Fireplaces, Heating Stoves, Flues and Chimneys - boxwood stove

I recently built a small workshop (16' x 8') off my detached garage. I bought a small boxwood stove to use in it. The instructions call for clearance for the stove to be no less than 36", which will take up too much space from the workshop. What can I use to cover the drywall areas where the stove will go so I can reduce the clearance and be able to put the stove closer to the walls?

I'm not sure what the fire safety laws are in your area, but a good rule of thumb is to have a steel screen which is as tall and as wide as the unit placed 2" behind the unit in upright position which will allow hot air to circulate in the space between the stove and the screen and thereby be diverted up and out away from the wall. Fire safety laws here in New Brunswick and Quebec did at one time indicate a clearance of 18" from any combustible material, but that would be without a screen. But to be sure you can check with any outlet selling woodburning units and they might be able to give you better advice than myself.

To reduce the clearance shown in the mfr's instructions you would need further instructions from them or a reference in your building code.
You really need to get this installation signed off by both your building inspector and your insurance company.

Many have had an unpleasant surprise to find that their fire insurance was voided by a wood burning install.

Besides, the cost to heat this small area conventionally would not be that great.