It’s that time of year again when the leaves start changing color, the air gets a little crisper, and your fireplace starts calling to you.
You know what I’m talking about – that burning desire to gather around a warm fire on a chilly night, roast some marshmallows, and tell stories with your family and friends.
But before you can light that first log in the fireplace, there are a few things you need to take care of.
Contents
- Our favorite fireback plate
- The Best Fireplace Back Plates
- 1. The Minuteman Bouquet Cast Fireback
- Pros
- Cons
- 2. The International Aetna Cast Iron Fireback
- Pros
- Cons
- 3. The Fire Beauty Fireplace Wrought Iron
- Pros
- Cons
- 4. The Pineapple Fireback from Minuteman
- Pros
- Cons
- 5. The Black Minuteman Nautical, Large Fireback
- Pros
- Cons
- 6. The HY-C FB2727U Fireback,
- Pros
- Cons
- 7. The Adjustable HY-C FB2020U Fireback
- Pros
- Cons
- 8. The Minuteman International Fleur
- Pros
- Cons
- 9.12th scale Glow Well Metal Fire Back Black FPG031 Metal
- Pros
- Cons
- 10. The Antique Back Plate Plaque
- Pros
- Cons
- Tips for choosing a fireplace back plate
- How to install a fireback plate
- Conclusion
Our favorite fireback plate
- Measures 22-1/2-in W x 17 3/4-in H
- Made of Cast Iron with Matte Black finish
The first is making sure your chimney is clean and in good working order. The second is installing a fireplace back plate (or fireback) to protect your walls from the heat and increase the radiant heat of your blaze.
And the third is… well, actually, that’s it! Just those two things and you’re ready for winter!
Wait – what? You don’t have a fireplace back plate? Oh man, you are so behind the times! It’s nearly 2023 people! We have Netflix and smartphones now – do we really still need fireplaces? Heck no! But I digress…
If you don’t have a fireplace back plate yet, don’t worry – I can help you get one. In fact, I happen to be an expert on the subject. I’ve been in the business for over 20 years and have installed more fireplace back plates than I can count. I’ve seen it all, from the most ornate and expensive models to the basic and functional ones.
No matter what your style or budget is, I can help you find the perfect one- check out some of my favorites below:
The Best Fireplace Back Plates
1. The Minuteman Bouquet Cast Fireback
- Measures 19-1/2-in W x 15-1/2-in H
- Made of Cast Iron with Matte Black finish
This is a great decorative back plate for a Crown of Fire, which will help you get the most value for your money. The back plate won’t look like it’s bending or breaking unless it has to so it will last longer than any other decorative back plates out there. It’s also made of cast iron so you’re getting a great product that can take the punishment from heat and flames.
Pros
- It’s made of cast iron meaning it won’t bend or break.
- Great size for most crowns and mantels.
Cons
- Less aesthetically pleasing than other decorative back plates, but it still looks great on some fireplaces.
2. The International Aetna Cast Iron Fireback
- Measures 23-in W x 23-in H
- Made of Cast Iron with Matte Black finish
This is a great decorative back plate for a traditional fireplace because it looks like an old-school log style. This back plate is also made of cast iron so you’re getting a great product that can take the punishment from heat and flames. It’s also sized to fit most sizes of fireplaces.
Pros
- Has a nice old-school log style that goes with any fireplace design.
- Great size for any fireplace.
- Made of cast iron meaning it won’t bend or break.
Cons
- The art work can rub off with time, but it can be easily redone.
3. The Fire Beauty Fireplace Wrought Iron
- CLASSIC TIMELESS DESIGN:3 panel screen arched top almost matches with your home deco, gas fireplace, fireplace tools, fireplace grate and holders accessories.
- SPARK GUARD: Full length piano hinges to block popping embers effectively.Durable screen can completely block popping embers, keep your kids & puppies away from the fireplace & safeguard the living room safety
This is a great decorative back plate for a fireplace because it’s made of wrought iron which makes it easier to handle fire. It also has a nice spark guard which helps keep your home safe from burning embers and sparks. This back plate also comes in 4 different sizes to fit all types of fireplaces, and they’re relatively inexpensive compared to other decorative back plates.
Pros
- All-in-one product, no need for other materials.
- Made of wrought iron which makes it easier to handle fire.
- Comes in 4 different sizes to fit most fireplaces.
Cons
- May not fit some fireplaces, you’ll need to measure first.
4. The Pineapple Fireback from Minuteman
- Measures 19-1/2-in W x 15-1/2-in H
- Made of Cast Iron with Matte Black finish
This pineapple fireback from Minuteman is a great option if you’re looking for something with a bit of tropical flair. The back plate is made from cast iron and features a pineapple design that’s perfect for adding a touch of summer to your fireplace.
Pros
- Tropical design
- Made from cast iron
- Available in two sizes
Cons
- Some customers have reported that the back plate is smaller than expected
5. The Black Minuteman Nautical, Large Fireback
- Nautical Fireback features a ship's anchor and wheel, sculpted in fine detail and cast in iron
- Measures 22-1/2-in W x 17 3/4-in H, made of Cast Iron with Matte Black finish
This nautical fireback from Minuteman is a great option if you’re looking for something with a bit of maritime flair. The back plate is made from cast iron and features a nautical design that’s perfect for adding a touch of the seaside to your fireplace.
Pros
- All-in-one product, no need for other materials.
- Made of cast iron which makes it easier to handle fire and heat.
- Comes in 4 different sizes to fit most fireplaces.
Cons
- Back plates rub off with time.
6. The HY-C FB2727U Fireback,
- Protects the structural integrity of your firebox from premature cracking and degradation; measures 27" X 27"
- Boosts your fireplace's heat output by reflecting more of the fire's heat into the room and not up the chimney
This is a great decorative back plate if you’re looking for something with a more contemporary design. This accessory is also made from cast iron, so it’s easier to handle fire than other materials. It will add a touch of style to any fireplace so that it looks more modern and appealing.
Pros
- Nice contemporary design
- Made from cast iron which makes it easier to handle fire.
- The adjustable brackets let you fit the back plate practically anywhere.
- Comes in two sizes to fit most fireplaces.
Cons
- It may not fit all fireplaces, check your measurements before purchase. (For example, if your fireplace is smaller than 27 inches, you can’t get this back plate).
7. The Adjustable HY-C FB2020U Fireback
- Protects the structural integrity of your firebox from premature cracking and degradation; measures 20" X 20"
- Boosts your fireplace's heat output by reflecting more of the fire's heat into the room and not up the chimney
This is a great decorative back plate if you’re looking for something with a more contemporary design. This accessory is also made from cast iron, so it’s easier to handle fire than other materials. It will add a touch of style to any fireplace, so that it looks more modern and appealing.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Protects the firebox from premature cracking
- Allows adjustable installations due to slotted base
Cons
- Comes with a sticker on the back panels that may peel off.
8. The Minuteman International Fleur
- Measures 20-in W x 16-in H
- Made of Cast Iron with Matte Black finish
This fireback from Minuteman is a nice option if you’re looking for something with a more traditional design. This accessory is also made from cast iron, so it’s easier to handle fire than other materials. It will add a touch of style to any fireplace so that it looks more classic and appealing.
Pros
- Made of cast iron which makes it easier to handle fire and heat.
- Nice fleur-de-lis style.
- Comes in 4 different sizes to fit most fireplaces.
Cons
- The center fleur-de-lis may be prone to breaking.
9.12th scale Glow Well Metal Fire Back Black FPG031 Metal
- Measures 22-1/2-in W x 17 3/4-in H
- Made of Cast Iron with Matte Black finish
This is a great decorative back plate for a fireplace because it looks like an old-school log style. This back plate is also made of metal so you’re getting a great product that can take the punishment from heat and flames. It’s also sized to fit most sizes of fireplaces.
Pros
- Great size for any fireplace.
- Made of metal so it won’t crack or bend.
Cons
- It’s made of metal which may not fit in with some decor.
10. The Antique Back Plate Plaque
- Measures 22-1/2-in W x 17 3/4-in H
- Made of Cast Iron with Matte Black finish
This is a great decorative back plate for a fireplace because it’s made of cast iron. It’s also a very large back plate that will fit almost any fireplace. These are priced affordably which makes them great as gifts as well.
Pros
- Made of cast iron which makes it easier to handle fire and heat.
- Nicely sized, not too big, and not too small.
Cons
- It may be too big for some fireplaces.
- The design is more simplistic and may not fit in with all types of decor.
Tips for choosing a fireplace back plate
When choosing a fireplace back plate, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:
1. What style of fireplace do you have? There are many different styles of fireplace back plates, so make sure you choose one that matches the look of your fireplace.
2. What material is your fireplace made out of? Some materials (like brick or stone) can withstand more heat than others (like wood or plaster), so make sure you choose a back plate that is made for the material of your fireplace.
3. How much heat do you want your fireplace to produce? Some back plates are designed to increase the amount of radiant heat that comes from your fireplace, while others are just meant to protect your walls from the heat. Choose the one that best suits your needs.
4. What is your budget? Fireplace back plates come in a variety of prices, so choose one that fits within your budget.
Once you’ve answered these questions, you should be able to find the perfect fireplace back plate for your home. And don’t forget – if you need help choosing or installing one, I’m here to help!
How to install a fireback plate
Installing a fireback plate is not as difficult as it may seem. However, there are a few things that you need to take into account before starting the installation process. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to install a fireback plate.
The first thing that you need to do is measure the size of the opening in your fireplace. You will need to know the width and height of the opening in order to select the right size fireback plate.
Once you have measured the size of the opening, visit your local hardware store or online retailer and purchase a fireback plate that is the correct size.
Once you have the fireback plate in hand, carefully remove it from the packaging and set it aside.
Next, you will need to gather some tools and materials for the installation process. Here is what you will need:
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Paint brush (optional)
- Safety glasses
- Dust mask (optional)
- High temperature silicone sealant
- Wet rag
- Screwdriver
- Drill with a 5/16″ bit
Now that you have all of the necessary materials, let’s get started with the installation process!
The first step is to clean the opening in your fireplace. Use a wet rag to clean away any dust or debris from the surface. Once the opening is clean, dry it off with a towel.
Next, use a pencil to outline the shape of the fireback plate on the surface of the fireplace. Be sure to make sure that the outline is accurate and level. Once you have drawn out the shape of the fireback plate, remove it from the fireplace and set it aside.
Now it’s time to start installing the fireback plate! First, use a drill with a 5/16″ bit to drill two holes in each corner of the fireback plate. Make sure that these holes are drilled straight through to the other side of the plate. Once they are drilled, set aside the drill and screwdriver.
Next, use a high temperature silicone sealant to seal around each hole that you just drilled. Make sure that you apply enough sealant so that it forms a watertight seal. Allow the sealant to dry for 24 hours before moving on to step 4.
Now it’s time to install the fireback plate in the fireplace. First, hold the plate up to the opening and align it with the outline that you drew earlier. Once it is in place, use a screwdriver to screw the plate into the holes that you drilled in each corner. Be sure to screw them in tightly so that the plate is secure.
That’s it! You’ve successfully installed a fireback plate in your fireplace. Be sure to allow the silicone sealant to fully cure for 24 hours before using your fireplace.
Conclusion
Are you looking for the best fireplace back plates ? You’ve come to the right place. There are a variety of different kinds of fireplace back plates out there, and this post will be over informative to help you make your decision about which one you want for your home.
From a stainless steel back plate to decorative back plates, there’s something for everyone.
When it comes to adding a touch of elegance to your home, few things can do the trick quite like a fireplace back plate. Fireplace back plates are a great choice if you want to add stability to the fireplace insert and create a uniform look throughout the whole room. They help direct the heat out of the fireplace.
The above fireplace back plates are among the best in the market, they are available in many styles and sizes so that you can get a product that’s perfect for your fireplace insert.
Hi, my name’s Eugene Duke and I love sitting by my fireplace reading a book and sipping on an adult beverage. Do you have a fireplace in your house? I’ll help you figure out the best type and style of fireplace for your home.
