Just another idea. What about using "durarock"? it comes in a panel and is especially made for high heat places. We just installed a fireplace and it had to be placed around the walls of the fireplace box for heat safety. It can be cut down to any size like wood, it looks like a sheet of blueboard and you can find it at any Home Depot or place like that! Just another, safer idea! Eleanor [Posted in FML issue 3754]