So in our new old home, I would like to restore the fireplace in the living room to a more accurate version. Currently, it is completely covered in faux stone. I would like to sheet rock above the mantel and add an antique mantel. (Probably one from the local salvage store that has been painted.)

Now, I have been trying to research how this fireplace can be to code. So, first of all, does it have to be if it is going to be an open gas burning? Second, if it does need to be to code, at what point does the 'mantel' actually start on the top? Is it at the mantel shelf or the header?

Or, if the header is 1.5 inches or less, it only needs to be a minimum of six inches above the fire box correct??

I've attached a link to my inspiration picture. We do want a black surround but in wood instead of marble/faux marble as the picture shows. Our fireplace set-up is just like the one shown except our is covered in horrible faux stone.

Here is a link that might be useful: Inspiration picture on pinterest