Carolina Hearth and Patio reviews show a mostly positive picture, with a 4.7-star rating across 116 Google-sourced reviews and a 4.6 out of 5 on Angi from 16 verified reviews. That's a solid track record for a family-owned, 25-year-old Upstate SC company. The recurring strengths are thorough communication, knowledgeable technicians, and reliable hearth/fireplace service. The honest caveat: their review volume on independent platforms is still relatively modest, and at least one pricing dispute in the record is worth understanding before you hire.
Carolina Hearth and Patio Reviews: What to Check Before Hiring
Maren Lawson
31 May 2026
Who Carolina Hearth and Patio actually is
Carolina Hearth and Patio is a family-owned business based at 122 Rainbow Lake Road in Boiling Springs, SC, founded in 2000 and incorporated in 2003. According to their official site, they sell, install, and support "most everything you would need to fully enjoy the outdoors and warm up the inside of your home," covering both outdoor living products and indoor fireplace/hearth systems. Cathy Marlowe serves as president, and the company has grown into a regional supplier and installer trusted across Spartanburg and Western North Carolina.
On the credentials side, they carry a South Carolina Residential Home Builder license and an NFI (National Fireplaces Institute) certification, which is specifically relevant for hearth and gas appliance work. Their Houzz profile lists services including outdoor fireplace construction, gas fireplace installation, custom fire pits, custom fireplace mantels, wood stove installation, and outdoor kitchen/room builds. On the Angi side, project categories also include deck/porch builds, brick and stone fireplace installation and repair, and gas leak detection and repair. They are open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and closed on weekends, which is worth knowing for scheduling.
One thing to note upfront: they are not BBB accredited, and the BBB profile shows a "Not Rated" status due to insufficient information. That's not automatically a red flag, but it does mean you can't lean on BBB complaint history as a data point the way you might with an accredited company.
How to read Carolina Hearth and Patio reviews intelligently
Before you take any star rating at face value, it's worth understanding where those numbers come from and what they actually represent. The 4.7-star figure with 116 reviews appears to aggregate Google reviews via a third-party Chamber of Commerce listing. The 4.6 on Angi and HomeAdvisor is drawn from only 16 reviews, which covers a long timeframe stretching back to at least 2011. That's a much smaller sample, so individual reviews carry more weight, both positive and negative.
When evaluating the Angi reviews specifically, the stronger signals come from reviews that include concrete details: specific dollar amounts, named technicians, described project types, and timelines. Reviews that just say "great job, would recommend" without any specifics are less useful. Fortunately, several of the Carolina Hearth and Patio reviews do include those details, making them more credible as decision support. Also notice whether the company responds to negative reviews. On Angi, Carolina Hearth and Patio has posted at least one detailed business response to a dispute, which shows they're engaged with their review presence and willing to clarify their side.
One credibility limitation worth flagging: Yelp results for this company were inaccessible during research, so it's not possible to cross-reference that platform's feedback here. Before hiring, it's worth doing a quick Yelp and Facebook search yourself to round out the picture. The Google review volume of 116 is the most meaningful independent signal available.
What reviewers actually say: the recurring themes
Communication and willingness to explain
This is the strongest and most consistent positive theme across the Angi reviews. Carol B. (November 2016) described the owner spending over 30 to 45 minutes on at least two separate occasions walking her through options, measurements, and which choices fit her needs and budget. Robert Q. (December 2014) specifically praised the team for taking time to answer all his questions even when they were already behind schedule for the day. A more recent 2024 Google-sourced review mentions a technician named Jason who arrived within the promised time window and went "way beyond expectations" diagnosing a gas log system problem. That's a consistent pattern across nearly a decade of reviews: this company communicates well and doesn't rush customers.
Installation quality and workmanship
Reviews referencing actual installation work are mostly positive, with mentions of efficient service, thorough cleaning and prep of gas fireplaces, and correct component installation (including regulators, drip tees, and cut-offs referenced in one dispute response). The NFI certification backs up the technical competency on the hearth side. That said, there is at least one negative review (Debbie M., December 2016) describing ongoing performance issues with replacement gas logs, including fan noise and airflow problems, and a follow-up estimate of $5,000 to $8,000 for additional remediation work. The company disputed the details of that review directly on the platform, claiming they never serviced her gas logs originally. It's impossible to know who's right, but the disagreement itself is something to pay attention to.
Pricing clarity and cost surprises
This is the area where you need to be most careful. Reviewers regularly reference specific dollar amounts, which suggests pricing discussions happen but don't always land clearly for every customer. One January 2016 review (Jim S.) describes being caught off guard by an additional $125 service call fee after an initial visit. The company responded that the first visit was a free diagnostic and the follow-up charge was a standard service call, which is a reasonable business policy, but the customer didn't understand that upfront. That kind of disconnect is avoidable with the right questions before booking. Also important: Angi's FAQ confirms that Carolina Hearth and Patio does not offer free project estimates. This is a practical variable that can affect your planning if you're comparing multiple contractors who do offer free quotes.
Timeliness and job site behavior
The 2024 review mentioning on-time arrival within a promised window is a good signal that scheduling reliability has held up in recent years. Older reviews don't surface major complaints about delays. Robert Q.'s 2014 review even noted the team continued working without rushing despite being behind schedule elsewhere that day, which reflects well on their professionalism at the job site.
Warranty and service follow-through
This is a mixed area in the review record. The company does respond to complaints and has provided follow-up service, but at least one customer felt the resolution left them with unexpected costs. Warranty terms don't appear explicitly in any public review, which means you'll need to ask directly and get it in writing before signing anything.
Where they work and what projects they handle
Their primary service area covers Spartanburg County and surrounding Upstate South Carolina communities, along with Western North Carolina. The Houzz profile lists numerous specific Upstate SC towns, so if you're within roughly an hour of Boiling Springs, you're likely within their coverage zone. If you're in Charlotte, the Research Triangle, or the Lowcountry, this probably isn't your contractor.
In terms of project types, their strongest documented track record is in hearth and fireplace work: gas fireplace installation and servicing, gas log systems, wood stove installation, custom fireplace mantels, and outdoor fireplace construction. They also handle custom fire pits, outdoor kitchens, and built-in grills. Deck and porch builds appear in their Angi category list, but the public review record doesn't include many detailed accounts of large-scale deck or patio enclosure projects, so if that's your primary need, ask specifically about recent comparable projects and request references. If you're looking at contractors in the Georgetown area, researching local georgetown fireplace and patio reviews can help you compare pricing, workmanship, and responsiveness before you book any visits.
Honest pros and cons based on the review record
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 25 years in business, established regional presence | Not BBB accredited; BBB shows no rating |
| 4.7-star Google rating across 116 reviews | Angi/HomeAdvisor sample is only 16 reviews, some dating back to 2011 |
| NFI certified and SC Residential Home Builder licensed | Does not offer free project estimates |
| Consistent praise for communication and willingness to explain | At least one pricing dispute involving unexpected service call fees |
| On-time arrival noted in recent 2024 reviews | Closed on weekends, limiting scheduling flexibility |
| Responds to negative reviews publicly with detailed clarifications | Limited accessible review data on Yelp and Facebook |
Questions to ask before you hire them
Based on what the reviews surface, here are the specific things to nail down before signing any agreement. Some of these are standard for any outdoor contractor, but a few are directly informed by patterns in the Carolina Hearth and Patio review record.
- Is this initial visit a free estimate or a paid diagnostic call? Get the answer in writing or email before anyone shows up.
- What is the full scope of work, broken down by phase? Ask for a written scope document, not a verbal summary.
- What is the payment schedule? Confirm whether you pay in stages tied to project milestones, not a large upfront lump sum.
- What is the timeline from signed contract to project completion, and what delays are built in as acceptable?
- What does the warranty cover, for how long, and who do you contact if something fails after installation?
- Are you pulling all required permits, and will inspections be handled on your end or mine?
- Can you provide two or three recent references for a project similar to mine (same type, similar budget)?
- If additional work is needed beyond the original scope, what is the change-order process and do I approve costs in writing before work proceeds?
- For hearth/gas work specifically: are you NFI certified for this specific appliance type, and do you carry liability insurance for gas line work?
Regional alternatives worth comparing
If Carolina Hearth and Patio's service area, pricing structure (no free estimates), or review pattern gives you pause, there are comparable regional specialists worth evaluating side by side. For hearth and fireplace work with a similarly strong regional focus, Georgetown Fireplace and Patio and Congo Fireplace and Patio serve as useful comparison points, as they operate in a similar niche of hearth-plus-outdoor-living work in the Carolinas and surrounding Southeast. For patio and landscape-specific builds where fireplace work is secondary, Rochester Patio and Landscape reviews offer a window into how a landscape-focused contractor handles project communication and pricing transparency. If you're in a mid-Atlantic or New England adjacent market, New England Patio and Hearth reviews and Bon Air Hearth Porch and Patio reviews round out the regional picture for similar combined hearth-and-patio service models. If you are specifically focused on patio installations plus hearth and fireplace work in New England, those reviews can help you compare contractor responsiveness, workmanship, and pricing up front New England Patio and Hearth reviews.
The practical move is to get at least two to three written quotes from comparable companies before committing. Given that Carolina Hearth and Patio charges for estimates, it's especially smart to exhaust free-quote options first so you have a baseline on pricing before paying for a site visit. When comparing, ask each contractor the same list of questions above and evaluate how clearly and specifically they answer. That tells you as much as the quote itself.
FAQ
Do Carolina Hearth and Patio provide free estimates or site visits?
They do not offer free project estimates, so expect to pay for the diagnostic or estimate visit. A practical next step is to ask what the paid estimate covers, whether it is credited toward the final job price, and what the service call fee is if you decline after the visit.
How can I tell if a review is about hearth installation versus general outdoor work?
Prioritize reviews that name the specific system (gas logs, gas fireplace insert, wood stove, regulator/drip tee components) and include dates plus cost figures. Reviews that only say “great job” without project details are harder to use for judging workmanship in the exact scope you want.
What pricing questions should I ask to avoid “surprise” fees like service call add-ons?
Ask for an itemized breakdown of diagnostic or initial visit fees, follow-up service call charges, and any common extras (parts, labor for adjustments, venting checks). Also ask what triggers additional costs, for example if a deeper issue is found during the first visit.
Do they have a warranty for gas log or fireplace parts and labor?
Warranty terms do not appear clearly in the public reviews, so you should ask directly and get the answer in writing. Specifically ask the warranty length, what is covered (parts vs labor), and whether it includes service calls for troubleshooting.
If I read a negative review, should I still hire them?
A single dispute is not automatically disqualifying, but the key is how the company documents the facts. Compare what the customer claims versus the company’s response, ask for proof of prior service work if it’s mentioned, and request references for similar installations made around the same time period.
How important is their NFI certification for my project?
It can be especially relevant for hearth and gas appliance work, but it does not replace job-specific confirmation. Ask which technician will handle your installation, whether they will follow manufacturer and code requirements, and whether they will test for gas pressure and proper ignition before finalizing.
Do they handle deck, patio, and outdoor kitchen projects the same way as hearth work?
Their strongest review evidence is for hearth and fireplace scopes, while larger deck and patio enclosure experiences appear less detailed in the public record. If patio or deck is your primary goal, ask for recent comparable projects, photos of finished builds, and at least two customer references who had a similar scope and timeline.
What should I confirm about their service area before scheduling?
Confirm your address falls within their coverage radius from Boiling Springs, SC, since they serve Spartanburg County and nearby Upstate areas and also Western North Carolina. Ask whether they can meet your date even if you are near the edge of their stated region, and get the travel or scheduling policy in writing.
How can I verify scheduling reliability for recent jobs?
Use the most recent reviews for timing details and ask for a written appointment window plus the expected day-of arrival process. Also ask what happens if they run behind, for example whether they call ahead and how they handle rescheduling without extra fees.
Should I check Yelp or Facebook before hiring?
Yes, because Yelp results were not accessible during the article’s research, meaning you cannot assume the Google and Angi picture is complete. A quick search can reveal patterns like repeated issues, responsiveness gaps, or similar pricing complaints, which is especially useful if your project is complex.
Citations
Carolina Hearth & Patio describes itself as a supplier/installer that “sell[s], install[s] and support[s] most everything you would need to fully enjoy the outdoors and warm up the inside of your home with one of our fireplaces,” and says it is trusted “throughout Spartanburg and Western North Carolina.”
Carolina Hearth & Patio (official site) - https://www.carolinahearthandpatio.com/
The official site’s header/overview states: “Carolina Hearth & Patio has become a trusted supplier to homeowners and builders throughout Spartanburg and Western North Carolina,” and it mentions fireplaces plus patio/outdoor needs (e.g., built-in grills).
Carolina Hearth & Patio (official site) - https://www.carolinahearthandpatio.com/
Carolina Hearth & Patio’s official contact page lists address and hours: 122 Rainbow Lake Road, Boiling Springs, SC 29316; Mon–Fri 9:00am–5:30pm; Saturday closed/closed hours shown (site shows Saturday closed; Sunday closed).
Carolina Hearth and Patio - Contact Us (official site) - https://www.carolinahearthandpatio.com/contact-us
Angi’s profile for Carolina Hearth & Patio says the company is “family-owned” and “started in 2000,” offers fireplace/gas log/wood stove and patio-focused services, and states they are “licensed by SC as a Residential Home Builder.”
Carolina Hearth & Patio Reviews - Boiling Springs, SC | Angi - https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/sc/boiling-springs/carolina-hearth-and-patio-reviews-6335335.htm
BBB’s business profile for Carolina Hearth & Patio says it is NOT BBB Accredited, shows “Years in Business: 25,” “Business Started: 10/1/2000,” “Business Incorporated: 1/9/2003,” and lists management as “Ms. Cathy Marlowe, President.”
Carolina Hearth & Patio | BBB Business Profile - https://www.bbb.org/us/sc/boiling-springs/profile/retail-stores/carolina-hearth-patio-0673-90044971
BBB’s business profile indicates it offers “retail stores and gas appliance repair service,” but BBB shows “Not Rated” (no rating due to insufficient info).
Carolina Hearth & Patio | BBB Business Profile - https://www.bbb.org/us/sc/boiling-springs/profile/retail-stores/carolina-hearth-patio-0673-90044971
Angi shows Carolina Hearth & Patio currently rated “4.6 overall out of 5” with “16 Reviews” on its profile.
Carolina Hearth & Patio Reviews - Boiling Springs, SC | Angi - https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/sc/boiling-springs/carolina-hearth-and-patio-reviews-6335335.htm
Angi’s review list includes dated reviews spanning at least “Jul 2017” and “Dec 2016” (and earlier like “Aug 2011”), indicating the Angi review content on this page is not limited to a very recent time window.
Carolina Hearth & Patio Reviews - Boiling Springs, SC | Angi - https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/sc/boiling-springs/carolina-hearth-and-patio-reviews-6335335.htm
HomeAdvisor’s listing for Carolina Hearth & Patio shows “4.6 (16)” reviews, matching the same scale/volume as Angi’s profile page.
Carolina Hearth & Patio Reviews - Boiling Springs, SC | HomeAdvisor - https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.carolinahearthpatio.151854145.html
HomeAdvisor shows an individual review with a dated “Jan 2016” complaint about needing “another $125” after they explained a “standard service call” requirement; the page also includes at least one posted response from the business (i.e., the listing includes business response content).
Carolina Hearth & Patio Reviews - Boiling Springs, SC | HomeAdvisor - https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.carolinahearthpatio.151854145.html
Angi includes at least one clearly visible “Response from Carolina Hearth & Patio” addressing a 2016 review dispute and stating they “came out to your house for free the 1st time just to diagnose,” then “installed 3 new regulators” and also “added drip tees and cut-offs,” and they assert they “never serviced your gas logs.”
Carolina Hearth & Patio Reviews - Boiling Springs, SC | Angi - https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/sc/boiling-springs/carolina-hearth-and-patio-reviews-6335335.htm
A negative review on Angi (Debbie M., “Dec 2016”) describes perceived inefficiency of replacement logs, noise from a fan, and mentions flue air coming down and warm air leaving; it also cites a later estimated replacement cost range “$5K-8K” and a comparison to another business being “$5K” for reframe/raised hearth/installation work.
Carolina Hearth & Patio Reviews - Boiling Springs, SC | Angi - https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/sc/boiling-springs/carolina-hearth-and-patio-reviews-6335335.htm
A positive review on Angi (Carol B., “Nov 2016”) states the owner spent “in excess of 30-45 min on atleast two occasions” explaining options, what needed to be measured/checked, and which options matched the customer’s needs/financial situation.
Carolina Hearth & Patio Reviews - Boiling Springs, SC | Angi - https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/sc/boiling-springs/carolina-hearth-and-patio-reviews-6335335.htm
A positive Angi review (Robert Q., “Dec 2014”) credits the team for “taking time to answer ALL my questions,” being “efficient” in performing the service, and cleaning/prepping the gas fireplace; it also explicitly thanks them and mentions no major rush despite being “behind schedule for the day.”
Carolina Hearth & Patio Reviews - Boiling Springs, SC | Angi - https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/sc/boiling-springs/carolina-hearth-and-patio-reviews-6335335.htm
Recurring theme signal (pricing/estimates clarity): Angi reviews include multiple explicit dollar amounts (e.g., “$2,300” in the Dec 2016 negative review and “$125,” “$575,” “$85,” etc. in other reviews), suggesting reviewers often reference itemized costs (though not consistently for all review entries).
Carolina Hearth & Patio Reviews - Boiling Springs, SC | Angi - https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/sc/boiling-springs/carolina-hearth-and-patio-reviews-6335335.htm
Recurring theme signal (communication/responsiveness): reviewers on Angi describe both (a) helpful Q&A with the owner/technicians (Carol B.; Robert Q.) and (b) follow-up/service call discussions where costs differ from expectations (Jim S., Jan 2016).
Carolina Hearth & Patio Reviews - Boiling Springs, SC | Angi - https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/sc/boiling-springs/carolina-hearth-and-patio-reviews-6335335.htm
Recurring theme signal (service follow-through and conflict handling): Angi shows at least one business response clarifying diagnostic/free visit, installed components, and correcting the reviewer’s interpretation (“Response from Carolina Hearth & Patio”).
Carolina Hearth & Patio Reviews - Boiling Springs, SC | Angi - https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/sc/boiling-springs/carolina-hearth-and-patio-reviews-6335335.htm
Local credential signal (license/qualification wording): Angi says the company is “licensed by SC as a Residential Home Builder,” while the Houzz profile lists “Residential builders license” and also “NFI (National Fireplaces Institute).”
Carolina Hearth & Patio Reviews - Boiling Springs, SC | Angi (license claim) - https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/sc/boiling-springs/carolina-hearth-and-patio-reviews-6335335.htm
Houzz profile states “Residential builders license, NFI (National Fireplaces Institute)” and lists provided services such as “Outdoor Fireplace Construction,” “Gas Fireplace Installation,” and “Custom Fire Pits.”
CAROLINA HEARTH & PATIO, INC. - Houzz (professional profile) - https://www.houzz.com/professionals/fireplace-sales-and-installation/carolina-hearth-and-patio-inc-pfvwus-pf~1863084652
Houzz lists Carolina Hearth & Patio service areas as including many Upstate SC localities (e.g., “Spartanburg” plus numerous nearby towns) and states it provides both hearth/fireplace and outdoor kitchen/outdoor room construction services.
CAROLINA HEARTH & PATIO, INC. - Houzz (professional profile) - https://www.houzz.com/professionals/fireplace-sales-and-installation/carolina-hearth-and-patio-inc-pfvwus-pf~1863084652
Houzz shows Carolina Hearth & Patio’s “Services Provided” includes “Custom Fire Pits,” “Custom Fireplace Mantels,” “Custom Fireplaces,” and “Outdoor Fireplace Construction,” plus fireplace installation/repair and wood stove installation.
CAROLINA HEARTH & PATIO, INC. - Houzz (professional profile) - https://www.houzz.com/professionals/fireplace-sales-and-installation/carolina-hearth-and-patio-inc-pfvwus-pf~1863084652
Angi provides a category list that suggests work types spanning both outdoor and hearth: “Deck or Porch - Build or Replace,” “Brick or Stone Fireplace Installation,” “Brick or Stone Fireplace Repair,” plus additional categories including patio-related items and gas leak/repair/service.
Carolina Hearth & Patio Reviews - Boiling Springs, SC | Angi - https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/sc/boiling-springs/carolina-hearth-and-patio-reviews-6335335.htm
Angi FAQ states: “Does Carolina Hearth & Patio offer free project estimates? No, Carolina Hearth & Patio does not offer free project estimates,” which is a practical fit constraint for homeowners evaluating upfront costs.
Carolina Hearth & Patio Reviews - Boiling Springs, SC | Angi - https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/sc/boiling-springs/carolina-hearth-and-patio-reviews-6335335.htm
Angi FAQ states they accept “CreditCard” as an accepted payment method (fit constraint for budgeting/payment logistics).
Carolina Hearth & Patio Reviews - Boiling Springs, SC | Angi - https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/sc/boiling-springs/carolina-hearth-and-patio-reviews-6335335.htm
Angi also includes a review example explicitly involving flue/noise/airflow behavior (the Dec 2016 negative review), which indicates at least some projects involve gas log inserts and vent/flue performance outcomes, not just patio builds.
Carolina Hearth & Patio Reviews - Boiling Springs, SC | Angi - https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/sc/boiling-springs/carolina-hearth-and-patio-reviews-6335335.htm
Angi review example of service cleanliness/prep: Robert Q. (Dec 2014) says the team “did an excellent job cleaning and prepping our gas fireplace for the season.”
Carolina Hearth & Patio Reviews - Boiling Springs, SC | Angi - https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/sc/boiling-springs/carolina-hearth-and-patio-reviews-6335335.htm
Chamber of Commerce listing (which appears to pull Google reviews) shows a numeric snapshot: “Carolina Hearth & Patio has a 4.7 Star Rating from 116 reviewers,” and includes at least one Google-sourced review dated “Apr 4th, 2024” describing an on-time visit within a promised time frame.
Carolina Hearth & Patio in Boiling Springs, SC 29316 - ChamberofCommerce.com - https://www.chamberofcommerce.com/business-directory/south-carolina/boiling-springs/fireplace-store/4979479-carolina-hearth-patio
A dated 2024 ChamberofCommerce/Google-sourced review says: “Jason arrived this morning within the promised time frame” and describes going “way beyond my expectations” trying to diagnose why the gas log system wasn’t working.
Carolina Hearth & Patio in Boiling Springs, SC 29316 - ChamberofCommerce.com - https://www.chamberofcommerce.com/business-directory/south-carolina/boiling-springs/fireplace-store/4979479-carolina-hearth-patio
One limitation/credibility risk signal from review sourcing: The most accessible full review text in our search results is concentrated on Angi/HomeAdvisor (16 reviews shown), and multiple review platforms that normally provide Google/Yelp/Facebook “verified” indicators could not be fully accessed here (e.g., Yelp blocked by robots).
Search/Access limitations (robots.txt block shown during web search) - https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/sc/boiling-springs/carolina-hearth-and-patio-reviews-6335335.htm
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