Plans to Make a Firepit Out of Red Bricks

Design

• Decide on the shape for your firepit. Rectangles and squares are easier to build than circular pits. Choose dimensions that will minimize your work cutting bricks. Typical wall heights are 12 to 16 inches, but you can build a higher wall. The number of bricks for the project depends on the dimensions. The interior of the firepit must be lined with fire-resistant materials. Some people use fire bricks for this part of the project. Field stones are also a good choice. If you plan on building a large firepit and grilling food, it's best to buy your grill before starting the project. This will assure you of having the appropriate size necessary for your dimensions.

Site and Layout

• Speak to the code enforcement inspector at the municipal building code department so you know the requirements are for firepit installation in your area. There are usually regulations on clearance from combustible materials, installations of gas lines and other items.

  Carefully choose the location for your firepit. Seek out a well-drained area away from trees so that you won't have problems with water run-offs and roots. The ideal site slopes away from the firepit. Once you determine the size for your project, use stakes and twine to define the area. Spray-painting over the string is a good method for making the boundary lines for the walls.

Foundation Pad

• After you excavate 4 to 12 inches of soil from the space, it's best to fill the bottom with 2 inches of aggregate. The aggregate provides a solid base for the foundation. Aggregate must be firm and packed tight. Two-by-4-inch boards are good for forming the foundation wall. Screw the forms together so that you have a strong structure to hold the concrete as it cures. Use quick-set concrete mix when you're ready to pour the pad. If you want a stronger foundation, embed rebar in the concrete, especially if you live in a cold region.

Building the Firepit Wall

• The standard mortar mix is comprised of three parts mortar to one part sand. The consistency of the mixture should be soft and ice cream-like, which is not too thin or thick. Use the mortar generously. Apply mortar on the underside and ends of the bricks for better adhesion.

  Your firepit wall will be solid and stronger if you stagger the brick seams, and have at least a ½-brick overlap. Make use of a string line and your masonry level to ensure that the courses are level.

  The fuel line for the burner mechanism must be installed before completing the firepit enclosure. If you will be using a grill, embed four flat metal strips in the mortar. The strips can hold the grill in place. Make sure you place the brackets four or five brick courses above the reach of the flame. Finish the top of the firepit wall with a top cap. You can also choose a ring made of brick or stone.