The parts of a fireplace

Over the years a number of terms have become commonly used to describe the parts of a fireplace. Here’s our guide to what those terms mean.

Fireplace Surround or Mantelpiece

• The name given to the decorative framework around a fire opening, usually made out of natural stone or wood. Typically comprising a pair of legs, a header and a shelf.

Shelf or Mantelshelf

• The top flat part of the fireplace that sits on the header.

Header or Frieze

• The horizontal part of the fireplace under the shelf that sits on or between the legs. Often called a frieze when carved or decorated.

Legs or Jambs

• The parts of the fireplace that stand on each side of the fire opening to support the header and shelf.

Corbels

• A pair of decorative brackets that are fixed to the front face of the legs to support the shelf.

Foot Block or Pad

• A decorative block at the base of each leg.

Rebate

• The rebate is the distance from the back edge of the inner return of the 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 open area between the legs, above the hearth and below the header.Hearth

Hearth

• A slab used to protect the floor of the house from the fire or stove, typically made from slate, granite, marble, limestone or brick.

Classic Mantels specialise in hand-making the finest fireplaces in marble, limestone and timber.