Custom surround or raise firebox floor?

[sltshome]

Hi all, I'm looking into an insert that, with a four-sided surround, would cover my firebox (three-sided leaves a 3" gap at the top). However, the firebox is flat with the hearth so there's nowhere to put the bottom piece of the surround. I've been told my options are a custom three-sided surround (3" taller at the top) or raising the floor of the firebox so the insert sits high enough to allow room for the four-sided surround's bottom piece.

I was thinking of going with the custom surround, particularly because the four-sided surround covers up a few inches of brick on the sides which a custom surround would prevent, but at the same time, that's going to mean a fairly big piece of surround at the top which may look weird.

Any suggestions/thoughts for me?

Thanks!

 

[EatenByLimestone]

Are any air intakes obstructed with the bottom piece not used?

 

[begreen]

This will give you a visual idea of what it will look like with the custom surround.

 

[sltshome]

Are any air intakes obstructed with the bottom piece not used?

I'm not sure I understand. Not using the bottom piece, i.e. using a three-sided surround, means I have a 3" gap from the top of the surround to the top of the firebox.