Firebrick Installation

Tools for the Project

• For most firebrick projects, you will need a couple of tools and a few supplies. Most tools can be purchased at hardware and building supply stores. To adhere the firebrick to the fireplace (or other work area), you need to use grout and mortar. When purchased, they are in powdered form and need to be mixed with water to form a paste. Buckets need to be purchased so you can mix the grout and mortar. You will also need an agitator, such as an electric mixer, to mix them both. To apply the grout and mortar, you need a grout float and a mortar trowel. Both tools are used to spread the grout and mortar over the work surface. You will also need a rubber hammer to tap the firebrick into place.

  Along with tools used for installing the firebrick, you need a broom, a sponge and a bucket of water to clean and prepare the work area.

Firebrick

• Firebrick comes in two forms; individual bricks and paneled sheets. Individual firebricks look similar to standard bricks, although the coloring may be different. Firebrick panels are sheets of firebrick that have been prepared in a factory. Panels are often thinner than individual bricks. When using individual bricks, measure the surface area of the floor and walls of the fireplace(or other work area, and purchase enough bricks to cover the entire surface area. Also purchase a few extra bricks, as you need to cut some of them in half to use as finishing pieces for rows. When using panels, measure the surface area of the floor and walls of the work area and purchase panels sized to fit each surface. Mark each panel with a pencil, so you don't install the wrong panel in the wrong area.

Preparing the Work Area

• Before installing firebrick, clean the work area. Sweep the work area with a broom and remove all dirt and ash. Wet the work area with a spray bottle filled with water. Wetting the work area is necessary, as it prevents the grout and mortar from drying too quickly once it touches the work surface. Use a dampened sponge to wet the firebrick.

Finishing the Job

• Once the firebrick and surface area are wet, apply grout to the floor of the work area. If you are using individual bricks, arrange the bricks in row. Coat the sides of each brick with grout before setting it down. Place the first row in the rear of the work area; use half-bricks on the sides if needed. Place the second row so each full brick covers the gap between the bricks in the first row; you should have a zig-zag pattern. Repeat until the entire floor is covered. Work with the same method to finish the walls, only use mortar instead of grout. When stacking the bricks, use the same pattern and make sure to coat the sides of each brick with mortar before setting it in place. If you are using panels, gently lay each panel into place. With either form of firebrick, make sure the corners are flush. Tap the firebrick into the grout and mortar using a rubber hammer to make sure the surface is even. Let the grout and mortar sit for at least 48 hours before using the fireplace, brick oven or fire pit you have just constructed.