What are the Pros and Cons of a Brick Fire Pit?

The most obvious advantage of a brick fire pit is its durability; the brick fire pit will last a long time with little maintenance, and the non-combustible bricks will be efficient at containing stray flames or embers that can potentially cause a fire outside the pit. A brick fire pit can be expensive, however, since brick is not easy to lay properly, meaning an expert may need to be hired to build the structure. The cost of bricks and mortar can also be much higher than other materials, depending on the size and features of the fire pit.

If a homeowner is considering having a brick fire pit built, he or she should keep in mind that it will be a permanent structure, meaning it will be very difficult to remove if the final product is not something the homeowner desires after several years of use. Brick can be laid to create a variety of shapes and sizes, making it a versatile choice for a permanent structure, but again, laying the bricks properly can be difficult. It is important to hire someone with extensive knowledge and experience as a mason to prevent a shoddy final structure.

Brick is an especially good choice for fire pit construction because it efficiently retains heat; the brick fire pit will allow the fire to remain hotter for longer periods of time than other materials. If the brick fire pit is built for cooking, the bricks will help provide an even heating surface for cooking items thoroughly and evenly. Pizza ovens commonly use bricks inside the oven area because stone provides even heating surfaces. Stone will also retain heat, though laying stone properly can also be difficult, sometimes even more difficult than laying brick. Brick will also provide a flat surface for cooking, which is an advantage over irregularly shaped stones.

It is important to choose the correct type of brick for the fire pit construction. Some types of brick are meant only for decoration, while others are meant for structural purposes. Others are made specifically for heating purposes, such as use in an oven. Consider the costs of each type of brick before purchasing for the fire pit construction; in some cases, two types of bricks can be purchased for the brick fire pit construction. Less expensive decorative brick can be used where structural integrity or heat retention is not necessary, while the more expensive bricks for specific purposes can be purchased for heat retention or structural support.