Fireplace surround - rear projection vs. no rear

[flyinghamster]

**Basic question alert**

Hello - finally getting round to purchasing a reclaimed fireplace surround to replace current one.

I keep seeing some surrounds described as "no rear projection so will fit flush against a wall". If i purchase a surround with a rear projection, (like the one in the pic) does this mean i will need to chase the wall to accommodate the rear projection?

Will using fire slips help me to avoid having to chase the wall?

 

[Stevers]

Been there, and nearly got caught out. I replaced a 1940s tiled fireplace with a more suitable wood effect resin fireplace surround. When I offered the surround up to the splayed cast iron insert that I had already fitted flush to the wall, I was left with a gap all round the insert of about 40mm. Only then did I realise that moving the 1940's clay fireback back 40mm into the builders opening so that the insert was flush to the wall hadn't been necessary! Anyway I filled the gap with a real oak frame, and I think it was a happy accident as the surround looks better at full depth with the inset flush to the wall. So, it's really all about whether the surround needs the cast iron insert to be flush with the builder's opening or not.