What does ‘fireplace rebate dimension’ mean and how do I calculate it?



Fireplace Surround Rebate

diagram showing rebate

Understanding the fireplace rebate you require is essential in ensuring your fireplace/fire will fit your required application. The dimension you need to work out is the depth needed to fully recess you fire against your flat wall or in your chimney recess. If the fireplace is being fitted against a flat wall then the full depth of the fire needs to be recessed within the fire surround. However, if the fire surround is being fitted against a chimney then the depth of the fire can be recessed within the cavity of the chimney.

The rebate is the distance from the back of the wall to the front of the back panel. Deeper rebates allow the back panel to be brought forward, creating a void between the panel and the wall. Deep rebates are popular where inset electric fires, or flueless gas fires are to be installed onto flat walls.

To work out the fire recess, you subtract the rebate by 20mm to accommodate the thickness of the panel. Therefore 100mm rebate gives you 80mm fire recess depth (100mm - 20mm for the back panel).