The cast iron grate or Franklin grate is a long-lasting grate that is used for coal or wood. These grates come in a multitude of sizes. Always measure your fireplace to make sure that you get the right size grate. These grates allow the wood or coal to burn longer and more thoroughly to get the most heat out of your fuel. Grates also will prolong and protect your fireplace floor. Fire needs an ignition source and air to burn. Using a grate lifts the wood off the floor of the fireplace allowing air to be pulled up through the grate and feeding the fire for a better burn. The grates also allow the ashes to fall through to the floor of the fireplace which also keeps the air moving to the coals to keep your fire burning efficiently. An efficiently burning fire is a hotter fire.