Business Details
48 Years
experience
Your Trusted Source for Fireplace & Stove Solutions in Nanaimo
Pioneer Fireplace has been a trusted name in hearth solutions since 1978, serving Vancouver Island with expertise and dedication. Founded by Tim Struch, our journey began as a masonry enterprise and evolved into a comprehensive destination for fireplaces, stoves, and outdoor living products. With three strategically located showrooms in Nanaimo, Parksville, and Campbell River, we prioritize accessibility and community-focused service. Our team undergoes rigorous training to ensure customers receive informed guidance on product selection, installation, and maintenance. Backed by decades-long partnerships with industry leaders like Pacific Energy, we offer top-tier gas, wood, and electric heating solutions tailored to modern needs.Our commitment extends beyond saleswe provide end-to-end support, from initial consultation to final installation, ensuring every client feels confident in their investment. Whether you need a $2 gasket or a $20,000 fireplace, our approach remains the same: personalized attention, technical excellence, and unwavering quality. As a locally owned business, we take pride in understanding regional climate demands and delivering solutions that combine efficiency with aesthetic appeal. Our reputation as Vancouver Islands first choice for hearth products is built on 45+ years of consistent innovation, customer education, and a passion for creating warm, inviting spaces.
Services
Gas Fireplace Sales
Wood Stove Installation
Electric Inserts
Outdoor Living Products
Chimney Services
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- We have over 45 years of experience specializing in hearth products and installations.
- Our team undergoes rigorous training in product knowledge and technical expertise.
- We offer end-to-end services from consultation to professional installation.
- We carry products from North America and Europe's top manufacturers.
- We are locally owned and deeply understand Vancouver Island's climate needs.
What people say
Professional and considerate service
Prompt follow-ups
Knowledgeable team
Reliable installations
Eco-friendly options
Services
Gas Fireplace Sales
We offer a wide selection of gas fireplaces from top manufacturers like Pacific Energy and Valor. Our gas fireplaces combine modern aesthetics with high efficiency, providing reliable heating solutions for residential spaces. Each unit is installed by certified technicians to ensure safety and optimal performance.
Wood Stove Installation
Our wood stoves feature advanced combustion technology for eco-friendly heating. We provide professional installation services that comply with local building codes, ensuring safe and efficient operation. Products include top-rated brands like Jotul and Vermont Castings.
Electric Inserts
Electric inserts offer a low-maintenance alternative for existing fireplaces. We carry energy-efficient models from Dimplex and Amanti, with options for smart thermostat control. Installation is quick and requires no venting or gas lines.
Outdoor Living Products
Our outdoor product range includes fire tables, grills, and hot tubs from brands like Jackson Grills and Beachcomber. These products enhance outdoor spaces with functional design, combining durability with aesthetic appeal for year-round use.
Chimney Services
We provide chimney inspections, cleaning, and repairs using industry-standard equipment. Services include Duravent and Security Chimney components, ensuring proper ventilation and safety for wood and gas heating systems.
People
Tim Struch
Founder
Tim Struch founded Pioneer Fireplace in 1978, starting as a masonry business before expanding into a full-service hearth retailer. His vision established long-term partnerships with leading manufacturers and a commitment to technical excellence.
Chris
General Manager
Chris oversees daily operations at Pioneer Fireplace, ensuring customer satisfaction through expert product knowledge and service standards. With decades of experience, he leads a team focused on delivering innovative heating solutions tailored to client needs.
Questions
What types of fireplaces do you sell?
We offer gas, wood, and electric fireplaces from top manufacturers like Pacific Energy, Jotul, and Valor.
Do you provide installation services?
Yes, we offer professional installation for all fireplace and stove purchases, ensuring code compliance and safety.
Are financing options available?
Currently, we do not offer in-house financing but can discuss payment plans for large orders.
What outdoor products do you carry?
Our outdoor range includes fire tables, grills from Jackson Grills, and Beachcomber hot tubs.
What are your store hours?
Our Nanaimo and Parksville locations are open Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm; Campbell River is open Monday-Friday.
Do you service existing fireplaces?
Yes, we provide maintenance, repairs, and chimney cleaning services for all heating systems we sell.
Reviews (6)
Ross White
Jun 28, 2021
Report
We are very pleased with the service and workmanship by Pioneer. The replacement of our see-thru fireplace was known to be a challenge. Fortunately Chris came up with a model and solution that was workable. Kudos to Chris, Kevin and Dan for a job well done!
Curtis Hansen
Mar 25, 2021
Report
I purchased a Valor L1 Fireplace from Graham and was extremely happy with the product and service. From the showroom, to delivery and installation it was seamless, on time and on budget. I would highly recommend the folks at Pioneer as they hit this one out of the park.
Jane B.
Mar 16, 2021
Report
We are very happy with the over all experience of our recent valor fireplace installed in our home. Graham was very knowledgeable on the product and helped us pick the perfect fireplace for our space. The installers were quick and professional and went over the operation of the fireplace once it was in, which helped a lot! Thanks Pioneer!
Mike Grossman
Feb 21, 2021
Report
So I purchased the Pearl from Pioneer. The make is by RSF a good company I have had there fireplaces before. Thats where the good quits and the terrible starts. No only did they not install the unit according to the manufacturer guidelines ( and believe me I tried to communicate that prior to and during installation according to the manual I read) they have refused to make it right. I am a contractor myself so there are certain expectation I expect, as my customers expect from me. I am tired of their excuses and their endless promises to fix the problems. There are numerous times they said they
Chelsea Woods
Jun 01, 2020
Report
The staff and quality of the products at Pioneer Fireplace are outstanding. We received excellent support in making our decision about which fireplace to purchase, including clear and detailed information about the installation, output, use, and aesthetics of the many options. Initially we planned to do our own installation, and the staff was helpful with all of our many questions. Ultimately we decided we would rather bring in the experts, and we did not install it ourselves. We scheduled installation and Ted and Al were professional, knowledgeable, and were able to give us clear, accurate,
H. Ropetow
Oct 31, 2018
Report
Dont be fooled by decent service in the show room. I could not have had a worse experience and the nightmare continues. My bigger problems are much worse but even the leak on the chimney is not being addressed even though I emailed over two weeks ago and spoke to the manager Chris a few days ago. They dont even acknowledge receiving my information. Brutal. The other biggest issue among several is that their WETT installer told me what to do with the hearth to get certification and once I did that, they told me it was wrong and I had to remove the tile to rebuild the framing and dimensions
