Many people with fireplaces within their homes will choose to put their logs onto a fireplace grate, as it stops the logs rolling around. But, there is some confusion about how to use them.
Below we’ll talk about lighting a fire on a fireplace grate, selecting the right type of grate for your fire, and the (mostly) unknown benefits of actually using a fireplace grate.
Table of Contents
What is a Fireplace Grate?
Before we can talk about using a grate, we first need to establish what a grate is.
A grate is a mesh square that you put wood into. It elevates the wood, so it’s not just sitting at the bottom of your fireplace on the floor. Grates come in a variety of shapes and sizes but most of the time, they serve a similar purpose and size or shape is defined more by the type of fireplace than anything else.
Purpose and Benefits of a Fireplace Grate
There are several reasons you may choose to invest in a fireplace grate.
First, it prevents any burning wood from moving around more than you’d like. As you build and burn your fire, the structure will change as the wood turns to ember and then ash. This changing can result in movement which can be dangerous if burning wood or hot coals escape from the fireplace itself.
A fireplace grate, when properly used, will prevent this by creating a flameproof container.
It also protects your hearth from damage. As tough as hearths can be, if you constantly expose your hearth to burning wood or coals, it can weaken, scratch, become damaged, stained etc.
Finally, a fireplace grate will increases airflow to your fuel source, as oxygen is now coming from underneath the fire. This improved oxygen should improve overall performance as well as reducing the amount of smoke from your fire.
How to Use a Fireplace Grate
Now that we know what a grate is, and what its purpose is, let’s look at how to properly use one.
Get the correct size
The first step in using a fireplace grate is to pick one that’s the right size for your home.
Measure your fireplace, and note down the width of the fireplace opening as well as the depth.
The trick to finding the perfect fireplace grate size is to subtract 6 inches from each side. So, if the depth is 26 inches and the width is 16 inches, you will want a grate that’s 20 by 10 inches.
Obviously if your grate is too big, it won’t fit but it’s also important to note that a grate that’s too small will be unable to hold enough wood to heat your fireplace effectively.
Position it properly
When you position your grate make sure the fireplace is clean before fitting anything in there. Remove old logs, kindling, ashes, or whatever else and if you have time we’d recommend this as a good opportunity to clean it properly.
Once ready, put your grate into the center of the fireplace. Placing it centrally enables the best airflow, as it will be in contact with air from all possible directions.
Build your fire
When ready, build your fire.
Inside the grate, place two small logs. For best possible oxygen flow, try to leave a gap between the logs. Then, add a load of tinder or kindling on top of these logs before adding more logs. Find the balance and don’t stack your wood too high, remember you can always add to it after lighting.
What you’ve just created will be the primary fuel source for your fire.
Start the fire
Now it’s time to light your fire.
We won’t go into huge detail here, but if you’re struggling remember to add additional newspaper (or similar) as it catches alight much quicker than kindling or your larger logs. If you’re really struggling, you can also use firelighters but please be safe and vigilant when doing so.
How to Pick the right Fireplace Grate.
There are three main types of grate.
1. Steel Bar: These grates usually have large gaps, making them great for wood but unsuitable for coal, as coal will fall through the holes due to size and shape. These large gaps enable better airflow and will result in a roaring fire.
2. Cast Iron: Cast iron grates often have smaller holes, limiting the airflow when compared to steel bar grates. However, these smaller holes mean you can load coal into them without worrying about runaways!
3. Grate Heaters: These are grates for an open fireplace. They extend out of the fire. The idea is that the heat they absorb goes straight into the room.
Finally, before making your choice consider the thickness of the grate and grate bars.
If you plan on building daily fires thick bars are a must. If you use your fire a lot, you should get the thickest bars you can find. A grate with thin bars won’t last very long simply because it won’t cope with prolonged exposure to heat in comparison to more heavy-duty options.
If you only use your fireplace occasionally, you can use a cheaper grate with thinner bars.
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We hope this helps, and for everything else home heating stick with CosyWarmer.com