Rope and bedding tape are both used for sealing your stove, but they are designed for different applications. Using the wrong one can prevent your door from closing or cause your glass to crack.
Here is the breakdown of which one you need.
1. STOVE ROPE (Rope Gasket)
What it is:
• A round, braided fibreglass rope.
• Available in various diameters (standard sizes range from 3mm to 18mm).
• Designed to compress and fill a gap.
Where it is used:
✓ Door Seals: The perimeter where the door meets the stove body.
✓ Grooved Channels: Any area where there is a deep channel for the seal to sit in.
✓ High Compression Areas: Where a tight, airtight seal is needed.
How it works:
It sits inside a groove (channel). When you close the door, the rope squashes down to create an airtight seal.
- Note: Standard rope usually requires high-temperature adhesive (glue) to hold it in the groove.
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2. BEDDING TAPE (Sealing Tape)
What it is:
• A flat, woven tape (like a ribbon).
• Usually 2mm–3mm thick.
• Almost always comes with a self-adhesive backing (peel and stick).
Where it is used:
✓ Glass Seals: To cushion the glass against the metal door frame.
✓ Flat Surfaces: Where there is no groove/channel for a rope to sit in.
How it works:
It sticks to the flat metal surface of the door frame. You place the glass on top of it. The tape acts as a soft cushion, preventing the glass from touching the metal directly (which causes cracking) and stopping smoke from escaping.
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QUICK COMPARISON
Since you cannot see a table, here are the key differences at a glance:
SHAPE:
• Rope: Round (Cylindrical)
• Tape: Flat (Rectangular)
INSTALLATION:
• Rope: Presses into a groove (Usually needs separate glue)
• Tape: Sticks to a flat surface (Self-adhesive)
PRIMARY USE:
• Rope: Sealing the heavy metal door to the stove body.
• Tape: Sealing the fragile glass to the door frame.
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How to Decide Which You Need
Choose ROPE if:
✓ You are replacing the seal around the main door.
✓ Your stove has a distinct "U" shaped channel or groove.
✓ You need to fill a gap larger than 5mm.
Choose BEDDING TAPE if:
✓ You are fitting new glass onto a flat metal surface.
✓ There is no groove behind the glass.
✓ You need a self-adhesive solution.
Can You Use Both?
Yes! In fact, most stoves use both:
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Rope goes around the edge of the door (to seal the firebox).
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Tape goes behind the glass (to cushion the window).
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Still Unsure? Send Us a Photo
If you can't tell if you have a groove or a flat surface, don't guess. Send us a photo of your stove door (open) and we will tell you exactly which product you need.
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