You can build the basic structure with these bricks, then line the fire pit itself with fire bricks. That's how fireplaces are made.
Answer from JRaef on Stack ExchangeLowe's
lowes.com › home › diy projects & ideas › how-tos › outdoor living
How to Build a Fire Pit | Lowe's
We built our fire pit on the lawn from regular retaining wall blocks lined with clay fire bricks, but you can also build your pit on a cement or stone patio. Rectangular blocks make it easy to adjust the layout to a size that works well for your design.
Published August 29, 2025
Reddit
reddit.com › r/diy › fire pit bricks
r/DIY on Reddit: Fire Pit Bricks
November 20, 2021 -
Hi! I'm thinking about building a simple fire pit, i'll probably use it once every two weeks during winter, is it categorical to use fire-bricks? What's the dangers/problems with using normal ones? I ask because the first ones are very expensive, thank you.
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Go with the fire bricks. Use a stacked, circular pattern. When you stand next to it, they make a sort of parabolic heat reflector. It's crazy. Also, when stacking, you can leave gaps for added air-flow.
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Refractory bricks are designed to be used in high-heat environments. Regular bricks can have small amounts of moisture present inside them, that if heated, could turn to steam causing the brick to explode. It’s unlikely to happen, but it can and does happen. It’s the same reason you don’t build fires on top of concrete slabs or in a concrete paver fire pit without an insert ring. Personally, I’d spend the few extra bucks to have the peace of mind that a brick isn’t going to pop while my family is gathered around enjoying a fire.
I built a fire pit with a pile loose bricks a previous owner left behind.
Fire brick? They might fall apart if not but who cares, it’s cool while it lasts and it was free More on reddit.com
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February 4, 2022masonry - Safety concern building a fire pit out of reclaimed bricks - Home Improvement Stack Exchange
Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. Learn more about Teams ... I have a bunch of reclaimed (broken) bricks left over from building a patio. The bricks are from an old home that was knocked over and buried for some time. I would like to use these to build a fire pit ... More on diy.stackexchange.com
Building Outdoor Brick Fireplace.... - DoItYourself.com Community Forums
Fireplaces, Wood Burning and Heating Stoves, Flues and Chimneys - Building Outdoor Brick Fireplace.... - I am building an outdoor fireplace (not a fire pit) and I am wondering if anyone out there has experience building one as well. I have about 600 bricks that I pulled up from a patio in my ... More on doityourself.com
Fire Pit Bricks
Go with the fire bricks. Use a stacked, circular pattern. When you stand next to it, they make a sort of parabolic heat reflector. It's crazy. Also, when stacking, you can leave gaps for added air-flow. More on reddit.com
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November 20, 2021Do I Need a Fire Pit Ring for a DIY Fire Pit?
While a metal fire pit ring is not absolutely required, it offers several important benefits that improve the safety and longevity of your project. A fire ring helps protect the surrounding brick or stone from direct heat damage, contains logs and embers securely, and maintains the circular shape during construction. Investing in a quality steel ring with a heat-resistant finish can extend the lifespan of your fire pit and provide added peace of mind when enjoying outdoor fires.
757brick.com
757brick.com › home › blog › hardscapes › building a diy brick fire pit
DIY Fire Pit Planning: Calculate Your Brick Needs
How Deep Should a Fire Pit Be?
The optimal depth for a fire pit is 12 to 14 inches. This depth contains the fire safely while allowing proper airflow. Shallower pits risk escaping embers, while deeper ones may limit oxygen and create excessive smoke.
757brick.com
757brick.com › home › blog › hardscapes › building a diy brick fire pit
DIY Fire Pit Planning: Calculate Your Brick Needs
What Do You Put at the Bottom of the Fire Pit?
To create a safe and effective base for your fire pit, line the bottom with non-combustible materials that support drainage and airflow while protecting the surface below. Gravel or crushed stone is the most common choice, providing reliable drainage and stability. Other options include sand for a level base, lava rock for its heat resistance and airflow enhancement, fire glass for a decorative and heat-safe finish, and firebricks for durability and efficient heat retention. Selecting the right combination of these materials can improve both the safety and performance of your fire pit.
757brick.com
757brick.com › home › blog › hardscapes › building a diy brick fire pit
DIY Fire Pit Planning: Calculate Your Brick Needs
Videos
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Building Your Perfect Fire Pit on a Budget - YouTube
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Brick Fire Pit - YouTube
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Build The Coolest Backyard Fire Pit in Under 10 Minutes - NO TOOLS ...
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How to build a multi purpose fire pit, in a small garden at home ...
Bluu
bluu.com › home › tips & how-to's › tips & how-to's
How to Build a Fire Pit with Bricks on a Budget: Step-By-Step
November 13, 2022 - This is the base layer and should see the inside edge of the brick lined up a few inches from the outer edge of the sand/pavers. Pavers and sand are also necessary for protecting the surface on which you build upon. Though things are slightly different when you learn how to build a fire pit on grass, the idea is the same.
Instructables
instructables.com › outside › camping
How to Build Your Own Fire Pit : 6 Steps (with Pictures) - Instructables
April 11, 2022 - While you can build a fire pit from rock or have one poured, this fantastic do-it-yourself version from the folks at Progressive Farmer magazine uses bricks or cinder blocks and offers clear step-by-step instructions and a materials list to help make your project both fun and easy.
Brickworks Supply
brickworkssupply.com › inspiration-resources › articles › diy-brick-outdoor-fire-pit
How to Build a DIY Brick Outdoor Fire Pit | Brickworks Supply
Continue stacking bricks to build the wall of the fire pit, using masonry adhesive (optional) between brick to adhere each brick to one another. Depending on your design, you may want to create a single or double course of bricks.
GCI Outdoor
gcioutdoor.com › blogs › blog › build-perfect-backyard-fire-pit
How To Build The Perfect Backyard Fire Pit – GCI Outdoor
May 20, 2019 - In addition to the brick or rock you choose, you’ll need a level (there’s an app for that!), shovel, trowel, tamp, stakes and string, and gravel. If you choose to go with donated or found materials, consider how you will arrange or stack them. Design: The first step is to create a circle of the size you desire. Do this by sinking a stake in the center of where you want your pit and attaching a string. An ideal backyard fire pit is four to five feet in diameter, so make your string long enough to manage half that distance.
Pinterest
pinterest.com › flossymay › brick-fire-pit
33 Best Brick Fire Pit ideas
Fire Pit Building Ideas · Best Fire Pit Ideas · Unique Garden Fire Pit · Fire Pit Ideas Backyard Brick · Home Made Fire Pit · Fire Pit Garden Ideas Backyard · Diy Garden Fire Pit · Fire Pit Backyard Ideas · Cinder Block Fire Pit Ideas · Block Fire Pit Ideas ·
Reddit
reddit.com › r/landscaping › i built a fire pit with a pile loose bricks a previous owner left behind.
r/landscaping on Reddit: I built a fire pit with a pile loose bricks a previous owner left behind.
February 4, 2022 - My concern is the rocks/bricks exploding. ... A place to post about and discuss anything related to landscaping. ... A place to post about and discuss anything related to landscaping. ... Added a fire pit to the backyard. Happy with the results ... A place to post about and discuss anything related to landscaping. ... Building a fire pit with garden retainer wall blocks.
757 Brick
757brick.com › home › blog › hardscapes › building a diy brick fire pit
DIY Fire Pit Planning: Calculate Your Brick Needs
August 22, 2025 - The number of bricks needed to build a fire pit varies depending on the size, shape, and design. Always purchase 10–15% extra to account for breakage and potential damage. Essential tools include shovels, levels, tampers, and safety gear. Proper base preparation with gravel supports drainage and stability for your brick structure.
HGTV
hgtv.com › home › outdoors › landscaping and hardscaping
How to Build a Fire Pit in an Afternoon
July 28, 2025 - Create the first tier of the fire pit by forming a circle, alternating the large and mini bricks to create a pattern. Using a level, make sure the bricks are relatively even all the way around.
Tylynn M
tylynnm.com › home › $50 diy fire pit
$50 DIY Fire Pit | Tylynn M
April 20, 2020 - Build your own DIY fire pit for $50 with landscaping bricks and adhesive. Get that backyard ready for fire pit season with this quick tutorial!
Anawalt Lumber
blog.anawaltlumber.com › home › home improvement › 7 easy steps: how to build a fire pit with bricks
7 Easy Steps: How to Build a Fire Pit with Bricks - Anawalt Lumber Blog
July 11, 2025 - For added stability, stagger the second layer of bricks over the first layer (this means the joints shouldn’t line up). Repeat this process, building layer by layer until the fire pit walls reach your desired height — typically 12–18 inches.
The Home Depot
homedepot.com › diy projects & ideas › outdoor living ideas › outdoor decor ideas & projects
How to Make a Fire Pit - The Home Depot
September 7, 2023 - Whether you are building a homemade fire pit out of brick, stone or concrete pavers or using a fire pit kit, you must select a location that is a safe distance from any structures and low hanging trees.
Wickes
wickes.co.uk › home › ideas & advice › how to build a firepit
How to build a firepit | Wickes.co.uk
Once you’ve drilled the hole, check to make sure that your tube fits through it. Then lay the brick in-place in your firepit hole, feed the tube through it and lay your vent in position.
Dammann's Garden Company
dammannsgardenco.com › blog › diy-series-how-to-build-a-brick-fire-pit
Dammann's Garden Company – DIY Series: How to Build a Brick Fire Pit
October 24, 2022 - Pick the spot where you want to build your fire pits and arrange your first layer of bricks on the grass. Trace the inner circle or square with grass marking paint and remove your bricks.
Address 5129 S Emerson Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46237 United States
Builders
blog.builders.co.za › how-to-make-a-fire-pit
How to make a fire pit | DIY Blog
Place a circle of bricks to the outside of the circle, as shown.
Bunnings
bunnings.com.au › diy-advice › home-improvement › heating-and-cooling › how-to-build-a-fire-pit
How To Build A Fire Pit - Bunnings Australia
Cover the area within the edging and wall with 30-50mm pebbles. Assemble fire pit bowl with a screwdriver and position it inside the wall, checking that it sits flat and maintains clearance underneath.
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 - To get started, dig a circular hole about 36 inches across and fill it with gravel for drainage. When it comes to materials, you'll want to gather between 80 to 100 standard bricks for a single layer around the perimeter.
DoItYourself.com
doityourself.com › doityourself.com community forums › heating, cooling, air conditioning, ventilation and t-stat controls › fireplaces, wood burning and heating stoves, flues and chimneys › building outdoor brick fireplace....
Building Outdoor Brick Fireplace.... - DoItYourself.com Community Forums
April 3, 2007 - Fireplaces, Wood Burning and Heating Stoves, Flues and Chimneys - Building Outdoor Brick Fireplace.... - I am building an outdoor fireplace (not a fire pit) and I am wondering if anyone out there has experience building one as well. I have about 600 bricks that I pulled up from a patio in my ...