It’s a common question among DIYers: Can I use leftover bricks to build a backyard firepit? After all, bricks are bricks—right? Whether you’re repurposing materials or simply curious, many people ask, ‘Can I use regular brick for a fire pit?’
Not quite.
While it may seem like a thrifty shortcut, using regular brick in a fire pit is a risky move that could result in damage, danger, or costly do-overs. Not all masonry stones are created to withstand open flame, intense heat, or sudden moisture changes. In this article, we’ll break down why regular bricks don’t make the cut and what to use instead for a safe, stylish, and long-lasting fire feature.
The Problem with Regular Brick: Can I Use Regular Brick for a Fire Pit?
Regular bricks—like red clay bricks or concrete pavers—aren’t designed for firepit conditions. They’re typically porous, less dense, and can’t handle the thermal shock that occurs when flame and moisture mix.
Why they fail:
- Heat + Moisture = Trouble. Standard bricks can absorb moisture from rain or humidity. When heated, that moisture turns to steam, which builds internal pressure. The result? Cracking, flaking, or in some cases, dangerous popping.
- Lack of Heat Resistance. Unlike firebrick, regular clay or concrete bricks aren’t formulated to resist high temperatures. Repeated exposure to fire weakens the structure, leading to spalling or full failure after just a few uses.
- Explosion Risk from Internal Voids. Many concrete blocks and pavers have tiny air bubbles inside. When fire heats those voids, the trapped gases expand rapidly—sometimes with a startling “pop.” It’s not just a theory—it’s a known risk among masonry experts.
Materials to Avoid in Your Firepit
If safety and longevity are your goals, skip these materials for the firebox (the interior where flames burn):
- Red Clay Brick: Attractive and affordable—but not fire-rated. Use only as an exterior veneer, never inside the pit.
- Concrete Blocks or Pavers: These often contain moisture and air pockets. Without fire-safe formulation, they’re prone to cracking or even bursting.
- Limestone or Sandstone: These soft sedimentary stones are decorative, but highly vulnerable to spalling under high heat.
What to Use Instead: Fire-Rated Stones
To build a firepit that stands the test of time—and heat—start with the right materials.
Firebrick (Refractory Brick)
Made from high-alumina clay, firebrick is dense, low-porosity, and capable of withstanding temperatures over 2,500°F. It’s the standard for fireplace linings and commercial kilns.
Kiln-Fired Brick
Hotter-fired than standard bricks, these are more durable under flame. They’re not a substitute for firebrick, but they hold up better than common clay units.
Refractory Concrete or Heat-Rated Block
Some concrete pavers are engineered specifically for fire use, often with special aggregates like volcanic stone (haydite). These blocks are kiln-cured and tested to resist cracking under firepit conditions.
Pro Tip: A layer of sand or mortar won’t protect subpar bricks from thermal failure. Start with materials rated for flame contact, not just weather exposure.
The Easy Route: Western Interlock Firepit Kits
If tracking down specialty bricks and compatible adhesives sounds like a hassle, we get it. That’s why Western Interlock offers pre-engineered firepit kits that take out the guesswork and guarantee safety, performance, and beauty—all in one package.
Why choose a Western Interlock firepit kit?
- Engineered for Outdoor Fire Use: Our concrete blocks (like Chateau Wall™ and Tegula) are manufactured for durability and heat resistance. These aren’t basic bricks—they’re dense, low-void, and made to perform.
- All-in-One Kits: Each kit includes everything you need: cut-to-fit blocks, matching caps, fire-rated adhesive, and—where applicable—firebrick and spark arrestors. It’s all tested, compatible, and ready to assemble.
- Fast, DIY-Friendly Install: Stack, glue, and enjoy. With no cutting or mortar required, most homeowners complete their fire pit in a single afternoon.
- Built to Last, Designed to Impress: Choose from a range of textures and tones (Columbia blend, Charcoal, Sandstone, and more) to match your outdoor space. Whether modern or rustic, each kit offers style and staying power.
Myth-Busting: Don’t Risk It
Here are three common myths about “can I use regular brick for a fire pit?”—and why they’re misleading:
- “It’s just a small fire pit.” Even a modest fire can reach 800°F at the core. That’s enough to stress and shatter porous materials. Size doesn’t lower the risk.
- “I’ll just use some sand to protect the bricks.” A sand layer helps, but it doesn’t solve the real issue: subpar bricks inside the pit will still fail from direct flame exposure.
- “I’ve used these bricks before and they’re fine.” You’ve been lucky. One cracking brick might just be the start. Long-term safety and structural integrity are ensured by using rated materials.
Ready to Build? Build It Once. Build It Right.
Explore our full collection of Firepit Kits and get everything you need—cut blocks, fire-rated adhesive, and expert-approved design—in one package.
For more DIY-friendly projects, visit DIY with WI for step-by-step guides, tips, and inspiration.
