UPPER SANDUSKY, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—A family-owned business just south of town knows how to dial up the heat.
Simply Flooring & Fireplace, 115 E. Fairview Street, is a stove shop and more, specializing in fireplaces and heating solutions of all kinds for both residential and commercial customers.
The business – owned and operated by Adam and Rachel Leightey – is also a one-stop shop for flooring needs, with thousands of samples on display in its recently renovated 2,500-square-foot showroom.
“Our biggest thing here lately has been changing out older wood-burning fireplaces and switching them over to gas,” said Rachel Leightey. “They still want that fire, but they can’t do the physical work for it anymore or want to.”
The company is an authorized dealer for a variety of stoves and fireplaces, with more than 40 units on display. “We try to be a good source for finding what is the best option for people, whether it be wood, gas, coal, or electric,” Leightey said.
She said the store also offers a fireplace maintenance service. Annual inspections are important, she said, and fully sweeping and cleaning chimneys can not only help improve heating performance but also promote safe burning.
The Leighteys are no strangers to the fireplace business. In 2012 they purchased the inventory of another local shop and launched Leightey Stove Works out of the garage of their Upper Sandusky home.
In 2017, the couple branched out into flooring sales and installation after purchasing Simply Flooring, a store in the same Fairview Street location. They learned that side of the business first-hand from the owners before they retired.
Since then, Simply Flooring & Fireplace has added outdoor living to its product lineup – firepits and custom patio furniture. Benches, swings, dining sets, rockers, and more in 20 colors, all polyresin pieces built locally by Beachy’s Lawn Furniture.
Leightey said that, more than anything, Simply Flooring & Fireplace has a reputation for competitive pricing and professional service, from its knowledgeable sales team to its experienced installers who have a background in construction and design.
“We like to pride ourselves on our staff. They’re local and they’re here to help. We like to pride ourselves on our service. We like to try to help.”
The business is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. It is closed on Sunday and Monday.