How To Buy The Fireplace Screens

by Jeff Bridges on April 22, 2010

Nothing brings warmth and comfort to a home like a fire roaring on an open hearth. Humans have used fireplaces to bring warmth for hundreds of years. We hear stories of great men and women of history that learned to read and write by firelight. Fireplaces require a fireplace tool set and fireplace screens. There are many of these tools that are available today in many different price ranges.

Having a fireplace in a home today can be a great selling point, even though most homes have a primary heat source other than the fireplace. The fireplace can be located in the family room, the living room or even in the master suite.

There are self-contained fireplaces that use gas or electricity for the heat source. These fireplaces take a lot of the work of operating a fireplace away, but do not offer the heat and comfort of a wood burning fireplace. Burning wood requires storing the wood and having outdoor tools for cutting and splitting logs. On the inside, you will also require tools to tend the fire and a screen to keep it safe.

Fireplace tools are useful in managing the fire. Pokers and tongs are helpful in moving the burning logs and hot embers. Shovels and brooms are used in cleaning up ash and dust that are a part of burning wood. Fireplace screens prevent embers or sparks from escaping the fireproof portion of the fireplace and starting a fire.

The least expensive fireplace tool sets will contain a poker, broom and shovel. The next tool to be included in a fireplace set is tongs. Most sets contain a stand or rack for holding the tools. Tools may also be sold individually. The set ensures that your fireplace tools will match and give a more coordinated look to the fireplace.

Most fireplace tools are made of steel or iron in order to be heat resistant. They can be coated with either brass or copper, but many are simply painted using heat resistant enamel black paint.

Log holders can be added to the set. These are available in many sizes and the appropriate size will be determined by the size of the room. A tiny log holder may look silly in a large great room, while some condos will not have room for even the smallest of log holders.

Fireplace screens and fireplace tools can greatly enhance fireplace safety. Pokers and tongs can be used to rearrange the fire to keep it together and burning. The screen can prevent those coals from rolling onto the hearth or even onto the floor and causing a house fire.

Jeff Bridges has always enjoyed a warm fire on a cold winter’s night he currently helps run a fireplace screens website, which promotes fireplace screens in all shapes and styles.