I've never understood how "Editing" would work. For instance, if I say something and a few minutes later decide I should have said something else, then go back and change what I said, many others have already responded to the original, so doesn't that upset the apple cart? We need to be our own Editor. I do type my message in Word if it is a long message and then C&P it into the thread. Also, if you use your Spellcheck feature, you will see there is an error and can fix it, which BTW, eliminates the need for the SP? thingy I didn't see Pattie's error either. Sorry I missed it if it was humorous. If you are prone to typos, take a minute to correct it. What bothers me the most is the lack of punctuation, which makes a long message hard to decipher. I think we are fortunate to have this FREE, no ads, Forum. Sue

Most building depts concerning zero clearance fireplaces go strictly by the mfgr's recommendations as far as codes go and clearances. If your framing members meet the required clearance(s) suggested by the mfgr, then no need for dry wall, BUT... I drywalled all around our areas for peace of mind, especially in the areas such as yours on the back & side walls where you have insulation.On the back and sides it doesn't have to be 5/8" firecode rock, because the real purpose is just to keep the insulation from having the chance to loosen and fall against the unit.It wouldn't have to be drywall even, it could be 1/4" plywood, but i went with 1/2 rock because it was handily available.If you have the room to drywall, i would go with that.I would also run a tape coat just to seal all the seams/joints. As far as the trim/doors, my thought is that you can over trim, but that is only my opinion.

Haha - somebody had fun with that!

What parts of SD? We were just in southwestern SD a few days ago. Custer mostly and drove thru the Black Hills, Spearfish, etc on the way back home east on 90.i think I saw there were some tornado warnings north of us just after we left the area. So sad. Especially when there is property damage.