Can you use regular bricks in a fire pit?

Fire pits are a very cozy addition to a patio or any outdoor area. Aside from providing warmth to a group of people, they can also help you keep comfortable during cold nights.


When you have a fire pit on your property, you would know that it is fun and enjoyable, and is also great at making people socialize and bond as they are huddled together in its warm heat. Because of this, there are many people who have already been investing in getting one as it can be used all year long: in summers while eating hotdogs and barbecue and during winter when the Christmas season is fast approaching.


Fire pits are a nice investment and a good source of entertainment, however, they can be a little hard on the wallet. After all, a fire pit is often considered a luxury. That is why there are other homeowners who are seeking alternatives to the materials in building one in order for it to be cheaper than what it commonly costs.

Will regular bricks work?

There are many owners who are wondering if it would be okay to use regular brick instead of the usual firebrick when building their fire pit, as firebricks may be expensive in their area or if they particularly do not like the look of firebricks. 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.



Regular bricks are often not able to withstand extreme heat and moisture that come when lighting up a fire pit, which is what a firebrick works best in. There is a reason why a firebrick is called a “firebrick” in the first place.

What exactly is a firebrick? What about a regular brick?


Firebricks are a type of bricks that are specifically made to withstand the heat that is produced when lighting a fire. Because of their property, they are often used in the building of a structure that is expected to produce or be near fire and heat, such as fireplaces, chimneys, and fire pits.


On the other hand, regular bricks are the bricks that do not exactly have the property that makes them withstand heat, such as the standard concrete brick and similar masonry units. Because they are not well equipped, they are weaker than a firebrick when compared to their capability to be able to stay in a heated area. However, this does not mean that a regular brick will melt when exposed to heat, but when compared to a firebrick, they will definitely lose when it comes to heat capacity.  We said that using regular brick “could” work, but it is important to keep in mind that firebricks will definitely do the job best.

Is it ok to use standard bricks on the entire pit?

If you really want to use regular bricks instead of the recommended firebricks, you must know that there are many experts who would tell you to use firebrick on the interior of your fire pit, and to use the regular bricks on the exteriors to save money. This would mean that you will use two brick variants into building your fire pit.


The reasons why professionals would say you still need firebricks is that:


The inner wall of your fire pit should be made with fireproof material.  A fire pit is usually made of an inner wall, also sometimes called “interior”, an outer wall, also called “exterior”, and a cap that covers the pit when it is not used and keeps debris and rain from entering the structure.


Because the interior part of your fire pit is where the fire is situated, it will need to be made with material that can withstand heat. By using firebricks on the inner wall, you will be able to use your fire pit for a much longer time, as it will continue to be stable and durable, compared to only using regular brick, which would crumble after a couple of years once it is often exposed to extreme heat.

Your local authorities would most likely require the use of fire bricks.


Fire pits are a great source of warmth and entertainment, but most cities and states in the U.S. would require homeowners to secure permits and other requirements before having one constructed in their property.


Depending on where you live, you may have to visit your homeowner’s association as well. This is in order for them to make sure that the fire pit that is being built is adhering to the codes and regulations that were set by the municipality, such as the minimum distance to other buildings, the size, and especially the material that will be used.


For you and your loved ones’ safety.



Firebricks are often durable and are specifically made for the purpose of withstanding heat, which is why they will always be recommended (and sometimes required) in the first place. Following the codes and restrictions of your local government will not only be for the purpose of paying for permits but ultimately for you, your family, and your neighbor’s safety.


Unfortunately, there are several cases where fire pits have resulted in some unwanted accidents. To take precautions to avoid these from happening, using firebricks in the inner walls and regular bricks would be the best and cost-effective way to guarantee your protection.

Can you build a fire pit on your own?

Depending on where you live, DIY fire pits may be a violation of a regulation. To make sure, you should contact your local government. Building a fire pit without any experience can be dangerous and costly, which is why getting the help of a contractor would be best.

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