A fireback is simply a panel that is made out of metal that is put in the back of a fireplace. It’s usually just leaned against a back wall, but it can be mounted to the wall if you’d like or sometimes you’ll even find people who stand them on legs.
The purpose of a fireback is twofold. First, they protect the back wall of the fireplace from severe heat that may cause extreme deterioration of your brick over time, and their second purpose is to reflect this heat back into your room, resulting in fireplace that warms you up again. This minimizes any heat that may end up lost up your chimney.
Firebacks also have one more purpose and that is that they are great for decorative appeal, and you can find one that will fit the style of your home and ramp up the visual appeal of the room your fireplace is in.
Firebacks are not a new phenomenon when it comes to fireplaces; in fact they date back to the 1700’s when they were first made of cast iron or made from the parts of old furnaces or logos issued by fire insurers. Since then, of course, they have evolved to the point where you can find them to match your fireplace and your room.
You can gain the benefits of a fireback whether you are using a wood burning or gas fireplace. There are several options for firebacks, some of which depend on the type of fireplace grate you are using. As far as sizing, you can find firebacks in a wide variety of sizes; simply measure the back wall and then find a fireback that comes close to those dimensions.
Firebacks are available in either cast iron or stainless steel, and there are benefits to each. Stainless steel will reflect more light than the cast iron, and will fit fireplaces and rooms that have a more modern and contemporary style. They are also easier to install and are much more lightweight. Cast iron firebacks store and give off more heat due to their weight and size and come in a larger variety of sizes, making them a good choice if your sizing is not in the average range. It also can’t warp, meaning it will last practically forever.
No matter which type of fireback you choose, once you add one to your fireplace, you’ll immediately notice a difference in the visual appeal of your room in addition to the amount of heat your fireplace gives off, making it an essential part of your fireplace.
