SFGate

COASTROAD Hearth & Patio I'm going to jump in ahead of the architect, but I can answer the question generically, not related to this specific project.

Manufactured fireplaces, gas and wood, require a certain clearance to combustible materials, and drywall is combustible. In fact, I've seen the paper burn right off of drywall that was installed incorrectly around a fireplace. Generally speaking, if we have to cover the sheet metal face of the fireplace to create a look as shown in the photo above, we use non-combustible cement board (the one without styrofoam or paper in it) to overlay the face of the fireplace and plaster over that to create a smooth surface.

The same thing goes for masonry fireplaces, except that the masonry is already a good substrate for plaster, so you can three-coat plaster directly over it with expanded metal lath instead of cement board.

Here is an example where the fireplace is finished right up to the opening with non-combustible material:

remyd Thank you Coastroad! I'm trying to figure out the best way to update the floor-to-ceiling painted brick of my wraparound corner fireplace. For a clueless new homeowner such as myself, this information is very helpful!

COASTROAD Hearth & Patio Gotcha. There are a number of ways to skin that proverbial cat.

Post a photo or send one to me at tom@coastroadonline.com and I can help with some recommendations.