Hi again everyone, I have posted a couple times about my fireplace remodel and you all have been super helpful. We are putting a BK Ashford 30.2 into a combustible alcove. This stove requires 37" of clearance above the stove and does not specify a maximum alcove depth. We are finishing the ceiling of the alcove at 37" above the stove. Is there any reason we couldn't/shouldn't put a mantel above the alcove? There are lots of pictures of this online, but with AI and all you can't really trust a picture on its own. This picture (also AI generated) shows the design we are aiming for.
I am hoping to use a reclaimed barn wood beam. If we are able to go this route, are there certain woods we should avoid? Certain stain materials? Should we just go with a non-combustible mantel out of an abundance of caution, or skip it all together? It will be a bit high for a mantel, 68.75" above the floor to be precise.
Side-note: This stove only requires ember protection which we are accomplishing with porcelain tile. Is there any reason we should consider adding some form of hearth insulation value?
Thanks again for all the help.
![[Hearth.com] Mantel above Alcove?](https://www.hearth.com/talk/attachments/chatgpt-image-jul-14-2025-07_19_34-am-webp.339437/ "[Hearth.com] Mantel above Alcove?")
I am hoping to use a reclaimed barn wood beam. If we are able to go this route, are there certain woods we should avoid? Certain stain materials? Should we just go with a non-combustible mantel out of an abundance of caution, or skip it all together? It will be a bit high for a mantel, 68.75" above the floor to be precise.
Side-note: This stove only requires ember protection which we are accomplishing with porcelain tile. Is there any reason we should consider adding some form of hearth insulation value?
Thanks again for all the help.
![[Hearth.com] Mantel above Alcove?](/talk/data/attachments/339/339465-b5c38f15439f694c6909a8a3c4574ed2.jpg?hash=VOqf6n1ity)
