How to Burn a Ceramic Log

Measure the height and depth of your fireplace to determine what size logs are safest for your home. You must also check the side and ceiling clearance of your fireplace. Also check the floor. If the base of the fires place is less than 6 inches off the ground, there must be at least 1 foot of non-combustible flooring in front of the fireplace.

Separate your ceramic logs. The two longest logs hide the gas burner. The front log has a decorative, curved portion. Place this log in front of the burner so that the decorative curve faces outward. The ceramic log that fits behind the burner has a decorative, flat surface. Place it behind the burner. Both have notches that support them on the grate. Stand the ceramic logs so that there is 1-inch clearance between the logs and the burner.

Lay the next two largest logs on top of the bottom logs. These logs often have small knots or branches formed into the ceramic log. These small nodules hold the next layer of logs. Lay one log perpendicular to the base on either end of the bottom logs. Wide ceramic log sets may have a third log to lie across the center of the two base logs.

Spread out the smallest logs over the top of the second layer of logs. This is also the layer where you may want to add more decorative ceramic logs colored to look like split logs.

Turn your fireplace on and look at the flame pattern in your logs. Note where logs trap flames or where the burner is visible. Allow the fireplace to cool for at least 12 hours before making any changes.