The Role of a Firegrate by Fires of Tradition

At Doctor Flue, we embrace beauty and safety in all our fireplace products. We would like to introduce you to Fires of Tradition, a Collection of Fine Fireplaces. On their website, Fires of Tradition states, “We like to think of ourselves as the home of the well dressed flame.” Browsing the site shows all sorts of gorgeous firegrates, sure to enhance the beauty of your home!

We asked owner, Rob Knechtel, to write a guest post about firegrates. We are so fortunate that he agreed! Please read his very informative blog below. As always, let us know if you have any questions!

Fires of Tradition

The role of a firegrate in an open fireplace is threefold: 1) On the practical side, it helps contain the solid fuel used, be it coal or logs, preventing them from spilling out onto the hearth. 2) A grate also provides air flow from underneath the logs, which does tend to burn the wood more quickly, but does provide a larger flame picture in the process. Most of the inexpensive steel grates available from a fireplace shop or building supply store perform this utilitarian job fairly well.

But the other role is visual: 3) A grate can enhance the appearance of a fireplace significantly. Cast iron is a material that works nicely in this application, as many varied shapes and designs can easily be cast for this purpose. Cast iron is also a very practical material for a fireplace grate, as it takes the hi temperatures generated in these fireplaces that can quickly burn out a lessor steel design. A cast grate enhances the appearance of a fireplace even when the fire is not burning, hiding and containing what would otherwise be nothing more than a pile of ashes.

Choosing a Fireplace Grate

Fireplace grates are available for wood, coal, and gas [natural and propane]. When choosing a wood grate, make sure you give consideration to the size of the wood you want to burn, relative to the interior of the grate.  Many grates are four sided, and consequently hold a smaller sized log than others. An excellent option for burning logs is a traditional Swan’s Nest grate. These have been used for centuries, as they provide an elegant ‘cradle’ for the logs, and also have optional decorative ‘dogs’ on the front of them. They generally have a very heavy mass to their design, and provide years of service.

Coal grates are sometimes called baskets, as they need to contain the coals that are piled into their interior. The supply of air from under the grate up through the pile of burning coals is critical for an efficient and trouble free experience. These grates are generally smaller, as it takes less coal to produce the same heat that a given supply of wood produces.

Cast grates can also be had with gas burner that can easily be operated with remote controls, for the consumer who wants the convenience of gas. Although these units do put out some heat, they should not be considered where a customer wants a heat supplement. A gas insert is much more efficient in this application. However, a cast grate with a gas burner is so much more visually interesting than just a set of gas logs.

Sizing needs to be considered when looking for a grate. It is not imperative that the grate fill the full base of the fireplace, but it should not sit out upon the hearth. The grate should fill one to two thirds of the width of the fireplace opening to look visually balanced. But consideration must also be given to the height of the grate in the opening, as some grates would be too tall for low opening fireplaces.

About Fires of Tradition

Website: www.FiresOfTradition.com

Catalog: http://www.firesoftradition.com/FOT-2008.pdf

Email: info@firesoftradition.com

Telephone: 1 (519) 770-00631 (519) 770-0063

Through our enthusiastic use of stone, wood and iron, we have created a range of products that compliment the respected line of Valor gas fires. Valor has an exceptional reputation in the fireplace industry for their flame beauty and uncompromising heat efficiency. Our range of mantels, hearths and backpanels beautifully provide options that enhance and dress these fine flames. We have given careful consideration to material, style, scale and quality- the result being some of the most unique and classic fireplace designs that are available on the market.

These products are only available through the Valor dealer network throughout North America. Doctor Flue is a mutual dealer who is authorized and trained to install both the fireboxes and the various products that we offer. Doctor Flue can assist you in choosing the appropriate firebox for your home, and the right products to dress that firebox, creating an uncommon focal point for your home.