Wood burning fireplaces and stoves elevate the atmosphere of any space, adding rustic charm, crackling flames, and intense warmth. While they’re beautiful to look at and straightforward to use, wood fireplaces and stoves require regular upkeep to function properly.  

There’s a variety of useful tools available to make maintenance easier. In this article, we’ll list the essential tools every wood burning fireplace and stove owner should consider.  

Table of Contents

• Fireplace tool sets 
• Ash vacuums 
• Firewood racks 
• Log splitters 
• Fire starters 
• Gloves
• Thermometer  
• Chimney cleaning tools 
• Spark guards/screens 
• Hearth rugs 
• Bellows 
• Firebacks 
• Andirons 

Purchasing a comprehensive fireplace tool set is a must. These usually include a poker, tongs, a brush, and a shovel.  

Poker: Used to reposition burning logs and make sure there is enough airflow. 

Tongs: Allow you to safely add or adjust logs in the fire. 

Brush: Helps sweep away ash and debris. 

Shovel: Makes it easier to scoop ashes out of your fireplace. 

Make sure your tool set is made from sturdy, durable materials, like wrought iron or stainless steel. Some sets even come with stylish designs, so you can display your tools as home decor.

Cleaning up ashes can be messy. An ash vacuum makes the process much simpler, allowing you to keep your space dust-free.  

Choose a vacuum specifically designed for fireplaces and stoves. These models can handle fine ash without clogging and come with heat-resistant hoses and filters. 

With a firewood rack, you can keep your logs neatly stacked and dry. Indoor racks ensure you always have easy access to wood, while outdoor racks with covers protect your firewood from moisture.  

Firewood racks are available in a wide range of sizes, from small, 36-inch models that sit on your living room floor to massive, 10-foot racks that can hold ½ cord of wood.   

If you source or process your own firewood, a log splitter is invaluable. Manual splitters are affordable and effective, while hydraulic or electric models offer speed and convenience.  

No need to struggle with kindling or matches! You can ignite your fires effortlessly with fire starters, like wax-coated wood savings, firelighter cubes, or fatwood sticks. These materials burn quickly and consistently.  

We recommend purchasing a pair of heat-resistant gloves to handle your logs, fireplace or stove doors, and tools. Look for gloves that are durable, flexible, and offer extended wrist coverage.  

If you have a wood stove, a stove thermometer is essential. It allows you to monitor the internal temperatures, making sure your stove operates in the optimal range. It’s important to keep your stove burning efficiently, otherwise you risk dangerous creosote buildup in the chimney.  

Don’t forget about the chimney — regular chimney maintenance is critical for safety. A chimney brush and rods can help you remove soot and creosote.  

You should also hire a professional chimney sweep to inspect and clean your chimney at least once a year. 

A spark guard or screen keeps all the embers inside your fireplace. As the fire burns, embers can easily fly out onto your floors or furniture, causing damage or a serious fire hazard. Make sure you choose a guard or screen that fits your fireplace’s dimensions.  

Hearth rugs are placed in front of your fireplace opening to protect your floor from flying sparks and embers. They’re made of fire-resistant materials and come in a variety of sizes, colors, and designs to coordinate with your home décor. 

A bellow or air blower directs a focused stream of air to stoke the fire, helping it burn hotter. Bellows are both functional and decorative, beloved for their classic, nostalgic designs.  

Firebacks are heavy-duty cast iron or steel plates that are placed against the back wall of your fireplace to project more heat into your room, while preventing damage to the rear masonry.  

Some firebacks are embossed with unique imagery, such as Victorian motifs, animals, and nature scenes. 

Andirons are decorative accessories that come in pairs and function as support braces for the logs in your fireplace. They also allow air to circulate freely under your logs for a longer burn time. 

Choosing the Right Tools for Your Needs 

When selecting tools for your wood burning fireplace or stove, prioritize safety, functionality, and durability. High-quality tools may cost more upfront, but they’ll provide years of reliable use and enhance your fireplace experience. 

With the right tools in hand, you can enjoy the warmth, charm, and efficiency of your wood burning fireplace or stove to its fullest.  

We’re Here to Help  

Have more questions about wood fireplaces or stoves? Reach out to our NFI Certified experts for quick answers today at 800.919.1904.  

More Resources 

Follow this step-by-step maintenance guide to keep your wood fireplace in perfect condition.  

Wondering how to get more heat from your fireplace? Find your solution with our top tips!  

Thinking of converting your wood fireplace to gas? Learn how to do it safety.