Fireplace Grates

[BoneheadNW]

During this time of year, we burn wood in our fireplace every day for several hours. We have lived in this house for over 6 years and are on our third fireplace grate. Is it normal for a fireplace grate to disintegrate over a year or two?
Here is a photo of the fireplace.
Bone

 

[OhioTC18]

Mine seem to warp from the heat in just a few months.

 

[darroll]

Please check with your fireplace people on this.
We don’t use grates in either of our fireplaces. One is a fireplace insert.
I don’t want you to burn your house down if you don’t use one.

 

[Kwiens]

We are on our third one in 11 years. The one that came with our fireplace insert lasted about three years. I picked up a heavier one from a "Hearth & Home" store and it lasted six years.

K

 

[BoneheadNW]

Please check with your fireplace people on this.
We don’t use grates in either of our fireplaces. One is a fireplace insert.
I don’t want you to burn your house down if you don’t use one.

Don't worry about that. We do need to use a grate. Frankly, I don't trust the local fireplace shop. That is where I bought all 3 grates from. I think that their grates are substandard. That is why I stated this thread.
Bonehead

 

[Av8r3400]

I'm struggling a little with what you are referring to as a "Fireplace Grate".

Do you mean the steel 'rack' inside the firebox that you pile the firewood on? If that is the case, I don't use one. We burn right on the bricks per the fireplace manufacturer. No problems in 3 years of operation. We burnt 3 full cord last year and will probably burn near 5 this year.

(My Fireplace)

Picture taken during construction, union supervisor present.

 

[mla2ofus]

If you're set up to weld, buy some #5 rebar and make your own. It will probably last as long as the ones you're buying. IMO the only thing a grate does is make it easier to remove the ashes.
Mike

 

[Mith]

I dont think I've ever replaced mine. Cast iron and nice and chunky, no sign of it failing any time soon.

Very funky fireplace BTW Bone