Fireplace glossary

Here is the complete Fireplace glossary for all the terms and definitions that you may hear when dealing with your fireplace.

• Andiron – Either one of two horizontal metal bars resting on short legs intended to support firewood in a hearth
• Arch – An arched top of the fireplace opening.
• Ash dump – An opening in a hearth to sweep ashes for later removal from the ash pit.
• Back (fireback) – The inside, rear wall of the fireplace of masonry or metal that reflects heat into the room.
• Brick trimmer – A brick arch supporting a hearth or shielding a joist in front of a fireplace.
• Chimney breast – The part of the chimney which projects into a room to accommodate a fireplace.
• Crane – Metal arms mounted on pintles which swing and hold pots above a fire.
• Damper – A metal door to close a flue when a fireplace is not in use.
• Flue – The passageway in the chimney.
• Hearth – The floor of a fireplace. The part of a hearth which projects into a room may be called the front or outer hearth.
• Hearthstone – A large stone or other materials used as the hearth material.
• Insert – The fireplace insert is a device inserted into existing masonry or prefabricated wood fireplace.
• Jamb – The side of a fireplace opening.
• Mantel – Either the shelf above a fireplace or the structure to support the masonry above a fireplace
• Smoke shelf – A shelf below the smoke chamber and behind the damper. It collects debris and water falling down the flue.
• Throat (waist) – The narrow area above a fireplace usually where the damper is located.
• Wing – The sides of a fireplace above the opening near the throat.
• Firemzer – a metal mat that sits on your grate. You’ll save 38% of your fuel and reduce harmful particulates.