One of the more sturdy parts of your wood burning fireplace is the cast iron grate. But, what is the reason to have a grate in the first place? Do you really need a fireplace grate?
In order for wood to burn more completely and with less hassle, you need to allow for air to circulate around it. The fire requires fresh air in order to burn. When you allow air around your logs, they burn cleaner and hotter. This makes your fire better and reduces the chances of creosote buildup in your chimney or flue.
When you have a good fireplace grate, you are allowing air to come under the logs and this creates a great draft. The logs burn more completely, burn hotter and cleaner, and it reduces the emissions from your chimney. Of course, however you do still need to occassionally stir or remove the ashes that build up under your fireplace grate. This will keep the air flowing and your fireplace more enjoyable for you.
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