I have a mantle that is really too low for me to use anything but an insert. 42 or so inches. I really want a hearth mounted stove or a freestanding stove half way in and half way out. I have an interior chimney. I may have come up with a cleaver idea of avoinding a metal hearth shield. HOw about I add a brick or stone "second mantle" below the oak mantle? If it stuck out far enough it would act as a heat shield I believe, and I think it would look pretty nice. I would basically have to reface the entire fireplace but that sounds fun. What do you think. Would it be safe?
