I wanted to share my recent project where I built a fire pit in my backyard. I’ve always loved the idea of having a cozy spot to gather around with friends and family, so I finally decided to make it happen. I did some digging around to figure out what materials I needed, and it turns out firebricks are the way to go for the pit itself.
Regular bricks just won’t cut it, they can’t handle the heat. So I had to find firebricks. They are these special bricks that are made to withstand super high temperatures. They’re bigger, thicker, and wider than the usual bricks, and they’re designed specifically for this kind of thing. I went down to my local brickyard and started looking around.
I went online and did some more research. For example, there’s this one called “Forge High Density Heavy Duty Fire Bricks 3180F”, and it comes in a pack of 2. I think it’s a bit pricey for me since I wanted to keep the budget around $40. Also there’s “US Stove FBP6 Firebrick” and “Rutland Products Fire Brick”, they all come in a pack of 6. They were selling for around 20 to 45 bucks. I had already spent around $15 for some other tools, so I decided to go with “US Stove FBP6 Firebrick” at $19.37 to save a bit more money. With some other tools and accessaries, the total cost is around $35.
Once I got my hands on those, I started building. I dug a shallow pit in the ground, lined the bottom with some gravel for drainage, and then carefully stacked the firebricks to form the walls of the pit. It took some time and effort, but seeing it come together was really satisfying.
I made sure to leave some gaps between the bricks for airflow, which is important for a good fire. And let me tell you, those firebricks are heavy! But they’re also really solid, so I know this fire pit is gonna last a long time.
- Digging the Pit: First things first, I had to dig a hole. I chose a spot in my backyard that was far enough from the house and any trees. I made the pit about a foot deep and wide enough to fit the firebricks comfortably.
- Laying the Foundation: To ensure proper drainage, I poured a layer of gravel at the bottom of the pit. This will prevent water from accumulating and potentially damaging the fire pit over time.
- Building the Walls: This was the fun part. I carefully stacked the firebricks around the perimeter of the pit, leaving small gaps between them for airflow. I used a level to make sure each layer was even.
- Adding the Finishing Touches: Once the walls were up, I added a layer of decorative stones around the outside of the pit. This not only looks nice but also helps to retain heat.
- Safety First: I also made sure to clear the area around the fire pit of any flammable materials and kept a fire extinguisher nearby, just in case.
Now that it’s all done, I’ve already had a few fires in it, and it’s amazing. The firebricks hold the heat really well, and the fire pit creates such a warm and inviting atmosphere. If you’re thinking about building your own fire pit, definitely go with firebricks. They’re worth the investment!
