Question

I am not a very ‘handy’ person - but wanted to try and overhaul my garden using as many up-cycled items as possible. Basically, to keep the cost down. I got given the chance to have some used bricks  So thought a small fire pit would be ideal. I love fire  anyway, I have been reading that some bricks can explode if they aren’t fireproof! Can anyone help me out? I’ve googled it so much my head is spinning! Like I said I am not that good at DIY - but I am willing to learn. I am kinda happy with the result - but won’t use it until the gravel is down and I’ve found out about the safety element - Thanks

Answer 1

Easiest solution would be to use a metal container like a galvanised dustbin inside the bricks x

Answer 2

Bricks will probably be OK, slabs likely to crack, never known a brick to explode

Comments

@dietsche I will be using sand and rocks in the base if the bricks will be ok  

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Sand will be good, will reflect the heat. Rocks dependant on what type

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What rocks would be good? I thought it would create a natural air flow under anything I burn?  

Answer 3

Them bricks will be fine, the heat from a fire pit won’t do any damage, only need fire proof brick for intense heat like when your melting metals

Answer 4

You will be fine. Looks good  

Answer 5

Yes some bricks can explode or crack. Also not many people know that concrete will explode with fire as well.  

Answer 6

We had a brick explode in a fire pit we built years ago in an old house. Something to do with air heating up and escaping at speeds I think? For what it would cost, if you really want one, I’d purchase some fire safe bricks just in case  But I’m just a bloke on Facebook and my knowledge is limited  

Answer 7

Exploding bricks, our house faces south. still.  

Answer 8

If the brick contains moisture it could split and perhaps small pieces could be ejected. As the water heats up it boils and that's what creates the problem. Just ask any plumber who has used a blow lamp next to a brick.  

Answer 9

@skinner9 fletcher is exactly right, its the moisture in the bricks that cause them to explode. firstly you need to space your bricks with air gaps else the fire won't take. then to prevent explosions you just need to have small fires in it to dry the bricks out before having any big prolonged fires.  

Answer 10

Bricks and slabs might crack over time but just replace  
https://youtu.be/brumo0wtOpc

Comments

@withdrawal419  this was the video that inspired me - it looks great

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Haha yes I like the foreman too .  haha

Answer 11

Built mine with mono block been okay so far.  

Comments

Not onto slabs just dug into ground.  

Answer 12

Its needs a lot of heat for the bricks to react like you say. I've built BBQ'S & FIRE PITS WITH BRICKS no problem at all, just leave some gaps on the side of bricks when building.! Just to draw the air in so it works really well.  

Answer 13

Thanks for all the tips  I will look forward to the return of dry weather, getting the gravel down and enjoying my little project  

Answer 14

The slabs are more likely to pop than the bricks so cover them too. Slabs are made from aggregate that contain small stones and its the expanding stones that go bang. Dont put the fire directly on the slabs.  

Answer 15

Bricks CAN explode but it's rare. More often or not they just crack. Bricks are cooked in a massive kiln which is quite a bit hotter than a fire pit.