Fireplace Surround Glossary

1. Shelf Width

The Shelf or Mantel-shelf is the top part of the fireplace that sits on the header. The width of the shelf is a key dimension required when ordering a surround. It is the widest part of the surround, often wider than the rest of the surround.

2. Shelf Depth

The Shelf Depth is the distance from the wall to the front of the shelf. The depth of the shelf is a key dimension required when ordering a surround. It is often the deepest part of the surround, protruding further from the wall then the rest of the surround although there are some designs where the shelf depth is the same at the legs, for example The Douglas Fireplace Surround.

3. Overall Height

This is the Overall Height of the fireplace surround, from the bottom of the legs to the top of the shelf. The overall height is a key dimension required when ordering a surround.

4. Opening Height

The Opening Height is the height of the space inbetween the legs, from the bottom of the legs to the underside of the Header. The opening height is a key dimension required when ordering a surround.

5. Opening Width

The Opening Width is the width of the space inbetween the legs. The opening width is a key dimension required when ordering a surround.

6. Plinth Width

The Plinth Width is the distance between the outer edges of the fireplace legs, at the bottom of the legs where they sit on the hearth or floor. The plinth width is a key dimension required when ordering a surround. The bottom of the legs is sometimes wider than the rest of the legs if they include a ‘Plinth or Foot Block’, for example The Hoffman Fireplace Surround.

7. Rebate Depth

Most dimensions are fairly obvious but the Rebate Depth is one that is often misunderstood. If the fireplace surround is sitting directly against a wall and there is nothing behind it, there is no need for a rebate. Often there will be something behind the inside leg of the surround. This might be a back-panel or slip – a piece of stone or marble, or it might be a fireplace insert – a cast iron fireplace where wood or coal is burned. If the inside leg of the surround is sitting against anything the depth of the inside leg will need to be reduced to allow for this. This gap is known as the Rebate Depth.

Commonly used terms to describe the different parts of a fireplace

Fireplace Surround or Mantelpiece

The Fireplace Surround or Mantelpiece is the name given to the decorative framework around a fire opening. It is usually made out of natural stone or wood, typically comprising a pair of legs, a header and a shelf.

Shelf or Mantelshelf

The Shelf or Mantelshelf is the top part of the fireplace surround that sits on the header.

Header or Frieze

The Header or Frieze is the horizontal part of the fireplace surround that sits on or between the legs.

Legs or Jambs

The Legs or Jambs are the parts of the fireplace surround that stand on each side of the fire opening to support the header and shelf. They usually sit on a hearth unless the fireplace is just decorative and there is no hearth. In this case they would sit directly on the floor.

Corbels

The Corbels are a pair of decorative brackets that are fixed to the front face of the legs to support the shelf.

Pilasters

The Pilasters are carved or detailed flat-backed columns that are fixed to the legs of a fireplace surround to provide decoration.

Plinth or Foot Block

The Plinth or Foot Block is a decorative block at the base of the legs, often wider than the rest of the legs.

Outer Return

The Outer Return is the part of the fireplace surround that forms the outside of each leg, running  from the edge of the front face of the fireplace to the wall.

Inner Return

The Inner Return is the part of the fireplace surround that forms the inside of each leg, running from the edge of the front face of the fireplace towards the wall. The inner return can be shorter than the outer return to allow for the fitting of a slip set or back panel. The gap, if any, between the wall and the return is known as the Rebate (see below).

Rebate

The Rebate is the distance from the back edge of the inner leg to the wall. The rebate can vary in depth to allow for the fitting of slips or a back panel of different thicknesses.

Site or Fire Opening

The Site or Fire Opening is the area between the legs, above the hearth and below the header. If required, the site opening can be reduced in size by using a back panel or a set of slips.

Fire Chamber or Builders Opening

The Fire Chamber or Builders Opening is the area within the chimney breast that the fire basket or wood burning stove sits in. Typically built with bricks, it can be lined with stone, heat resistant board, cast iron panels or rendered. If the builders opening is smaller than the fire opening, a set of slips can be used to cover the difference.

Slips and Back panels

Slip sets are made up of 3 or 4 strips of stone, and are used to reduce the size of the fire opening. A one piece stone or metal back panel can also be used.

Hearth

The Hearth is used to protect the floor of the house from the fire or wood burner and is typically made from slate, granite, marble, limestone or brick. The inner hearth sits within the fire chamber, with the outer hearth sitting outside of the fire chamber across the width of the fireplace. If the fireplace is in use, i.e. it is not just decorative and you intend to light the fire, it is a legal requirement to have a hearth fitted. It provides a barrier between the fire and any combustible materials like carpets or floorboards. Usually the hearth must extend forward at least 30cm from the front of the grate, woodburner or fireplace insert and at least 15cm either side of the fire chamber opening. The legal requirements for hearths can be found in Building Regs Part J.

Fire Basket

A Fire Basket is a decorative framework that contains the grate and prevents logs or coal from rolling off the grate.

Fireplace Inserts

A Fireplace Insert is usually a cast iron rear panel and a built in grate with an opening that allows emissions from the fire to escape up the flue. They are fixed to the wall and sit part inside and part outside of the fire chamber. They are used for burning solid fuels and some are compatible with gas or electric fires. Cast iron fireplace inserts are usually used in conjunction with hearths and surrounds to create a complete working fireplace. They are both practical and decorative adding an element of decoration to a fireplace whilst protecting the area around a fireplace opening and helping to radiate heat from the fire into the room. Some inserts include tiles either side of the grate area for additional decoration. Inserts are fixed to the wall and the fireplace surround often overlaps the insert, requiring a rebate in the surround.

Grate

The grate is the area where the fire is set and is typically a grid made of steel or cast iron.

Fire Dogs or Andirons

Fire Dogs or Andirons are a pair of decorative irons that hold up or sit either side of a fire basket.