DIY FIRE PIT?
I’ve seen a lot of pretty DIY fire pits using paver stones. Are those stones safe to use? I’ve read online that the wrong materials could burst from the heat.
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Fire pit pads
These are protective heat shields that you place between your pavers and the fire pit. Since they are created with carbon fibers, they can withstand volcanic lava. These mats cost under $150 and depending on the size of your pit and patio you can get them customized.
Kiln brick pavers
Now if your pavers are made from kiln fired bricks then it is a different story altogether. Kiln bricks can endure temperatures a lot higher than concrete and therefore relatively safer.
Fire bricks are specifically made for fire pits so they can endure scalding hot temperatures and laying them on top of each other beneath the fire pit and over the pavers is the best protection for your patio. By creating an elevated platform you will be able to protect the ground underneath but be careful not to topple over the pit. Either use a cement to build a permanent brick pad or arrange them carefully together to form something like a slab for your fire pit.
That being said the preferred option for building the safest fire pit is with fire bricks and fire clay mortar as these materials are made to be used in furnaces and brick ovens therefore, can withstand extremely high temperatures without detonating like a ticking bomb.
This is a great article! Hope it helps. https://www.rstbrands.com/blog/12-things-know-building-a-fire-pit
My 6 year old fire pit is made from dense retaining wall blocks and it has not blown up, but some of the blocks have cracks now.
Since I burn off a lot of yard debris in Fall & Spring clean-up, I made an ash/spark screen with expanded metal lath.
Since we have serious winters here, it is entirely likely the cracks have been made larger by the thermal expansion of the ice water.
here are plenty ideas https://www.pinterest.com/pin/434104851585303586/
You could use firebrick. This will give you more info. We made ours out of rocks we found on our property. Been over 15 years and no problems.
https://www.familyhandyman.com/masonry/building-a-fire-pit/
Here is some info I wrote on my fire pit.https://www.simplenaturedecorblog.com/tips-on-how-to-design-a-safe-space-for-your-fire-pit/
Only use fire brick for safety
Before you spend any money building a fire pit, first check with your civic office to learn what the guidelines are surrounding having them in your backyard, or on your property.
Some areas have by-laws that do not permit fire pits at all due to the fire hazards they pose.
The concrete landscape block will work fine. You can also find broken concrete at house construction sites or where someone has broken up a driveway or patio. They all are happy to see it disappear.
Here are some creative ideas for inspiration:
https://www.thespruce.com/diy-backyard-fire-pits-4142011
Hello Lauren, most municipalities have bylaws, but easy to find on your town's website. Homeowners can choose among many fire pit designs, which incorporate various materials including metal, rock, masonry block and brick. You can use standard brick and a preformed fire pit bowl to construct a sturdy fire pit that is designed to be moved if necessary. That being said here is one idea for you to check out,
youtube.com/watch?v=brumo0wtOpc