How to Build a Brick Fire Pit (2023)

FAQs

Can you use regular brick for a fire pit? ›

Fire pits can reach high temperatures, so regular bricks won't work. Regular bricks will crack at high temperatures and can cause a real accident if used in fire pits. Instead, you are going to use firebricks, also called refractory bricks.

What do you put in the bottom of a fire pit? You'll want to start with a layer of sand at the bottom of the pit, and then top the sand with gravel, lava rocks, fire pit glass, paving stones or even bricks for your fire pit. Alternatively, you can simply use dirt.

Kiln-fired brick is safe to use in an aboveground fire pit. These bricks are typically fired to 1800ºF and easily withstand the heat of flames. Landscaping brick that's been kiln-fired is safe to use. Brick paver stones should also be safe to use.

Final Thoughts. Fire needs air to burn, without enough air the flames will die down, and black thick smoke will come out instead. So fire pits definitely need an air vent, to get oxygen to the fire.

The hole should be 12 inches in diameter and 18 inches deep. Fill this hole with large gravel. If the soil doesn't drain well or there is heavy precipitation, dig a trench from the center out. If you're adding a drainpipe, dig about 10 feet from the fire pit.

Generally, if you build a fire pit that you intend to be a permanent fixture in your backyard, a fire pit ring insert is highly recommended. If your fire pit is intended to be semi-permanent or temporary, an insert may not be necessary.

A typical brick could start to break apart at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit (~ 649 degrees Celsius), but a refractory brick will handle heat up to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit (~982 degrees Celsius).

Build a Fire Pit with Masonry blocks and No Mortar

It consists of two rows of masonry block and a cap stone, so no mortar is required. But you still need to apply masonry adhesive to make sure the cap stones stay in place.

Firebrick is mortared with refractory cement, which, unlike regular masonry mortar, can withstand high heat. Refractory cement comes premixed in a bucket and has the consistency of peanut butter.

Can any brick be a fire brick? ›

Therefore, firebricks can withstand high temperatures and have a low thermal conductivity, providing better insulation and insulation. The high density makes firebricks resistant to wear and tear. Ordinary bricks are not suitable for these applications.

A simple outdoor fire pit can be constructed out of cinder block. Create a backyard fire pit with little effort—or money—by using cinder blocks. A cinder block fire pit is quick, cheap, and doesn't require any special DIY skills to make.

Rocks that Contain Water

Very porous rocks should be avoided, such as limestone, pumice, shale, and sandstone. Even these rocks have varying densities (even throughout a single rock), which means that some water could very easily get trapped inside, and crack or explode when heated.

By allowing air to enter the fire pit at the bottom, the vent holes help ensure the wood fire has enough oxygen to keep burning efficiently. At the same time, the vent holes should be small enough to help prevent dangerous sparks and embers from escaping the fire pit.

We generally recommend facing them up, to increase flame size and efficiency. Facing the holes downward will give them a little more protection from moisture, so if you don't have a way to cover or protect your fire pit when not in use, that may be a consideration.

In order to create the safest, most functional ventilation system for your fire pit, install cross ventilation. To do this, place two vents on opposite sides of the fire pit to allow various exit points for heat and gas. Without multiple vents, gas can still get trapped on one side due to poor airflow.

Placing an even amount of sand towards the bottom of your fire pit will create an entire layer of additional heat protection. Sand can act as a buffer between the wood or fuel you use in your fire and the bottom of your firepit, preventing it from burning or charring over time.

Sunken fire pits have fewer risks because out-of-control fires are less likely to spread. There are fewer dangers related to nearby combustibles when the fire is below ground. A unique risk of in-ground fire pits, however, is that they can be more dangerous for children and pets.

A fire pit placed in the ground is an easy and cheap option. All of the work is done by you, and you get to decide how big it can be, in accordance with local laws, of course. All you have to do is dig the hole and design how the logs are placed in the pit.

Line the inside of the fire pit walls with clay fire bricks. To align the bricks with the top of the fire pit, add more paver base, gravel or more fire bricks to the bottom of the pit.

Do you need a spark guard for fire pit? ›

It is best to always use a spark guard with your fire pit. While fire pits are an enjoyable and relaxing experience, safety should always be a top concern. Flying embers can burn people near the fire, as well as ignite flammable items nearby. Flying sparks and embers can be a nuisance and danger around the fire pit.

A good rule of thumb is to have the above-ground fire pit height at 12 – 14 inches tall – around a few inches shorter than standard patio seating height. Anything taller will prevent you from enjoying the fire. If you plan to sit on the edge of the pit, 18 – 20 inches tall would be sufficient.

safety note: red brick is fine to use in a fire pit as long as you don't plan on building large or very hot fires. It can pop if it gets too hot, so if you plan on building large fires, then you better go to a home improvement store and purchase fire brick.

Your fire pit will be just fine with retaining wall blocks, but once you're done building the pit, you may wish to insert a steel fire ring. Doing so will extend the life of your blocks by preventing them from drying out prematurely.

1200 c is the temp at which brick usually burnt. It should be 900° to 1200°c.

​You should get a fire pit with a minimum of 4mm thick steel. Anything less than 3mm thick will not last more than a season or two. The quality of welds on a fire pit is also important. Cheaper fire pits can come apart under the heat of the fire and/or rust through at the joints.

Gravel. Gravel provides drainage, particularly for permanent fire pits dug into the ground. It tends to compact better than sand, allowing for stability over time.

The shape that works depends on the size of your space and what type of entertaining you are planning A square is the ideal shape for small gatherings. If you want the classic fire pit experience where you're able to see everyone all around, go for the circle.

The flame-resistant properties of concrete make it a prime pick for an outdoor fire pit—and, with this tutorial from Quikrete, you can make one with your own two hands!

Refractory mortar is a mix of cement, sand, fireclay and, other specialized ingredients such as calcium aluminate. Fireclay is a set of various clays that can resist heat up to 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Just think of this as clay that has special heat resistant properties.

How long will a brick fire pit last? ›

A fire pit can last anywhere from 1 year to a lifetime, it all depends on how well you maintain it. If you don't maintain your fire pit properly it will get damaged and start to rust in about a year. But if you take proper care of it, it can last a lifetime.

Concrete fireplaces and fire pits should be constructed carefully. When exposed directly to high amounts of heat, the moisture trapped inside concrete can expand and cause the concrete to crack and in extreme situations, explode.

You can choose to use dirt as the base of your firepit. You can also add a layer of sand and then a fireproof material. Gravel, Lava rocks, fire pit glass or silica, paving stones, or bricks are all safe options. We have a blog about using sand in your fire pit if you are considering that option.

Not good. The heat sensitive surface underneath your pit can also absorb the oils and chemicals from the fire pit, which can also discolour it over time.

Unfortunately, there is a downside to having a fire pit on your property. You may be attracting unwanted pest problems. That's right, fire pits (and the wood that fuels them) could be why pests such as ants, mosquitoes, rodents and wood-destroying insects are showing up both indoors and out.

Place your fire pit at a safe distance (10-25 feet) from any flammable structures or surfaces. This includes your house, trees, shed, vehicle, neighbors' property, and wood deck, among other things. Keep your fire pit away from overhanging branches. A 21-foot clearance is standard for most municipalities.

Douse the remaining fire with water

Heat from the fire will turn the water to scalding hot steam that can burn you or anyone else nearby. As you pour water on the flames, you may hear sputtering or sizzling sounds. You'll want to keep adding water until these sounds have stopped entirely.

The shift away from structural brick began after World War II. Mid-century consumers wanted suburban homes that looked distinct from their urban counterparts and newer building codes no longer required brick. That, meant less demand for both the material and the masons needed to install it.

Masonry or mortar drill bits are the only type that can penetrate brick or mortar with ease. These bits are designed to deal with particular materials, so the central part of the bit is made of steel, while the tip has tungsten carbide to help it cut through tough walls.

What size blocks for fire pit? ›

Choose a block with angled sides, meant to form curves when butted against each other. The optimal size for a fire pit is between 36 and 44 inches inside diameter.

Some rocks that have trapped moisture will explode when the high heat of the fire reaches them. Granite, marble, and slate are good stones for building your firepit since they are dense and least likely to absorb water.

If you are incorporating a fire pit on a pre-existing installation, you can safely build one on top of it, as long as the pavers you're using are porous and fire-resistant. If they are not, it is recommended that you remove some pavers and expose the ground beneath, so you can then build your fire pit around it.

Most offer prefab, modular units that cost at least half as much as a custom build. "I've put in custom fire pits that cost as much as $7,000 — just for the pit," Rogers says. That means the patio cost even more. Yowsa!

If you are looking to make your patio more efficient in terms of space, a square fire pit would be a suitable choice for smaller yards. The sleek lines of the square fire pit are more of a modern and formal look for backyard designs. If size isn't an issue, a square fire pit is still an optimal choice.

Sunken fire pits have fewer risks because out-of-control fires are less likely to spread. There are fewer dangers related to nearby combustibles when the fire is below ground. A unique risk of in-ground fire pits, however, is that they can be more dangerous for children and pets.

Porous or wet stone, such as sandstone or river rocks, may crack or explode when they reach high temperatures. Hard rocks like granite, marble or slate are suitable for use in fire pits. Lava rocks are another popular option.