November 15, 2025

Electric Fire Suite Recess Depth Requirements (UK Guide)

Wondering how deep your wall needs to be for an electric fire suite? Short answer: usually 120–160mm, depending on the model. But before you start hacking into plasterboard, stick around—this quick guide makes recess depths simple, avoids common mistakes, and helps you choose the right fit for modern Electric Fire Suites.

📏 Understanding Recess Depth for Electric Fire Suites

Choosing an electric fire suite sounds simple… until you realise that every model wants a different amount of wall depth.
If you’ve ever held a new appliance up to a wall and thought, “Oh. That’s… not going in there,” you’re not alone.
Electric fire suite installations are one of the most common places people misjudge depth, and it usually ends with a frantic Google search and a lot of muttering.

To save you from that moment, here’s a clear breakdown of the three types of installations.

Defining the Three Main Types of Electric Fire Installations

Fully Recessed (Deepest Requirement)

A fully recessed fire sits completely flush with the wall, giving that clean, built-in look everyone wants on Instagram.
These models typically need 120–160mm, sometimes more, and the whole body disappears inside the wall cavity.
If you’re going for a luxury, seamless finish, this is the one—but it needs the most depth to pull off.

Semi-Recessed (Shallow Requirement)

Semi-recessed fires are the middle-ground option.
Part of the fire sinks into the wall, the rest sits slightly proud, and a trim kit usually helps disguise the projection.
These normally need 70–120mm, making them perfect for shallow stud walls or older UK homes where nothing is ever quite straight.

Flat Wall Mounted (Zero Recess)

These are the “no stress” option.
Flat-wall models simply mount to the surface, with zero recess required, making them ideal for rentals, quick upgrades, or anyone who doesn’t fancy rebuilding half the living room.
You still get great flame effects without any building work.

Typical Recess Depth Requirements for Popular Models

Recess depth varies wildly, even between similar-looking fires.
Think of it like buying a car: two hatchbacks can look identical but have completely different boot sizes.
Here’s the usual depth range you’ll see in UK models:

Slimline recessed models: 90–120mm
Standard electric fire suites: 120–160mm
Deep panoramic units: 160–220mm

If you see a depth over 200mm, you’re usually looking at a large panoramic fire designed for big feature walls.

The Importance of Manufacturer Specifications

Manufacturers aren’t trying to ruin your day—they include depth, ventilation, and clearance details to stop your installation going sideways.
Specs confirm everything from internal fixing points to the exact amount of ventilation space needed for safe operation.

Skipping the manual might feel tempting, but one missed measurement can mean:

A fire that doesn’t fit
Overheating
Visible gaps
Or the dreaded, “We need to take the whole thing apart and start again.”

Always check the manual before building anything.

📐 Assessing and Preparing Your Wall for Recess Installation

Before you start cutting into plasterboard, it’s worth spending a few minutes checking exactly what you’re working with.
British homes are famous for surprising wall layouts—sometimes the cavity depth changes from one end of the wall to the other.
A quick measure now will save you hours later.

How to Measure Your Wall Cavity Accurately

Grab a stud finder, a tape measure, and a torch.
Locate the studs first, then measure from the surface of the plasterboard to the solid backing behind it.
Make sure you check a few different spots—older walls can warp, and new stud walls aren’t always as consistent as we’d like.

Measure height and width as well, so the frame and brackets have the space they need.

Solutions for Insufficient Recess Depth

Not enough depth? You’ve got options.
The most popular fix is building a false chimney breast, giving you complete control over depth and layout.

Ensuring Adequate Ventilation Space Around the Fire

Electric fires don’t produce fumes, but they do create heat that needs room to escape.
Manufacturers usually specify 20–50mm of airflow space, depending on the model.
The biggest mistake people make is packing insulation tightly around the unit—this traps heat and can damage the fire.

Think of ventilation space as breathing room for your appliance.

💡 Choosing the Right Fire for Your Wall Depth

Choosing the right model isn’t just about looks; it’s about whether the fire physically fits your space without sticking out like a sore thumb.
Whether your wall is deep, shallow, or somewhere in the middle, there’s always a solution.

Opting for Slimline and Flat-Wall Electric Fires

Slimline and flat-wall fires were practically invented for the UK’s famously unpredictable wall depths.
If you don’t want to rebuild the room, or your builder gives you “that look” when you mention a 200mm recess, these fires are the easy win.

They offer realistic LED flame effects, adjustable brightness, and modern styling without needing major construction.

Using False Chimney Breasts to Create Depth

If you’re dreaming of a fully recessed, cinema-style wall, a false chimney breast is your best friend.
Builders create it using studwork and plasterboard, giving you:

Cable-hiding space
Perfect recess depth
Optional shelving
A symmetrical feature wall

It opens the door to installing deeper panoramic fires without worrying about your existing wall depth.

Installation Tips for Minimal Protrusion

If you want the fire to look as flush as possible, a few small tips make a big difference:

Pick models with slimmer chassis bodies
Frame the recess to the exact depth in the manual
Place the fused spur slightly off-centre, low down, so it stays hidden
Always use a spirit level—crooked fires annoy you forever

Getting the installation right makes the whole wall feel intentional and professional.

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