Fireplace Grate Tips

An essential part of any true fireplace is a fireplace grate. Not only does it help fires to burn better it can also improve the distribution of heat throughout your home by up to a twenty percent increase. Of course this is all dependant upon the grates design and how it fits into your fireplace.  Most people don’t think much of the fireplace grate and don’t realize how essential they are or how they can ad style to your fireplace.

There are many different grate designs and not all grates are of the same quality or perform as well as others. The primary concern you should have when deciding on what type of grate to use is its ability to reflect heat back into your home, and aid the fire in burning. Next you may want to choose a grate that matches the décor of your home or ads more of a stylish look to your fireplace.

There are some guidelines you should follow when choosing a grate and some of these are dependant upon your individual tastes. Preferably a grate that keeps the fire from three to six inches away from the floor of the firebox will provide the best heat efficiency. When determining the style or look of your grate some of the more common styles are either a graceful, stout, home-like or iron curled appearance.

The most common materials found in grates are cast-iron or steel with the steel types generally being more expensive. You can usually tell the higher quality grates because each joint will be welded by hand instead of factory welded. Be aware some of the cheaper grates will fall apart over a period of heavy use.
A fireplace grate can be boring, utilitarian or functional, but also it can be an elegant and artistic addition to your fireplace. Most importantly they can be an expression of your own taste and personality despite how dull they seem.