Homestead optional surround

I'd say the surround is more for looks than anything else. I'm sure there may be some theory that it would reflect a little more heat into the room (especially if your fireplace is on an outside wall). I don't think you will be able to notice a difference. I did block of the face of the fireplace for mine, and that was only for cosmetic reasons. There was no noticable difference

I had my homestead for about a week. We got the optional surround and it heats up, but not as much as the soapstone. I figure that as it cools the surround radiates a very small amount of heat back into the room, but I can't give you anything concrete yet to back that up.

My wife was impressed with how good the surround actually looks.

This link has a picture:

https://www.hearth.com/econtent/index.php/forums/viewthread/11649/

The surround is decorative to hide the firebox from view if it is unsightly. Personally, I would rather see the firebricks than sheet metal but that is my humble opinion. The damper area of the fireplace should be sealed off anyway.

Jack