So this is what I'm faced with....

Here's a few pictures of what the previous owner installed is this Comforter wood stove with fake brick tile. I'm installing a new stove and don't want to repeat what he did.

You first need to determine what type of stove you'll install and how far from the wall the stove will sit. If the stove is far enough from the wall to meet manufacturers requirements for clearance, then you are OK. You will also need proper clearance between the flue pipe and any combustible material - again see manufacturers requirements. The floor (hearth) for the stove must also meet manufacturer's requirements. I don't know much about flue pipe but I know the pipe must meet the requirements for the stove, and beyond the stove room insulated flue pipe is normally used.

Already downloaded the PDF file for the Englander 24-ACD. Did my homework on the specs. Thanks for the tip.

I see nothing wrong with the z-brick so long as what is behind gives the correct clearance requirement.

I had a Warner and I sold it. Turned around and bought a Fisher Grandpa and sold that. Then my neighbor gave me his Englander. He wasn't a heavy stove user, only when temps hit the teens or less. I'll keep the Englander, seems to be a favorite. I'll sell the Comforter. Jeesh it's like a regular stove shop around here.

Used it for 2 years, I'm just not wild over the setup. Z-brick, that's the stuff, ah ha remember when it was in all the stores.....in the 70's. Pretty sure it's plywood behind it. I'm going to take it all down, open the room for the Englanders blower to do it's job.