Shari, you must be careful when installing a wall behind any type of wood burning device. While a brick or stone wall looks great, you must remember that heat will be absorbed by the stone and bricks and transfer into the wooden structure behind. If you decide that you want this type of look, you need to construct a faux wall that does not connect to the building structure itself. Using metal studs with cement board is a perfect example of how to do this. By constructing a wall that
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allows air to travel behind and between it and the older wall you prevent that overheating that can cause the potential for a fire in the home. You do not need a lot of space also. Leaving one inch gap is all that is required to prevent this heat transfer from happening.
The "floating" wall woodbridge mentions is a great trick if the stove is too close to the wall for "normal" clearances. Some stoves have pre-installed "heat shields" and therefore reduced clearances. In a number of the stoves I have installed the stone or tile work is outside the "hot" zone and merely in the "warm" zone. Here regular tile methods are fine.
you should have all of these "clearance" dimensions with your stove install booklet. If you you can get them from the stove's manufacturer.
you should have all of these "clearance" dimensions with your stove install booklet. If you you can get them from the stove's manufacturer.