Terms and Phrases

Terminology

Stone Finishes

Riven

Natural, rough surface with an organic texture.

Honed

Smooth surface with a soft matt finish.

Polished

Smooth surface with a high-shine, reflective finish.

Brushed

Aged using metal brushes to create a soft, textured finish.

Tumbled

Aged in a tumbling machine for a worn appearance with softened edges.

Cross-Cut

Cut across the vein to reveal natural markings and pitting (common for Travertine).

Filled

Resin applied to smooth out natural pits and fissures.

Unfilled

Left in its natural state with visible pits and character.

Edge Profiles

Arris

Edges lightly eased to remove sharpness for a clean-cut look.

Bevel / Chamfer

Small 45° angle on the edge (typically 3–5mm wide).

Pencil Round

Small rounded edge (typically 3–5mm radius).

Half Bullnose

Rounded edge with a radius equal to half the material thickness (top edge only).

Full Bullnose

Fully rounded edge profile.

Fireplace Terminology

Main Structure

Fireplace Surround / Mantelpiece

The decorative framework around the fire opening, usually stone or wood.
Typically includes two legs, a header, and a shelf.

Shelf / Mantelshelf

The flat top section that sits above the header.

Header / Frieze

The horizontal section below the shelf and above the legs.
Often called a frieze when carved or decorated.

Legs / Jambs

Vertical sections supporting the header and shelf.

Decorative Elements

Corbels

Decorative brackets fixed to the front of the legs to support the shelf.

Pilasters

Flat-backed decorative columns attached to the legs.

Bolection

Decorative moulding on the fireplace face, usually with a soft rounded profile.

Foot Block / Pad

Decorative block at the base of each leg.

Measurements & Technical Terms

Plinth Width

Distance between the outer edges of the fireplace legs at the base.

Outer Return

The outer side depth of each leg, running back to the wall.

Inner Return

The inside depth of each leg, running back toward the wall.
May be shorter to allow fitting of slips or back panels.

Rebate

The gap between the back edge of the inner return and the wall.
Allows fitting of slips or back panels of varying thickness.

Fire Opening & Chamber

Site / Fire Opening

The visible opening between the legs, below the header and above the hearth.
Can be reduced using slips or a back panel.

Fire Chamber / Builders Opening

The internal chimney space where the stove or fire basket sits.
Often brick-built and may be lined with stone, cast iron, or heat-resistant board.

Slips

3 or 4 strips of stone used to reduce the fire opening size.

Back Panel

A single-piece stone panel used behind the fire opening.

Hearth

Hearth

A non-combustible material which protects the floor from heat and sparks but is not heat proof.
Common materials include slate, granite, marble, limestone, and brick.

• Inner Hearth – Sits inside the fire chamber.

• Outer Hearth – Extends outward into the room.

Stone & Manufacturing Terms

Calibrated

Stone machined to a consistent thickness.

Bed

The depth of stone from front to back (commonly used for cladding or walling stone).

Guillotined

Stone cut using a guillotine for a textured edge.