Chimney and Fireplace Service in Lakewood, Washington

Lakewood incorporated on February 28, 1996, and the 2020 census counted 63,612 people, making it the second-largest city in Pierce County. It sits next to the McChord side of Joint Base Lewis-McChord and is named for its lakes. American Lake covers 1,091 acres, and Lake Steilacoom, Gravelly Lake, Lake Louise and Waughop Lake are also inside city limits. Its history runs much further back than its city charter, to historic Fort Steilacoom, the Thornewood Castle estate and Lakewold Gardens.

Census figures (ACS 2024) put the median year built at 1975. About 20 percent of homes date from the 1940s and '50s and 37 percent from the 1960s and '70s. Electricity heats about 67 percent of homes, the highest share of any city in our Pierce County area, and gas only 29 percent. So the fireplace here is usually a brick one used for comfort or as backup heat, and many homes have no gas service. The free inspection comes with photos and a written price before any work.

Most of Lakewood is inside the Smoke Reduction Zone

On the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency's zone map, Lakewood sits inside the Tacoma-Pierce County Smoke Reduction Zone, with the southern boundary running near American Lake. Homes near that edge should confirm their address on the map at pscleanair.gov. Inside the zone, buying or operating an uncertified wood stove or insert has been illegal since October 1, 2015. The agency says such stoves must be removed and recycled, or rendered inoperable, unless the home holds an approved heat exemption.

The agency pays homeowners $500 to recycle an eligible stove. An EPA-certified wood stove installed typically runs $3,000 to $8,000, and a wood insert with its liner $3,000 to $7,000.

Post-war brick fireplaces in an electric-heat city

A brick fireplace from the 1950s to '70s usually has a clay-tile flue, a cast-iron damper and a firebox that has seen decades of fires. A damper that won't close lets warm air out all winter; repair typically runs $150 to $450, and a top-sealing damper is priced at the inspection. A fireplace that smokes into the room usually has a draft problem we can trace, and those fixes run $150 to $1,500.

If you want a fire that works during burn bans and there is no gas on your street, propane is an option. The agency allows natural gas and propane units in both Stage 1 and Stage 2. Gas logs typically run $500 to $2,000 and a gas insert $2,000 to $8,000.

Where we work in Lakewood

Lake City · Oakbrook · Tillicum · Woodbrook · Springbrook · Fort Steilacoom · Downtown Lakewood · North Lakewood