Installing my wood stove

I'm finally installing a wood stove in an alcove in my house. Thanks to hearth.com I think I have it all figured out. Because the alcove is about 2 inches too small I have to install wall protection on all three sides. With the wall protection it leaves me with plenty of clearance for the stove. (Jotul Nordic 100). I had to move a couple outlets and baseboard heat as part of the prep. The durock backing is spaced 1" from the wall. I used some spacers from a kit I bought, but would not suggest them as they are a pain to install, as you can see I went to using the extra durock as furring strips. I have included a couple of photos to show my progress so far. Next step is to add the stone veneer. I have a couple of questions.
Do I need to move the recessed light that will be directly above the stove? The stove pipe will have at least 18" of clearance from the ceiling.
When I install the stone veneer, can I put up the scratch coat of mortar and let it dry overnight? I don't know if I will have time to complete all the stone work in one shot.
Any other helpful suggestions would be appreciated to make sure I do this right.

Update: I have pretty much completed the walls and I have attached the photos. Im happy that I took the time to lay out all the stones on my basement floor so that I didn't have too much trouble getting the stones up in a pattern without having to do too much cutting. Next step will be putting in the tile flooring and then installing the stove.

I have a question about the chimney which will run up the side of the house to above the roof. How far does he chimney pipe need to be from the house? I have about a 6" outcropping where the gutter is and don't know if I will need to put in a chimney elbow or just be able to move it out from the house and have a straight line to above the roof.

Lumber-Jack said:

The stone veneer can be stuck directly to the concrete board, a scratch coat is not really necessary.

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I wasn't sure about being able to go directly without a scratch coat, thanks.

swestall said:

I had the same thought, but, just use double wall stainless pipe; you'll only buy it once and the clearance is much less. Looks like a lot of work.

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I have double shield stove pipe, because I was worried about the clearance and wanted to be sure.

begreen said:

Gaucho, is there a layer of 3/4" plywood under the Durock cement board for the floor?

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Yes there is a layer of plywood. I am planning on putting down slate tile once I finish with the walls.

begreen said:

So far the wall shields look ok, just maintain the 1" air gap top and bottom with the stone veneer. I don't think the light will be a big issue especially with double wall pipe. Where will the chimney support be? Are you going out the side or rear wall or straight up with a ceiling support?

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Im going out the rear wall, I have marked it on the wall, but you cannot see it in the pictures. It is 18" from the ceiling. I do have the 1" gap on top and bottom and I have left myself enough gap at the bottom to account for the tile flooring once it is installed. The Jotul comes with a bottom heat shield so according to instructions I'm good with tile flooring and the durock.

Here are the almost finished pictures. I still have to finish the outside chimney and some trim work before I can light it up.

I need a little help to make sure I did this right. I have finished the outside chimney but am not sure if it the straps are correct and if I need to put another right at the roof line. I have posted a picture of it. There is a strap right below the roof line that you cannot see. There is about 10 feet total pipe above the roof line.