Okay, so I decided to build a fire pit in my backyard. I’ve always wanted one, and I figured, how hard could it be, right? Well, the first thing I learned is you can’t just use any old bricks. I did a little digging online and found out regular bricks can actually crack or even explode when they get too hot. No thanks!
So, I needed “fire-rated” bricks. That’s what they’re called. Basically, they’re made to withstand super high temperatures.
Finding the Right Bricks
My first thought was, “Where am I gonna find these things?” I checked out the local hardware store – you know, the big one. They had some, but honestly, they were kinda pricey. I’m all about DIY, but I’m also about saving a few bucks where I can.
Then, I remembered my neighbor, Bob, had redone his patio a while back. I asked him where he got his materials, and he suggested checking out a landscaping supply place nearby. Bingo!
This place was awesome. They had tons of different stones and bricks, including fire-rated ones. And the prices were way better than the big box store. They even had some “seconds” – you know, bricks with minor imperfections – that were even cheaper. I grabbed a bunch of those. They looked perfectly fine to me, and who’s gonna be inspecting my fire pit bricks anyway?
Building the Fire Pit
The actual building process was pretty straightforward. I dug a shallow pit, lined the bottom with some gravel for drainage, and then started stacking the bricks. I didn’t use any mortar or anything, just dry-stacked them in a circle. I figured that way, if I ever wanted to move it or change the size, it would be easy.
- Step 1: Dug a shallow pit.
- Step 2: Added gravel for drainage.
- Step 3: Dry-stacked the fire-rated bricks in a circle.
It took a few hours, and honestly, my back was killing me by the end, but it was totally worth it. I built a nice, solid fire pit, and I didn’t have to spend a fortune on the bricks.
The first fire I made in it was awesome. The bricks held up great, no cracking or anything. We roasted marshmallows, told stories, and just enjoyed the evening. It was exactly what I had envisioned. So, if you’re thinking about building a fire pit, definitely go for the fire-rated bricks, and don’t be afraid to shop around for the best deal!
