Fireplace Tools

About Fireplace Tools

A good fireplace tool is not just visually appealing but also ensures safety. These tools are used for two purposes, to control fire and as a fireplace accessory. Remember, a fireplace tool that is unable to maintain fire safety is considered useless. Therefore, people who buy them for the first time need to ensure that the tools are durable and easy to operate. 

The reason behind this is, many first-time buyers forget to check how sustainable their fire tool set is. Instead, they focus on its aesthetic appeal and, in this process, fail to review the specifications.

Advantages Of Fireplace Tools

Fireplace accessories and tools are necessary to maintain fire safety. Even though electric fireplaces are in fashion now, real fireplaces give the homiest feel. Moreover, to amplify this feeling, good fireplace tools are a must.

Correct Application Of Fireplace And Its Tools

If fireplace tools are not used properly, the fireplace can become hazardous. Therefore, it is essential to buy the right tools and apply them correctly. For that, the manual of every tool should be reviewed thoroughly as every instrument has a different operation.

Different Types Of Fireplace Tools

It is impossible to maintain a fireplace with just one tool, which is why several types are involved. These options include, but do not limit to:

• Fire Tongs
• Fireplace Poker
• Fire Screen Panel

Fire Tongs

Fire tongs are used to move logs around in the fireplace. They save the fire from getting extinguished.

Size of Fire Tongs

The fire tongs should be 26 inches long. That may sound too big, but this is the correct size. It is crucial to have a long fire tong to move logs to diminish the chances of getting burned. Long tongs also help maintain a good grip on the burning logs so that burns can be avoided.

Shape and Material of the Fire Tongs

Fire tongs differ in shape and material. Some are shaped like scissors, whereas others look like regular kitchen tongs. Their material can be chosen to match with fireplace surrounds and other tools. 

Primarily, these tongs are made from iron, brass, or steel. They also come in different country-based designs, such as French, Dutch, and English. For example, iron-based tongs are paired with antique design fireplaces, and wood fireplaces are paired with standard French design tongs.

Fireplace Poker

Fireplace pokers are an essential fireplace utensil. They are used to shift the burning logs, so oxygen can better reach them. 

Size of a Fireplace Poker

The average fireplace poker is sized between 15 to 20 inches. But for some fireplaces, it is necessary to buy an extended fireplace poker, the ideal length being 30 to 40 inches.

Shape and Material of the Fireplace Poker

Fireplace pokers come in two shapes. Some are straight and pointed at the end, whereas others are slightly bent at the end and are blunt.

Fireplace pokers are made of metal. Iron is the most common type of metal used to create fireplace pokers.

Fire Screen Panel

The fire screen creates a barrier between the fire and the room occupants. It prevents ash and burning embers from flying into the room when the logs crackle. It also reduces the intensity of the heat from the fireplace.

Size of the Fire Screen Panel

The fire screen panels should be one inch taller and two inches wider than the fireplace mantels. The two common and standard sizes of fire screen panels are:

• 39 inches wide by 31 inches high
• 44 inches wide by 33 inches high

Shape and Material of the Fire Screen Panel

Fire screen panels come in various shapes. The most common are rectangle, circle, and square. Moreover, they are usually made of mesh. The mesh is fitted in a perforated metal frame.

Style of Fireplace Accessories

Fireplace tools and accessories come in different era-based styles. For example, some tools are based on French and Dutch styles. However, many people widely buy royal era-inspired tools. The most important thing to consider is that the kind of tools should match the fireplace surround and indoor firewood storage style.

Other Important Fireplace Utensils

Apart from these tools, other fireplace utensils can elevate the charm of the fireplace.

Fireplace Shovel

A fireplace shovel is used to control the layer of ash at the bottom of the fireplace. It removes the excessive ash from the fireplace, which helps the fire burn brighter and longer.

Fireplace Brush

It does the work of pushing the blown-out ash back into the fireplace. It is also convenient during the thorough cleaning of the fireplace.

Cleaning and Maintenance of Fireplace Tools

It is mandatory to keep all fireplace tools clean. This will increase their shelf life and keep them looking brand new. Different techniques are required to clean different types of metals.

To Clean Brass Tools

To keep brass fireplace tools shining, clean them weakly with a simple cleaner. This will remove grime and prevent it from tarnishing the tools. If the brass has discoloured, clean with turpentine, and then apply brass polish. 

Let the polish sit for 10 to 15 minutes, and then wipe it clean. Make sure that the turpentine is not gritty, or else it will permanently scratch the brass.

To Clean Iron Tools

Iron is most susceptible to rusting. Clean fireplace tools with a wire brush to remove ash and rust from them. Then wipe it with white vinegar to stop the rust from spreading. Clean it with steel wool and then polish it.

Clean it with white vinegar again. Wipe off the vinegar and paint the tools, as that will stop the rust from growing again.

If you need assistance to find the right fireplace tools for your home or office, ArchiPro provides a connection to the various professionals, ready to assist with all requirements and questions. Simply click "Contact supplier" on the product's page, or visit the supplier's website directly from the product's page.

Featuring the best wood fireplaces in Canada

Good heating and cooling systems in a home is vital, and choosing a wood burning fire will make your winter a bit cosier, adding colour and warmth to your home, whether the fireplace is in an indoor or outdoor space. As a centrepiece wherever it’s located, you want your fireplace to look stylish, whether the fire itself is roaring or resting. ArchiPro can make that happen and have a great selection from Canada’s top suppliers for you to choose from.

Types of wood fireplaces

Freestanding wood fireplace

A freestanding wood fireplace is a contained firebox with venting via a pipe to the outside. The freestanding style gives you the freedom to place the fireplace wherever it suits best in your home, as long as the flooring is suitable.

Wall-mounted wood fireplace

A contained wood burner is vented to the outside and mounted on the wall to save floor space in smaller areas.

Suspended wood fireplace

This fireplace is suspended from the ceiling via the venting pipe, seemingly floating in mid-air, saving floor space, and adding a truly unique design feature to your home. A growing trend in Canada.

Wood fireplace inserts

A wood fireplace insert is a sealed firebox vented to the outside. These can be inserted into an unused masonry fireplace if you have one, or installed as an inbuilt wood heater in another space. They can be single, double, or triple-sided.

Wood stove

Wood burning stoves are freestanding wood burners with a pipe vented to the outside and can be used to cook food on the top of them, as well as acting as a great heating source. Produces enough heat for large spaces.

Open masonry fireplace

These wood fires are found in older houses and are vented via a chimney. Usually made from masonry, brick or stone, they are not as efficient at heating a home and can produce more particulate matter and smoke.

Outdoor wood burning fire

Available in a range of styles in Canada from a freestanding fire pit to a wall insert, some are also used for cooking, making them a perfect place to gather.

The advantages of high quality wood fireplaces

With a wood burning fireplace, you want efficient heat from a stylish source, without the nasty stuff an old fireplace emits. A good quality indoor fireplace will produce enough heat for the space you want and have high efficiency. There will be fewer particulates and all the smoke will be vented outside rather than into the house.

It will also be well-crafted, with quality materials, meaning it will last longer, be safer, and look great while it keeps you warm. An outdoor fireplace should be installed in a good quality, non-combustible surround and any fireplace must be installed following the manufacturer’s guidelines, meeting any council regulations.

How to choose a perfect wood fireplace that is right for you

Your choice will be as much about the space you’re heating as which wood fireplace you like best. For example, if you’re heating a smaller space, or don’t intend for the fireplace to be a focal point, a smaller or wall mounted fireplace might be best. To heat a larger area, or make the fireplace an aesthetic centrepiece, a larger fireplace, either suspended or freestanding is ideal.

If you have a particular space you want to fill, for example, an unused masonry fireplace, then your choice is easier as only certain styles will fit. In a kitchen area, a wood stove can double as a cooking surface, and for outdoor fires, make sure there is enough room around them for socialising with firewood storage included in your measurements too.

What is the most efficient wood burning fireplace?

Efficiency is how well the fire is converting the fuel (wood) into heat, and a traditional open fireplace is the least efficient as it loses heat up the chimney. A newer model of burning heaters is much better at heating your home as it’s lined with modern materials, making the fire hotter. 

How do you maximise your fireplace heat?

Keep your fireplace and chimney clean, and only burn dry, seasoned wood, not fresh, wet wood. Fresh wood can create excessive smoke which is lost heat. Hardwood is also denser than softwood and burns slower, using less wood and getting more heat over the course of the fire.

Does a wood fireplace need a fan?

You can add an approved fan to a fireplace and they can be a very effective way to better spread the warmth created by the fireplace into all spaces. They work by circulating air around the hot exterior of the fireplace, pushing it back into the room.

Can you leave a wood fire on overnight?

The safest option is to fully extinguish your fire when you go to bed at night. Ashes will remain warm for a time. It is important that you don’t leave flames or red embers unattended.