Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers from the second-oldest fireplace store in the country.
About Bowden's Fireside
How long has Bowden's Fireside been in business?
Bowden's Fireside has been serving New Jersey homeowners since 1904, making us a fourth-generation family business with over 120 years of experience in fireplace design, installation, and service.
Do you use subcontractors for fireplace installation?
No, we handle everything in-house with our own trained installation team. From showroom selection and expert design to professional installation and chimney service, our experienced staff manages your entire project.
What areas do you serve in New Jersey?
We serve Hamilton, Trenton, Princeton, Bordentown, Lawrence Township, Lawrenceville, Pennington, Plainsboro, West Windsor, and surrounding communities in central New Jersey.
Where is your showroom and when is it open?
The showroom is at 1731 Nottingham Way in Hamilton, NJ 08619 — open Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. You can browse more than 40 models on display and meet with a fireplace specialist, no appointment needed.
Fireplaces, Stoves & Products
What brands of fireplaces do you carry?
We carry only trusted brands known for performance and style—including Lopi, Fireplace Xtrordinair, and Blaze King—and many other premium manufacturers such as Mendota, Jotul, Hearthstone, Vermont Castings, Harman, Ambiance, Supreme, NetZero, and DaVinci. You can see these products on display by visiting our local showroom in Hamilton, NJ.
How does the instant estimate work?
Browse any fireplace on the site, answer a few quick questions about your home and installation, and the estimate arrives in your inbox in about a minute. It costs nothing and there's no obligation — it simply gives you a realistic starting number before you visit the showroom.
Should I choose gas, wood, pellet, or electric?
It depends on how you want to live with the fire. Gas is instant and effortless, wood brings the real crackle and heats through power outages, pellet runs itself on a thermostat, and electric installs almost anywhere. The showroom has all four burning — comparing them in person usually settles it in one visit.
Do you offer financing for fireplace projects?
Yes, we offer flexible financing options through our partner United Buyers Group to help make your dream fireplace more affordable. Ask about current promotional rates and terms.
Do you handle permits and inspections?
Yes. We work with your township or municipality through the whole permit and inspection process, let you know when it's time to schedule the rough inspection, and keep you informed through the final one. Township schedules vary, so we plan around them.
Do you offer a price guarantee?
Yes. At Bowden's Fireside, you can buy with the confidence that you are receiving the best price. If within 30 days of purchase, you find the identical new or special-order product at a lower price from a local authorized dealer within 30 miles of our showroom, just provide proof of the lower price, and we'll refund the difference.
Chimney Services & Safety
How often should my chimney be cleaned?
The National Fire Protection Association recommends annual chimney inspections and cleaning. Even if you don't use your fireplace often, animals may build nests or debris can accumulate, making your chimney unsafe to use.
What is a Level 2 chimney inspection, and when do I need one?
A Level 2 inspection adds a camera scan of the flue interior plus examination of accessible areas in the attic, basement, and crawl space. The NFPA 211 standard calls for it whenever a home is sold or transferred, when an appliance or fuel type changes, and after any chimney fire or major weather event.
What is Fireguard, and how is it different from relining?
Fireguard is a certified ceramic repair system that seals damaged flue-liner joints and resurfaces the flue in a single day — without reducing the flue size or the cost and disruption of a full stainless reline. It carries a lifetime warranty on joint repair and a 25-year warranty on resurfacing.
What is poultice creosote removal?
When creosote hardens into a shiny third-degree glaze, brushes alone can't remove it. The poultice process applies a specialized compound that breaks the glaze's bond with the flue wall as it cures, so the deposits can then be swept out and the liner inspected properly.
Do you offer chimney service plans?
Yes — 3-year service contracts save 25% and lock in today's rates. The chimney cleaning plan is $505 (regular rate $675), the stove chimney plan is $540 (regular $720), and the gas fireplace service plan is $538 (regular $717). A $35 surcharge applies during peak season, October 1 through December 31.
Do you clean dryer vents too?
Yes. Professional dryer vent cleaning prevents lint fires and shortens drying times, and we offer HOA group discounts plus a bundle discount when you pair it with a chimney inspection.
Visits, Scheduling & Outdoor Living
How do I schedule service or an appointment?
Use the Book Appointment button anywhere on the site to book online through our scheduling system, or call (609) 586-3344 during business hours and the office will set it up with you.
What should I bring to a showroom visit?
Photos of your space and rough measurements of your existing fireplace opening or the wall you're considering. With those two things, a specialist can narrow the catalog to real candidates in a single visit.
Do you sell awnings, outdoor heaters, and mailboxes?
Yes — we're an Eclipse dealer for motorized retractable awnings and solar shades, we carry Bromic outdoor heaters in gas and electric, and we stock Gaines mailboxes and Whitehall house signs. All of it is under Outdoor Living.
Still Have a Question?
Call the showroom or send us a message — a real person from the Hamilton team answers both.
Serving Mercer County & Surrounding Areas Since 1904 • 4.9 Stars on Google • No Subcontractors