Fireplace surround framing

This weekend I started and finished the fireplace surround framing. Strange, not many pictures or plans floating around on the internet about the framing. The few I found didn't really give good instructions (and this blog won't have any either). I suspect the reason for this is there are fireplace manufacturers recommendations for framing around the fireplace that is specific to the fireplace purchased. Also, depending on your design, the framing is also very specific.

With those two things in mind, I followed the manufacture's recommendations first. Now the design of our fireplace has changed quite a bit mostly because of the vent pipe above the firebox. I was told it would have a top exhaust, rather than a back exhaust, however I wasn't told the vent pipe would be almost three feet above the firebox. If you look at the picture, the vent is above the height of the windows. If I put the mantel above that, our mantel would be around 65' off the ground. This is too high for what we want. My wife would like to put things on the mantel and those windows are around the height she would like the mantel.

The framing was also influenced by the mantel and the material we would like to put on the face of the surround. We are going to use a faux stone product. Tonight I will be installing the cement board that will back this faux stone. Using mortar, I will adhere the stone to the wall. We wanted around five inches of stone on the sides of the firebox front. Above the firebox opening, there will be around seven inches. The minimum amount for this space had to be 13'. We wanted a little more so when we hang our stockings, they aren't in a place where they could catch fire! Our mantel will be either painted white (I will use poplar which paints very nicely) or made of cherry and stained. My wife is still trying to decide. I think either would look nice but I would like to do the cherry (what ever my wife wants). The mantel will not only be on top of the firebox but it will wrap around the sides and then become the top of two book cases I will build on the sides.

Lastly, I installed a new t.v. above the fireplace. We have really enjoyed having a t.v. in this old living room. Usually, my sons are playing Madden football on the other t.v., nice to another to watch from time to time. The original design had this t.v. installed on the main wall behind the firebox. Because of that vent pipe, I have to bump the wall out 16' inches. If you look at the framing, the wall goes straight up to the ceiling. The t.v. will be mounted on the front of this wall over the stone.