Fireplace Log Rack

Information source for fireplaces and log racks 



Fireplaces not only provide warmth but are a part of human culture. They decorate homes and provide a cozy atmosphere for family and friends to get together in. There are a variety of fireplaces and the look and structure of them varies with the needs of the owner as well as what will go with the house. One should look at the different types and their relative merits and demerits before making any purchase decision.

Gas fireplaces: Gas fireplaces provide a modern look and have certain advantages. They are great fireplaces that not only keep houses warm but save time versus traditional models. Since they do not burn wood, there is no need to split, stack, carry or do any of the other chores associated with supplying a wood fireplace. Also, by using gas as the fuel, they do not produce all the soot and dirt wood fireplaces do and thus do not require the hassles of chimney cleaning that comes with burning wood. 

If one wants the feeling of burning wood though, gas fireplaces with ceramic logs that appear to be burning are an option.

Gas fireplaces also have the advantage of ease of installation. Since they often require little more than a cut in the wall for exterior venting, they are very easy to install for a fireplace. All this make them a low-maintenance fireplace option. In a busy world, the popularity of gas fireplaces is increasing rapidly.

Traditional wood fireplaces: Of course, for many people, the work that comes from maintaining a traditional fireplace is part of the charm of having one.  Nothing matches the feeling of watching real logs burning in a fireplace with a log rack standing guard.

These fireplaces are usually made of brick, mortar, marble or stone. Many more contemporary designs off have exquisite-looking wood mantles. The openings of these fireplaces are covered with glass or metal screens, and the fireplaces have big exterior chimney.  Being large, these fireplaces are expensive to build and will often take up a considerable amount of space. However, they can really add a lot to the look and feel of a room.

One problem with traditional fireplaces is that they are not at all energy efficient.  Some of the warm air will be lost through the chimney even when the fireplace is not lit and so is much of the heat from the fire when they are. This is where a fireplace insert will help. These inserts are basically wood stoves that fit into a traditional fireplace. These steel casings make the fireplace much more efficient.

Another way of increasing efficiency is having glass doors on the fireplace. These doors will keep heat from being lost up the chimney when the fireplace is not in use and help radiate heat into the room when it is.

Also, to prevent the fireplace from pulling in already heated air and sending it up the chimney, a special outside intake next to the fire will do a lot to increase efficiency. By allowing the fire to use outside air, more of the already heated air will be kept inside where it belongs.

Cast iron fireplaces: These fireplaces can be used as inserts in traditional fireplaces or function as fireplaces by themselves. A major attraction of cast iron is its sturdiness. With minimal maintenance, they can last a long time and are very resistant to chipping and other damage. This sturdiness means they can take more use and abuse without having to be replaced.

Another major attraction of cast iron fireplaces is the diversity of fuels that they can be used with. Be it wood, gas or even electricity, they can be configured for different fuels to match the circumstances and needs of the owner. With their flat surfaces, they can be used both as stoves and as heating sources.

Cast iron fireplaces come in various sizes and in both indoor and outdoor models. Smaller and more compact models can be used on camping trips and other outdoor activities while large models are used for other purposes. With both utilitarian and more decorative models, they have a place most anywhere heat is needed.

While different fireplaces have different advantages and disadvantages, they all have their own special charm and can be a great addition to any home.