The advantage of using fireplace inserts over the open fireplace is there is a space between the firebox and the outside walls of the insert.
Metal stud framing fireplace.
The fireplace was levelled horizontally and vertically and centred in the space.
Fireplace in a straight wall.
Not sure about the specs on you re quad but my napoleon nz3000 required metal studs above and beside the unit for correct clearances.
The fireplace sticks out 2 past the base to accommodate full 2 x 2 studs easier to frame a full wall.
The metal standoffs on the fireplace were secured in place for only a drywall finish no tile or stone.
Metal studs are generally considered suitable for framing non load bearing walls and in particular for finishing basement spaces where the potential for excess moisture presents the problem of rot and mold growth with wood construction.
My wife and i bought a fixer upper and the fireplace needed remodeling so i did my best to to it with metal studs.
There is only one metal stud while all the above horizontal support will be wood instead because the fireplace lean back a bit creating enough gap on top area.
Use of cripple stud to receive head sill tracks at the jamb studs helps maintain alignment of finishes.
In this plan detail drawing the framed opening must be the exact width shown 41 1 4.
Boxed jamb studs welded together reduces material build up and finish problems.
Although steel studs are not susceptible to mold or rot they can rust in damp situations so the use of a vapor barrier or gasket between the bottom plate and.
You would need framing metal or wood for the manufactured man made type of stone or brick.
Other considerations for the front wall of the fireplace could be if you want to use masonry stone or brick.
Window load bearing boxed header boxed jamb.
Seeing that there wasn t a video tha talke.
The reason for using metal studs like this is due to airgap clearance from the fireplace bricks.
I think your recommendation of using a piece of wood inside to avoid bend makes sense.
The metal firebox has a nailing flange on each side and if the opening s stud framing is set too wide apart the hole will be too wide and won t hold the nailing flanges.
