Fireplace tools to enhance the utility of your fireplace

Have you been to vital wares lately to examine fireplace tools?

The items that form the gamut of popular fireplace tools, their utilitarian purposes, the different types and some factors that contributes to a realistic purchase.

Everyone loves fireplaces and everyone wants one in their home. While advances in technology have made it possible to have more modern gas and electric fireplaces to warm up our homes, there is still nothing quite like the good old wooden fireplace.

What comprises fireplace tools?

There is archeological evidence to suggest that basic fireplace tools were being used as early as the Paleolithic period when the first stone tools were developed by man. Modern day fireplace tools are naturally more sophisticated and there are several of them which enable us to keep our fireplaces clean and in top working condition. The following are some of the most commonly used tools which are also available at vitalwares.ca.

Broom: A fireplace generates a lot of ash. You can clean this with the fireplace broom, which typically comes with a long handle and is small enough to fit into the fireplace. The broom lets you sweep debris an ash away from the hearth and into the scoop.
Scoop: The broom sweeps the ashes away from the hearth area and the scoop collects these ashes.
Shovel: A shovel is used to gather ashes and remove them out of the fireplace. A fireplace shovel is different than the garden shovel or any other kind of shovel and has a very long handle for safe and easy removal of the ashes. Do not however try and remove hot cinders and ashes from the fireplace. Wait for everything to cool down before you attempt any cleanups.
Poker: A tool set cannot be complete without a fire poker as this helps you keep the fire burning longer. A poker helps you stroke the fire by enabling you to move the logs and burning embers while they are in the fire. It has a curved hook on the side which lets to grab loose logs and place them back in the proper place. The long handled poker prevents getting uncomfortably close to the fire when you're prodding the logs to get the fire stronger. Buy the perfect poker at vital wares.
Tongs: A tong facilitates the removal of chunks of unburned wood after the fire dies out. Tongs are quite similar to a poker and they can also help you move the wood around without any risk when the fire is going. But they do an equally good job of taking out large pieces of wood when the fire has gone out. You can also use tongs to place more firewood in a burning fire.
Stand: This one's important for storage of all your tools. The stand holds your fireplace tools in one place. These tools also come in sets which have the complete range of tools and a stand to keep them neatly together in one place. In case you don't have place for a stand you can buy hooks, fix these to a suitable wall and hang your tools.

What are the additional ingredients in fireplace tools?

Andirons and Grates: Andirons are typically made of cast iron and they are placed inside the fireplace to hold up the wood. You can also use a grate to hold the wood. Both serve the same purpose though the andiron is a more decorative version of the grate. It is usually shaped like a basket with legs that extend backwards to support the logs in the fire. In some cases you can use both the andiron and a grate. Andirons normally come in pairs and add an ornamental touch to your fireplace thanks to their elegant designs. Check out the ones on display at vital wares.
Fire backs: Fire backs made of cast iron, prevent the collection of black soot on the back wall of your fireplace. These not just help in back wall protection; they also act as an additional heat source by radiating the heat of the fire into the room and warm up the room even more.
Log racks/baskets: Log racks or baskets are very useful for storage of extra logs of wood. Both outdoor and indoor versions of these are available. Basket or racks are a better option than just storing the logs on the hearth as they prevent them from tipping over. They also cut down on the mess that these logs can create and help in keeping the area around the fireplace neat and organized. These log storage accessories are available in a range of styles and metals. Buy some great looking racks at vital wares.
Fireplace Screens: These are very important from the safety perspective. Fireplace screens help prevent sparks, ashes and excessive heat from escaping into your room and possibly damaging things or being a safety hazard for people. Screens are available in various designs and materials, and are a great way to add style to any room. You can opt for a single panel screen or a multiple folding panel one.

What are the most popular types of fireplace tools?

These handy accessories are available in a number of different materials and designs. The most popular materials used for crafting fireplace tools are iron and brass. Iron tools are the more contemporary of the two and adorn modern homes while solid brass is preferred by people who like a more traditional or formal look. Please visit vital wares in order to examine a host of tools.

Iron tools: Iron toolsets can be both casual and ornamental. Some iron tools are streamlined and very contemporary in style. They are perfect for ultra modern homes which are full of sleek furniture and latest gadgetry. Some handmade tools have intricately carved handles and other embellishments like carved leaves and scrollwork and this makes them fit into a more formal setting as well. Iron fireplace tools are durable and reliable and are built to last for many years. Wrought iron is also very attractive and they add to the visual appeal of a room as well. Wrought iron tools fare well on the usage front and the black soot is easily camouflaged with the black color of the tools.
Brass fireplace tools: Brass fireplace tool are perfect companions to the more traditional fireplaces. Brass tools come in a range of designs from the simplest to the most ornate to suit a variety of decorating styles. Even with a modern theme, antique brass tools can look good. Solid brass tools are the most expensive, they have a dazzling finish, look very majestic and are built to last you a lifetime. The only problem with brass tools is that they don't take the wear and tear of regular use too well and have to be cleaned regularly and polished periodically.
Other fireplace tools: These are available in other materials like black or brushed nickel or silver, but are not as widely used as iron and brass tools. Copper tools are sometimes used as an alternative to brass and this brings about a 'native' touch.

What functions do fireplace tools serve?

They help you maintain a smooth and comfortable fire
They help keep the fireplace clean and in good working condition
They function as engaging focal points in the decor
Fireplace tools are very beautiful and add to your decor
They come in the right sizes which makes them easier to work with
With their exquisite designs, you can make a potent style statement
It's an investment that lasts a lifetime
They add a decorative touch to your living room

How to choose your fireplace tools?

In keeping with changing home decor trends, decorative items too have undergone great transformation and refinement over the past few years. The emphasis now is on sleeker and simpler designs with clean lines in contemporary materials like stainless steel and glass. These not just look classy, they impart a very modern look to your home and go well with other elements in any modern home. Come to vital wares and check out the contemporary tools on offer.

There are several factors to consider before you buy fireplace tools for your home. Since this is a utility piece with high visibility, both the functional aspect and the design of this item are important. What you choose should largely depend on:

Size: The size of your fireplace is very important. If you have a large fireplace, you need large tools with long and sturdy handles to properly maintain and stroke the fire. Small fireplace tools are perfect for small fireplaces or wood stoves. Just make sure that the tools you select are in proportion to your fireplace. The right sized tools with the proper handle length cut down the risk of burns and accidents.
Frequency of usage: If have a wood burning fireplace and use it regularly, you will end up using your tools a lot. Then you would need a bigger and sturdier set that can handle daily usage. However if you have a gas fireplace or an electric one, smaller and lighter tools would be more appropriate as these will be used purely for decoration.
Sturdiness: Make sure the tools you buy are solid and sturdy otherwise the tools could end up breaking while you're using them and this could be dangerous. The nicest looking fireplace tools are useless if they aren't strong enough to help you to maintain the fire. You tools should be able to handle the way you use them.
Safety: Its wonderful to have a fireplace in your home but a fire can be hazardous as well. Fireplace tools go straight into the fire so make sure the tools you buy are fire resistant and safe to handle. Wrought iron is a safe and durable material. But if you prefer something else, you can choose from other safe materials like brass, copper, bronze, nickel, graphite, stainless steel, etc. A pair of fire resistant gloves will provide extra protection.
Style: If you have a traditional look in mind, then choose brass fireplace tools. If you want to be traditional yet modern you can still choose brass but in a duller finish. You can also choose copper and bronze tools for this look. However if you have a completely modern high tech home, you should opt for tools made of iron, stainless steel, pewter, brushed nickel, or any silver color material.
Decor compatibility: Fireplace tools are available in many styles to cater to different kinds of decors. There are tools that complement all decor styles from the traditional to the contemporary or a mix of the two. Your home decor can help you go in the right direction when you choose the look of your new tools. Make sure your tools further enhance the special ambience that your fireplace imparts to the room.