney safe.

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Family staying warm by a fireplace in a Tahoe cabin

Why It Matters

Don’t Go Another Tahoe Winter Without a Warm & Reliable Fireplace

You know how fast things go sideways in the mountains. When the power goes out and the temperature drops, a cold house is a cold house—whether you live here year-round or only come up for the holidays.

Going another Tahoe winter without reliable backup heat

Losing guest reviews because the vacation rental is cold

Putting the project off another season while prices climb

You shouldn’t have to figure this out alone. We’ll help you get the fireplace, stove, or insert your home needs—then maintain it for you for years to come.

Your Path Forward

Four Steps to Reliable Heat

Get Your Estimate

Explore our selection online and get a ballpark price in minutes—no phone call required.

Book Your In-Home Visit

Our team visits your home to assess your space, answer questions, and confirm project details.

Finalize Your Project

Lock in your selections, scope, and schedule. No surprises, no hidden costs.

Enjoy the Installation

Our in-house crew handles everything—from delivery to final walkthrough. No subcontractors, no finger-pointing.

Get Your Estimate Today

Why South Y Fireplace

Why Tahoe Homeowners Trust Us

We don’t disappear after the sale. From your first estimate to your annual chimney sweep, our team is here for the long haul.

Experienced In-House Team

We sell it and install it. No subcontractors, no finger-pointing. One team from start to finish.

One-Stop Shop

Sales, installation, chimney inspection, repair, and parts—all under one roof. We don’t disappear after the sale.

CSIA-Certified Chimney Services

Level 1 and Level 2 chimney inspections, sweeping, and repair—handled by our own certified technicians.

Vacation Rental Specialists

We understand the challenges of owning a vacation rental in Tahoe. We make keeping the fireplace in your rental warm, safe, and guest-ready easy.

Modern gas fireplace glowing in a Tahoe cabin living room

What Our Customers Say

Real Reviews from Tahoe Homeowners

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“They walked us through every option, explained the pros and cons clearly, and helped us choose exactly what worked best for our space and budget. No pressure, no upselling—just honest expertise. The installation was seamless, professional, and on time.”

— Kristin W., Google Review

“Dan, Colton, Daniel, Kristy and the crew are fantastic. They helped us get our new gas freestanding stove delivered and installed under a bit of a time crunch with the late February storms and were so knowledgeable, helpful and efficient.”

— Anne, Google Review

“I knew nothing about fireplaces going into this, and they walked me through everything in a way that actually made sense. Zero pressure to buy or upsell, just really helpful info. You can tell they genuinely care about what they do.”

— Sabrina-Anne W., Google Review

“Dan went above and beyond to ensure that the new fireplace was installed correctly, and even fixed a leak problem at the roof level. We are both satisfied and thrilled with the service by not just Dan, but all the folks employed by South Y Fireplace.”

— Suzy A., Google Review

Come See Us

Visit the Showroom

Nothing replaces seeing a fireplace in person. Stop by, ask questions, and talk to people who’ve been doing this since before most Tahoe rentals had Wi-Fi.

South Lake Tahoe

1961 Lake Tahoe Blvd STE A, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

(530) 541-6833

Mon–Fri: 9 AM – 5 PM

Sat–Sun: Closed

Get Directions

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a fireplace installation cost in the Tahoe area?

What’s the difference between a fireplace and an insert?

How often should my chimney be inspected in the Tahoe basin?

Do you work with vacation rental owners and property managers?

Do you handle the entire installation or do I need a separate contractor?

What brands do you carry?

Ready for Your Cozy, Convenient Fireplace?

Don’t go another season putting it off. Let a local team with decades of experience take care of it—so you can enjoy a fireplace that keeps your home warm, your guests comfortable, and your family cozy for years to come.

Get Instant Estimate Find Your Fireplace