I had a gas fireplace (Valor brand) installed and the wall above it is cracked. Cement board and plaster were used and it was done by a professional installer. The fireplace throws off a lot of heat by radiation instead of the conventional fan blower. I found the heat from my old fireplace blew the air out and up to the 2nd floor. The fireplace company suggested that either larger tiles or stack stone are the best above the fireplace. I've picked out a 6x18 inch porcelain tile which I think would fit my decor. My dilemma is how high do I go with the tile and should I get a mantle. I plan on putting my colourful print with a black frame above the fireplace. The red tag in the picture shows how far up the crack runs. So, should I tile up to the red tag and put a 5-6 inch black mantel above it spanning the wall between each alcove and then 1-2 narrower shelves above the tv, or should I not install a mantle and use a nickel edging on top and the sides, or should I put mantle an equal distance above metal fireplace surround as is below it ie about 12 inches. My budget is only $1000-1500 as I plan on installing the tile myself and I know a carpenter. Any ideas or suggestions?