A fireplace grate may not be the most exciting of fireplace accessories, but it is an essential component of any fireplace. They are necessary for keeping your fire logs in position and permitting air to circulate underneath the burning wood. You will want to make sure that you get a well made, durable fireplace grate so that it will last you a long time. They are typically made from iron or steel, both of which are heavy and can withstand high heat. Look for hand welded joints instead of fused, which tend to fall apart more easily. If you don’t use your fireplace a lot and you want to save some money, a lower priced fireplace grate will probably be sufficient. But if a fire is a regular occurrence in your house, you will want to purchase a higher priced more durable product.
To figure out what size of fireplace grate you need, take the measurements of your fireplace including the front and back width, as well as depth from front to back. A grate that is too small for the size of your fireplace can cause problems with drafts. There will be too much air space surrounding the fire, which will make the logs to burn too fast. It might also cause smoke from the fire to enter the room rather than exiting up the chimney. The grate’s height off the floor of the fireplace will also contribute to how quickly the logs burn. Buying the largest size of grate that actually fits your firebox is typically your best alternative.
