How To Make Fire Bricks (Step-by-Step Guide)

Types of Fire Bricks

There are two types of fire bricks – hard brick and soft brick.

Soft Brick

Soft bricks’ primary use is to insulate. These bricks are made of refractory clay made with combustible materials. When the bricks heat up, the combustible materials disintegrate, leaving air holes throughout the brick. People use this brick as the structure for electric kilns or a liner for reduction kilns.

Hard Brick

Hard brick is durable and used to create structure. This brick can withstand direct flame. Large kilns, chimneys, and fire pits typically use hard brick. Hard bricks are a great choice to use with your fire pit.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Fire Bricks

You can make fire bricks with just a little time, skill, and tools. A particular type of cement called refractory cement is used to make fire bricks. You can purchase refractory cement at your local hardware store or make your own. A 25-pound pail will cost about $50.

You can make fire bricks in just nine easy steps.

Items you’ll need to tackle the task:

Step 1: Determine the Fire Brick Size

First, decide the size of the bricks you want to make. An average fire brick is typically 4.5 inches x 9 inches x 1.5 inches. This is a good size for fire pits 36 – 44 inches wide.

Step 2: Create the Fire Brick Mold

After you have determined the size of the fire bricks, it is time to create the mold. Cut the 2-inch by 4-inch studs to the desired size of the fire brick.

Attach the studs using screws and an electric drill. If it is attached correctly, it should look like a box.

Step 3: Attach Plywood to the Box

Lay the box on a flat service. Measure the plywood to the specifications of the box and attach it with screws.

The screws securing the plywood to the box should be placed every five inches. This will become the bottom of the box. Flip the box over and set it on a flat, smooth service.

Step 4: Caulking the Seams

Caulk each seam of the box where the plywood meets the studs and each corner where they meet. Use polyurethane to seal the wood. Lay the box facing down on another piece of plywood, but do not attach it.

Note: You can use vegetable shortening in place of polyurethane as a low-cost alternative.

Step 5: Mix Refractory Cement

While the mold is setting, mix the refractory cement on a smooth, concrete surface. In a bucket, mix one-and-a-half parts masonry cement and one-and-a-half parts perlite. Next, incorporate two parts fire-clay and two parts sand.

Combine the dry mixture using a shovel until it is thoroughly mixed.

Step 6: Add Water to the Mixture

Create a hole in the center of the mixture. Add half part water and slowly fold the dry mixture into the center. The mixture should now have a granulated look.

To be sure that the mixture is the right consistency, pack a small amount into a ball and toss it into the air. If the ball stays together, the mixture is good to go. If the ball does not stay together, add more water until it is the right consistency.

Step 7: Fill the Mold

Fill the mold with the refractory cement. Use a piece of plywood to scrape the excess cement off the top of the mold.

Tap the mold onto a hard surface several times to release any air bubbles. Do this until the top of the mold is smooth and all air bubbles are gone.

Step 8: Set the Mold

Cover the refractory cement-filled mold with a piece of plastic sheeting. Tape the plastic to the mold and leave it for two days. After 48 hours, remove the plastic and let the mold set for an additional 2 days.

Since you have to wait a while before the brick is done, you might want to consider making multiple molds. This can significantly cut down on your overall timeline to finish all of your bricks.

Step 9: Release the Fire Brick

After the fire brick has set, release it from the mold by removing the screws from the studs.

Building a Fire Pit

Before you build a fire pit in your backyard, make sure that this is acceptable in your neighborhood. If it follows local codes and ordinances, there should be no problem installing a new fire pit.

Some people prefer to build a fire pit with cinder blocks. However, now that you know how to make fire bricks, you can put them to work.

Tools to build your fire pit:

Step 1: Create a Space for the Fire Pit

When you find the perfect place in your backyard for a fire pit, place a stake in the ground. Attach a string half the size of the circumference of the fire pit to the stake. Using the string as a guide, spray paint a circle.

Dig around the circle about a half an inch deep. Then, following the method above, paint another circle one foot from the outside of the original circle.

Step 2: Build the Foundation

Mix the concrete until it is the consistency of peanut butter. Lay the concrete in the 12-inch space between the two circles. This will be a foundation for the stones.

The concrete should be one-inch to one-and-a-half-inches high. Before the concrete sets, place rebar stakes into the concrete for extra support.

Step 3: Build the Outer Wall

Mix the mortar and shovel two-inches on top of the concrete foundation. Working in small sections, place stones onto the mortar.

Next is where your homemade fire bricks come into the picture. After you have laid a few stone levels, start laying your fire bricks to form the inner fire pit wall structure.

Step 4: Build the Inner Fire Brick Wall

As you lay more stone levels, continue to lay the fire bricks on the inner part of the fire pit. Use mortar to fill in any gaps between the fire bricks and stone. Stagger the seams of the stones and fire bricks to create a sturdier structure.

Step 5: Finish the Fire Pit

Once you have completed the structure, it is time to lay your optional flat stones on top of the fire pit. Attach these stones using mortar to give the fire pit a polished look.