Mantel replacement

[Burner]

I have a wood mantel that is too close to the wood stove (even with a shield.) So I would like to remove it and put up some stone or brick. I can't seem to find out how to do this and still get the area above the stove and above the brick face to be protected to the point that it is no longer considered combustible. Do I need to take out the wall/replace with brick?

 

[begreen]

Usually a wood mantel removes fairly easily. Can you post a picture?

 

[Burner]

Here's a pic. It does look like the mantel can be easily removed from the surrounding wall. Is that all I need to do before I say screw in durock?