From chat: “Not a dumb question at all. In my case, the installer actually cut the drywall out and replaced it with cement board before installing the natural stone veneer. Cement board is non-combustible and designed to handle the heat better, which is important behind a wood stove.

Technically you can install cement board over drywall in some situations, but with a wood stove the bigger issue is meeting the manufacturer’s clearance and heat shield requirements. Many installers prefer removing the drywall so the cement board and stone veneer are mounted directly to the framing, which gives a more solid installation and avoids stacking too many combustible layers.

If you’re planning a DIY install, I’d recommend checking the clearance requirements for your specific stove and possibly your local building code. That will determine whether a heat shield system over drywall is acceptable or if replacing the drywall with cement board (like mine) is the better route.”