Fire Place Design and Tools

Moved into a new house with a fireplace to decorate? Or maybe you have used an inexpensive fireplace toolset for a couple of years and it is already falling apart. Here are a few tips to guide you when buying new fireplace tools. We`ll look at both decorative and functional considerations to help you make your choice.

On the decorative side you need to consider the set`s materials and style. By far the most common materials for toolsets are brass or iron, which you will find alone or combined to make sets from casual to very formal.

Traditional Brass Tools Solid brass sets tend to be more traditional and formal looking. You often see them gracing fireplaces in Williamsburg and other early American sites. Brass sets have a variety of finial treatments from simple ball to elaborately turned tops, to suit a range of decorating styles.

Although some handmade wrought iron sets are equally pricey, the most expensive sets tend to be made from solid brass. The rich color, satisfying heft, and brilliant finish of a well-made solid brass set can be truly beguiling. Sometimes, to increase strength and to cut costs, solid brass sets have tools shafts made from steel sheathed with solid brass tubing.

Brass toolsets in the middle price range are usually a little lighter weight and have less hand finishing than the most expensive sets. The better ones are hard to distinguish from the most expensive sets. They represent a good value and can last a lifetime.
At the lowest price level are brass plated steel sets. They are often used as promotional sets and are generally not suited for regular heavy use. They may be practical, however, as a decorative accent for a fireplace that is not used frequently.

Iron Toolsets Can Be Casual and Decorative Iron toolsets have gained popularity along with more casual trends in decorating. However, just because they are more casual does not mean that they cannot be decorative.
Handmade wrought iron sets can be decorated with scrollwork, leaves, and other details. Even machine made sets can have stamped accents and gracefully curved handles. Some iron sets combine the beauty of brass handles with the durability of steel shafts and tool ends.
Individual Tools or Set?

Functional concerns include whether to buy individual tools or a set with a stand, how the handles and tips attach to the tool shafts, and the design of the tools. Considering how you intend to use the tools will increase your long-term satisfaction with your choice. The individual parts of a toolset include the poker, shovel, broom, tongs, and stand. If you use your fireplace infrequently, you may decide to buy only the individual tools that you use most with hooks for hanging at fireside. A poker is generally the most popular tool. In addition to a stand, three-piece sets include a poker for adjusting logs in the fire, and a shovel and broom for cleanup.
If you use your fireplace a lot, look for a shovel with a larger scoop and a broom with a full set of stiff bristles to make ash removal easier. Four-piece sets add a pair of log tongs for folks who really like to play with the fire. The grabbing end of the tongs has either two or three points of contact with the log. While the two point tong is more traditional, the three point style makes log moving a little easier.

The same information on finishes for the fire place screen can also be valuable, wheather to buy Brass or wrought iron. If the propose is for an inexpensive screen then there are many brass plated designs to choose from.

Wrought iron design metal art fire screens will last longer and add more rustic beauty to your log home, cabin, or lodge.

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