What size of fireplace grate do I need?

The advantages of a fireplace grate

Building a fire on either a fireplace grate, fire basket or on andirons with a grate has many advantages. Because the fire is lifted off the ground, air flows under the fire, making the fire burn better. In addition, elevating the fire makes the chimney warm up faster, which also promotes draft in the fireplace. With a fire grate or fire basket in one piece, the fire is generally even higher than with fireplace andirons with a grate, which is a plus in this respect for the one-piece fireplace grate.

On our site, we sell a large number of different one-piece fireplace grates as well as andirons with wood racks. It is important to choose the right size.

See our selection of antique and vintage fireplace grates or fire baskets here

See our selection of new fireplace grates for andirons here

Important factors for sizing a fireplace grate

The following considerations are important when choosing a fire grate:

1 | The shape of the fireplace

The fireplace grate or the fire basket must always be flush with the back wall of the fireplace. With a tapered fireplace, the fireplace log grate or basket can be as wide as the back of the fireplace. With a rectangular fireplace, there should be at least 5 cm of space on both sides between the wall and the fireplace rack or wood grate. This is in connection with the required air flow for maintaining the fire.

2 | The depth of the fireplace grate or andirons with grate

The fire must remain within the fireplace. The fire box of the fireplace grate must fit completely within the fireplace and must not protrude. The fireplace rack on andirons must fit on the crossbars of the andiron as well as fitting within the fireplace. The fireplace andirons may extend a bit out of the fireplace at the front, but not the wood rack as such.

3 | The width of the fireback

If there is a fireback against the back wall of the fireplace, it is best if the fireplace grate is no wider than the fireback. The decorative part of the andiron or fire basket may protrude slightly beyond the sides of the fireback, but the fire grate and the uprights of the andirons or fire box of the fire place grate may not. Furthermore, the choice depends on proportions and balance. With a large fireback, a robust fireplace grate or basket fits well, and with a smaller fireback, a smaller fireplace rack or basket is better.

Width of fireback and fireplace grate

4 | Minimum width of the fire

We now know how large the wood grate or fireplace basket may be, but not yet how small. The size of the fireplace grate or fire box determines the size of the fire. If you want a large fire, choose the largest possible fire grate or fireplace basket according to the above considerations. For a smaller fire, a smaller fire grate or fire basket may be chosen. This too is a matter of balance in the fireplace.

Location of the ventilation grill in the fireplace

The minimum width of our new fireplace grates for andirons may also be a limiting factor. At least the smallest size fire grate must fit on the crossbars of the fireplace andirons. The width of this fireplace grate is 46 cm (18.1"), which gives space for 36 cm (14.1") between the crossbars of the andirons (i.e. 10 cm or 3.93" less than the indicated width that is, the outside dimension): Narrowest fireplace grate for andirons

5 | Location of the ventilation grill in the fireplace

In some fireplaces, a ventilation grill has been installed to improve the draft in the fireplace. Always inquire about the desired position of the fire in relation to the ventilation grill. This can affect the maximum size of the fireplace grate or fire basket.

Location of the ventilation grill in the fireplace

Let us advice you

In our webshop, it is possible to select andirons or a fireplace grate by size, type, material, style, age and origin. Should you have any doubts about your choice, feel free to call us (+31.653493998) or e-mail us [email protected]. If you want to combine multiple fireplace accessories, we can propose a combination based on your wishes and/or take pictures of the selected fireplace accessories so that you can see whether it forms one beautiful whole.