During the warmer summer months, lounging about lazily outdoors is one of my family’s favorite activities. However, even the warmest summer days experience cool nights. This temperature change often makes late night patio gathering uncomfortable and can break up even the most fun filled get-together. One way to avoid this problem is through installing an outdoor soapstone fireplace.

The first, and most important, step in this entire design process is to get in touch with the local zoning office. Some communities have different codes and requirements concerning outdoor soapstone fireplaces in place and many vary widely. Some towns won’t allow wood burning fireplaces or soapstone masonry heaters at all, while others do but place special limits on size, placement and safety features. You cannot go forward with the design process until you understand these building codes.

Now that you are all set on what you can and can’t do in regards to local requirements, you can start searching for ideas on soapstone fireplace designs. There is a plethora of places to find inspiration too.  Try browsing through some home improvement websites, or home design magazines. Your local home improvement store or home design company may also be of assistance, offering plenty of inspiration for outdoor soapstone fireplace or soapstone masonry heater designs.

Once you find specific designs you like, decide where you want your soapstone fireplace built.  While you may have a general idea where, the size and style of the fireplace will ultimately decide where you can set it up. Take correct measurements of the area, keeping in mind the clearance you have as well as clearance.  This is also important in regards to local regulations.

We are slowly working towards a more exact idea of what you want.  Next, begin the specific design process. This can be done either on your own, or with the help of a designer.  Work up some draft plans which will match your outdoor space.  Always keep the specific materials you will be using in mind and make sure your budget is always a factor in every aspect of the decision making process.

Take your plans to a contractor so they can draw up a specific blueprint.  Outdoor soapstone fireplaces are sometimes a very large structure. It is always a wise decision to have it professional inspected so that it is structurally sound.  A contractor can also give a more exact estimate on the costs associated with materials and labor, along with a time line for construction.

There are many resources available now to help inspire your outdoor fireplace design. While this is a large project, it should ultimately reflect the personality and importance of your patio.

You take a lot of pride in your soapstone fireplace. A beautiful and warm fireplace made from soapstone adds both warmth and style. Plus, it’s ability to retain and radiate heat makes soapstone the best choice over other natural stone or wood. Not only is it great in heating up your home and keeping heating bills down but it also looks so fantastic that it is an immediate focal point of the room. You’ll want to keep it looking beautiful all year long with proper care and maintenance and not just the winter months.

You will be very pleased to know that soapstone fireplaces and soapstone masonry heaters tend to require very little maintenance. This is yet one more reason why they are so popular in new homes. However, it is important that you purchase specialized mineral oil which is applied during the cleaning process. This mineral oil, which can be found in your local home improvement stores, helps to eliminate any dust and debris found on the external layer of the stone, but it is beneficial in many other ways as well.

Now that you have all of the proper tools and cleaning supplies, take that mineral oil and rub a thin layer of it on your soapstone masonry heater or fireplace. When maintaining the proper care for your soapstone fireplace, it is very important that you never use harsh chemicals to clean the stone. Not only do you run the risk of unrepairable damage, depending on the chemical but they can also result in uneven tones throughout the external surface of the fireplace.

The oil allows the soapstone will help bring out some of the stone’s more brilliant colors and finish as well as give the soapstone a darkening effect. Soapstone generally changes colors over time. This holds true for soapstone fireplaces, sinks and counters. The more the stone is aged, the darker it becomes. Rubbing a thin layer of the mineral oil to the surface layer of the fireplaces changes it into beautiful shades of dark blue, dark gray, dark green, and so forth. The best part is the soapstone fireplace will always remain beautiful for years to come.

Strong or harsh cleaning chemicals used on the surface can actually break down the thermal makeup of the soapstone fireplace. Also try not to use any rough materials to wipe down the surface of the stone. Items such as soft cloths and linens are only to be used when maintaining the proper care for your soapstone fireplaces. As you can see, it is really simple to care for soapstone – especially when it is a fireplace!