|  | | Andirons
| Andirons are supports that are used in a fireplace to hold the logs while they burn. They are available in a variety of designs and can be decorative as well as useful.
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Here are a few suggestions on what to look for when a pair of andirons for your fireplace..
Andirons should be made from a very sturdy material so that they will not break or buckle in high temperatures over time.
Andirons should be heavy enough so that they will not move easily when you are adding firewood to the fire.
The length of the andiron is called the shank. If you burn wood in your fireplace, you would use a long shank andiron to hold the wood. If you have gas logs, a short shank andiron is used.
The rule of thumb for andiron height is one-half to three-quarters of the height of the fireplace opening, but this isn’t written in stone. It is only common sense that a large fireplace requires larger fittings; they will look better and can handle the larger-size logs you will be burning.
Andirons are always found in pairs, these consist of ornamental vertical elements backed by horizontal footed bars that hold the fire off the ground, allowing for better combustion.
Andirons are also known as firedogs because they approximate the stance of a dog. |
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