Fireplace grates serve as both functional and stylistic accessories for your fireplace. A grate supports logs in a fireplace and elevates them off the bottom of the firebox. This is meant to increase air circulation and allow the ashes to drop to the floor away from the burning logs. The front of the grate is visible and may come in various styles to add to the design of the space. Multiple sizes, shapes and designs make it easy to find the perfect match for your fireplace.
A grate is not a necessary item for your fireplace. However, they have long been a standard because they make it so much easier to start and maintain a fire. They create more effective heating as well. They can also function as a design element. Look for a grate that adds to the ambiance of your fireplace or opt for a combination grate and andiron.
The whole point of a fireplace grate is to elevate your logs, but there should be a balance between how tall your grate is and how much space there is from the grate to the top of the firebox. A good rule of thumb is to ensure that you have about ten inches from the top of the grate to the top of the firebox.
