Expert: James Ball - 6/10/2011

Question
We have ugly bricks halfway up the wall behind our wood stove and would like to replace it with something better looking.  I know we can use cultured stone or heat resistant tile, but are there other choices that are less expensive and look good?  I'm also wondering if it should be a dark color?  would that show less dirt than something lighter or does it matter?

Answer
Linda, a wood stove requires a certain "clearance to combustibles"  and most people use brick or stone, you could use tile, marble, pre fab panels, metal and your stove will have the amount of clearance you will need and how to achieve it in its owners manual, as far as cost, it will depend on what you decide to use.
James