I just enlarged the fireplace so my new Drolet HT2000 will fit in. I can't wait to have a quiet wood stove which also burns more efficiently I want to be super safe and cover the inside bricks with some thin heat resistant material over spacers so some air can pass behind it. Is there anything better and more attractive than sheet metal? Also is there some light heat resistant material to make a mantel for an affordable price?
Hi, welcome to the forum! I'm sure there has to be something that would be worth trying but some have gone the creative side in getting a panel of metal and painting it but I'm less experienced in that kind of backdrop. Most have left it as just brick in general. Your clearance on a mantel would be fine if you found someone who builds live edge wood mantels around you. I see someone near me who makes the raw cut, no finish or whatnot for about 50 bucks depending on the wood. All dried out too. Just a local shop that helps people sell their stuff on a consignment. If you consider yourself handy enough you could follow some YouTube videos on how to do it if you're on a budget with some masonry bolts. I plan to go this route myself and put some old corrougated roofing on a backerboard with spacers then put the mantel high enough on the wall. I think the measurement would be about 5 feet high off the ground but never had a problem with the heat coming off it when the stove is rolling. Good luck!
I’m at a similar point for a new freestanding install and need to install a non-combustible surface (1” air gapped) against a wall. I’m thinking 24ga sheetmetal wrapped with 5 mil copper. My wife kinda poo pooed it initially but I think copper heat shields look nice. No idea if this place is legit but referenced for pricing: Copper Foil 5 mil
