Fire Grate

A Fire Grate is an Essential Accessory for Every Fireplace.

If you want your log fire to burn properly then the wood that you are burning needs to be placed with in a fire grate.  Purchasing the right grate for your fire is not very difficult as there are many different styles available, made from all sorts of material and available in many different sizes to suit your own fire arrangement.  Once you purchase a new fire grate then you will se a massive difference in the way your fire burns and you and your family will feel all the more cosy on a cold winter’s night.

The purpose of having a fire grate is to keep your logs suspended off the fire hearth and to hold them in place in a secure way so that they do not roll about whilst burning.  They are made from a variety of different metals such as cast iron or steel and are available in a multitude of sizes dependant on what size fire you have.  Extendable versions are also available if you want to increase the size of your fire on a cold evening.

There are many different styles of fire grate on the market.  Tall grates are available so that your fire stands taller from the heart, allowing more air to circulate around it.  Ember bed grates stop the ashes and embers from falling onto your hearth by way of a mesh which keeps everything in.  This allows the fire to burn hotter and for longer which results in better efficiency.  Self feeding fire grates are also available and they are made higher on one side by design so that logs are stacked up and as they burn, the next log is moved into place ready to fuel the fire.

Fire grates are also a great decorative feature for the room and do not just have to be functional.  Ornate style can be created at the metal workers and many antique pieces are seen as wonderful pieces of art.  The more modern designs can be just as ornate and any design or style can be incorporated.  If you can not find exactly what you need in the shops or online then bespoke designs can often be made to order and custom designs can be anything from a family coat of arms to a simple fleur de lis design.

If you want a fireplace grate to last you for life, or indeed the life of your fireplace, then check the specification as it will depend on which metal it is made from.  The experts in the filed often refer to high yield steel as being the longest lasting material but it is always a good idea to speak to your local black smith or forger.

It is vital that when you are choosing a fire grate, you get the correct size other wise your purchase will be wasted.  The ideal size is obviously dependant on your fireplace and you want to look for something that is about 3 inches smaller than the height of your opening and about 6 inches smaller than the width of your opening.