My vote is always for re-use (except the trash pieces, which can still be used as a filler). For your question of using a single layer of brick (I assume you mean vertical layer for the walls) -- bad idea without lining it with steel or firebrick, and a quick way for people/things to get burned. You can also use two layers spaced with an air gap or filled with loose or crushed rock (and you can use the trash pieces as well so you don't need as much rock). You will want to mortar the bricks (mortar), not stack them, and you'd need a solid base. I'd recommend using this information from The Family Handyman as a fairly good guide.

Otherwise, build a proper firepit and use the bricks for a walkway or as a flat area for standing/seating around the firepit. I'd suggest knocking off the larger chunks of old mortar with a rock/brick chisel.

Answer from Jacob S on Stack Exchange
🌐
Western Interlock
westerninterlock.com › home › hardscape basics › can i use regular brick for a fire pit?
Can I Use Regular Brick for a Fire Pit? | DIY
June 27, 2025 - While it may seem like a thrifty shortcut, using regular brick in a fire pit is a risky move that could result in damage, danger, or costly do-overs. Not all masonry stones are created to withstand open flame, intense heat, or sudden moisture ...
People also ask

What kind of bricks are safe to use in building a fire pit?
Firebricks, made to withstand high temperatures, are the best choice for the inner wall of a fire pit. Regular bricks can be used for the outer wall, which doesn’t get as hot.
🌐
stepbystepol.com
stepbystepol.com › home › can you use regular bricks for a fire pit: important safety tips
Can You Use Regular Bricks for a Fire Pit: Important Safety Tips
Is it necessary to use curved bricks when designing a fire pit?
Curved bricks are not necessary but can make building a round fire pit easier and more stable. Straight bricks can be used with some adjustments and careful placement.
🌐
stepbystepol.com
stepbystepol.com › home › can you use regular bricks for a fire pit: important safety tips
Can You Use Regular Bricks for a Fire Pit: Important Safety Tips
How do you build a brick fire pit without using mortar?
Use interlocking bricks to build a fire pit without mortar. Stack them in a stable, circular pattern, making sure they fit tightly together. You can also use metal fire pit rings for added stability.
🌐
stepbystepol.com
stepbystepol.com › home › can you use regular bricks for a fire pit: important safety tips
Can You Use Regular Bricks for a Fire Pit: Important Safety Tips
🌐
Chicago Tuckpointing and Masonry
chicagotuckpointingandmasonry.com › can-you-use-regular-bricks-in-a-fire-pit
Can you use regular bricks in a fire pit?
The answer to this question is yes, regular bricks could work for a fire pit, however, when not done properly, it can be very dangerous to do so.
🌐
Stepbystepol
stepbystepol.com › home › can you use regular bricks for a fire pit: important safety tips
Can You Use Regular Bricks for a Fire Pit: Important Safety Tips
March 19, 2025 - Using regular bricks on the outer wall is fine, as they won’t be exposed to direct flames. Firebricks can endure temperatures of up to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit, while a regular fire only reaches around 800-900 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes firebricks an essential part of building a safe and long-lasting fire pit.
🌐
It\'s The Brick Guys
itsthebrickguys.com › home › can you use regular bricks for a fire pit?
Can You Use Regular Bricks for a Fire Pit? | It's The Brick Guys
June 9, 2021 - The steel ring could theoretically ... your safety at risk. Instead, we prefer using fire pit blocks that stand the test of time, all in coordination with other hardscaping on your property....
Price   $
Address   34691 Nova Dr, 48035, Clinton Twp
(4.8)
Find elsewhere
🌐
A O Handy Inc
aohandyinc.com › using-bricks-for-a-fire-pit
Using Bricks for a Fire Pit: Safety and Design Tips
March 20, 2025 - If exposed to high temperatures repeatedly, standard clay bricks may crack, chip, or degrade over time. However, they can still be used for the outer layers of the fire pit where direct heat exposure is lower.
🌐
The Torch Guys
thetorchguys.com › news › how many bricks for a fire pit: quick guide
How Many Bricks for a Fire Pit: Quick Guide & Calculator — The Torch Guys
August 20, 2025 - Always buy 10-15% extra bricks for cuts, breaks, and mistakes. Consider local building codes and proper foundations. Use fire bricks for the inner lining and regular bricks for the outer structure.
🌐
Family Handyman
familyhandyman.com › home › house & components › parts of house › foundation
How to Build a DIY Brick Fire Pit for Your Yard | Family Handyman
July 7, 2025 - Because regular clay brick can crack at high temperatures, we’re using firebrick (also called “refractory” brick) to line the inside of the easy fire pit walls.
🌐
Today's Homeowner
todayshomeowner.com › masonry
How to Build a Brick Fire Pit: The Complete Guide (2025)
... One benefit of building a DIY ... and outdoor decor needs. For example, use cement blocks in place of bricks if you'd like a variety of shapes and sizes to make up your pit's structure....
🌐
JS Brick Corporation
jsbrickcorporation.com › what-kind-of-bricks-to-use-for-a-fire-pit
What Kind of Bricks to Use for a Fire Pit? | JS Brick Pavers
April 22, 2022 - Yes. To withstand the high temperatures reached in a fire pit, you have to use firebricks, also known as refractory bricks. ... If you use the right kind of bricks, no. However, if you use regular bricks, there’s a high chance they will crack and pop, but nothing as drastic as an explosion.
🌐
Lowe's
lowes.com › home › diy projects & ideas › how-tos › outdoor living
How to Build a Fire Pit | Lowe's
You’ll need to construct the ... need to be fire-resistant, but it does need to be heat-resistant. Regular retaining wall blocks are OK to use....
Published   August 29, 2025
🌐
B Vintage Style
bvintagestyle.com › home › diy projects › easy diy brick fire pit
Easy DIY Brick Fire Pit | B Vintage Style
June 19, 2023 - A general guideline for most brick fire pit designs is to start with a first layer of bricks, followed by at least two layers of bricks for the fire pit walls. Remember to stagger the bricks between layers to distribute weight evenly.
🌐
Yard Focus
yardfocus.com › news › how to build a fire pit with bricks
How To Build A Fire Pit With Bricks: Step-by-Step Guide — Yard Focus
March 27, 2024 - To build a fire pit with bricks, you need the right materials. This list points out everything necessary to get started. Fire Bricks: Use firebricks for the inner lining of your fire pit, choosing a size that fits your design.
🌐
Lux Yard and Homes
luxyardandhomes.com › lux yard and homes › lux yard and homes
How Many Bricks to make a 48 inch Fire Pit (Best Guide)
November 14, 2024 - Firebricks are the best choice for a fire pit, as they are specifically designed to withstand high temperatures. However, regular bricks can also be used, although they may not last as long.
🌐
Quora
quora.com › What-type-of-brick-should-I-use-to-build-a-fire-pit
What type of brick should I use to build a fire pit? - Quora
Answer (1 of 4): That depends on your intended use for said pit, as well as its size. If you're looking to build a pit for high heat applications, in excess of 2ft tall by 4ft wide, or using a blower, you need to use refractories. Refractory materials (bricks, mortar) can withstand high temperat...
🌐
Land Designs By Colton
landdesignsbycolton.com › brick-fire-pits
Brick Fire Pit DIY Guide - Build Yours in 6 Easy Steps
August 22, 2025 - You’ll lay three courses of face brick and mortar them together. Let every row of bricks set up slightly (at least 15 minutes) and smooth out the top. To finish off the top, place regular bricks on the edge.
Price   $$
Address   3383 W 30th Ave, 80211, Denver