Framing Wall Around Gas Heater

So im building out my basement. There is a gas heater with an ugly exposed gas line and shut off valve on one wall im closing in.

I have to frame out that wall to run electrical to the room due to low ceilings and the other pathway blocked by a door. I’m also running speaker wire so need enough distance between the electrical and speaker wire.


My plan is to box out a 5’ opening with a beam and jack studs and cut out the drywall around the heater + 2”. The wall will go overtop of part of the heater but generally it will protrude. As I said before it is gas. I will wrap the whole thing in drywall. To the left of the heater is the pipe and valve. I will keep that in an open cavity behind drywall but with an access panel so you can still get to it.

My only concern is this going to be an issue with the heat from the heater? It’s attached to a drywall wall right now but face mounted with nothing overhead until the ceiling.

Should I use fire retardant wood and fire rated drywall or is that unnecessary?


Frankly I never plan to use that heater but it came with the house. Don’t want to leave something unsafe for the next people to own the house one day.