Fireplace grates

Height of the fireplace grate for a good draft

The draft will be better if there is more aeration from below, so the higher the fireplace grate, the better the draft will be. However, a poor draft can also have other causes. The combustion height of the fire grate is not mentioned with our fireplace grates on this website. Of course, we can measure that for you for selected fire grates.

Depth of the fire grate

The fire grate can never be deeper than the fireplace because the fire will then fall outside the fireplace. If the fireplace grate has imposing uprights or legs, then those legs can be a bit outside the fireplace, as long as the fire stays inside the fireplace. On our website, it is possible to select fireplace grates by depth.

Density of the bars in the grate for a fireplace

The closer the grate bars are to each other, the less likely smaller wood pieces will fall through the grate. On the other hand, the bars should not be so close together that the ventilation from below is blocked. If you are burning larger logs, the bars can be further apart.

Width of fireplace grates in relation to the width of the fire

The width of the fireplace grate determines the width of the fire. Personal preferences play a role here, as well as the width of the fireplace.

Ratio of fireplace log grate to fireback

A fireback is a heat-resistant cast iron plate that protects the back wall of the fireplace from the heat of the fire and radiates the heat into the room. The fireplace grate or fireplace rack should, therefore, not be wider than the fireback. This also often looks nicer because it is in proportion. However, any legs of the fireplace grate may extend slightly beyond the fireback.

An ash pan is not necessary

The presence of an ash pan is often the cause of a bad draft in the fireplace because the ash pan blocks aeration from below. In addition, a layer of ash on the bottom of the fireplace under the grate has a function. It insulates against the cold from the ground, which makes the chimney warmer and results in a better draft. Therefore, never remove all the ash from the bottom of the fireplace.

Conceal the burner bed in a gas fireplace

An antique fireplace grate adds a lot of atmosphere to a fireplace. Specifically, it is possible to incorporate the burner bed into a fireplace grate in a gas fireplace, making the fireplace look even more like a wood-burning fireplace. When choosing the burner bed and the fire grate, please pay close attention to the requirements of the burner bed and its construction. This requires customization, for which experts can be found.

The style of the fireplace grate

Fireplace wood grates come in various styles that also follow the styles of the house and fireplace. Choosing a wonderful fireplace grate in style (such as a Louis XV fireplace grate in a Louis XV fireplace) is great, but contrast can also be beautiful. For example, combine a lavish fireplace grate with a more straightforward fireback. Also, an antique fireplace grate can add a lot of atmosphere to a modern fireplace. The most important thing is to make a conscious choice. Also, consider the combinations of the various fireplace accessories in the fireplace, such as the combination of a fireback and a fireplace grate. On our website, it is possible to select fireplace grates by style.

Get advice

If in doubt about the right fireplace grate, it is always possible to contact us (see below). We can certainly give good advice with the measurements of the fireplace and possibly a picture. Read also: 10 Tips for choosing a fireplace grate or andirons