Types Of Fireplace Supplies You Need To Keep Fire Going

As the owner of a fireplace, you’ve probably spent more time than you would like trying to manage and maintain the perfect fire. Turn your back on a wood-burning fireplace for just a few minutes, and that flame may dwindle away before you know it.

There are plenty of ways to fix that problem, as well as any other issues that may arise with other fireplaces.

Many people have their own fool-proof methods for building a perfect fire, but everybody needs a little help sometimes. With the right supplies, you can make sure you keep the best possible fire going.

Types of Fireplace Supplies

A Chimney Brush

Before lighting a fire, it’s a good idea to first make sure your chimney is clean. Even if you’ve never used it before, a build-up of leaves or animal nests can cause harmful blockages. There are professionals that can clean out your chimney for you, but you can also opt to do it yourself.

Start by measuring the size of the chimney flue to determine the size of brush you’ll need. Using a brush and extender pipes, first clean downward from the roof. Then clean from the bottom of the chimney to get any spots you may have missed.

Once you’re finished, you can start building a fire.

Dry, Seasoned Wood

As the crucial element in any wood-burning fireplace, the wood you use is the most important.

If you purchase wood from a dealer, first make sure it’s not wet or rotted. If you cut or gather the wood yourself, storage is key. Keep the wood stacked on the ground and covered for six months until it’s ready for use.

Stacking the wood in a layered “log cabin” form makes for a more evenly-distributed burn. It also provides a better base for adding more logs to keep the fire going.

A Good Set Of Fireplace Tools

There are three common types of tools used in tending small fires: a fireplace poker, spade, and tongs.

The poker is a steel rod that is used to adjust coal or wood burning in the fireplace. With a pointed end and a hook, the poker lets you stir up the fire. Usual tool sets also include a spade meant for cleaning out burnt ash, and tongs allow for a sturdy handle on the wood or coal.