{"id":7257,"date":"2023-05-04T10:04:00","date_gmt":"2023-05-04T10:04:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/perfectoutdoorspaces.com\/?p=7257"},"modified":"2023-05-03T13:20:55","modified_gmt":"2023-05-03T13:20:55","slug":"can-you-use-regular-mortar-for-fire-pits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/whatblueprint.com\/can-you-use-regular-mortar-for-fire-pits\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Use Regular Mortar For Fire Pits?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We visited a friend recently who had built a fire pit in his backyard. It was great to sit and chat by the fire as the nights were cold. After a few weeks, he told us that he had started to notice his fire pit looked a little worse for the wear, and he didn\u2019t know why. I wanted to know what kind of mortar he used.<\/strong> He looked perplexed when he asked if it was possible to use regular mortar for a fire pit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can use regular mortar for a fire pit, but experts don\u2019t recommend it. Regular mortar is made from clay, sand, lime, and cement, which are naturally fire-resistant. While it can withstand the heat, the heat will damage the regular mortar over time. Using or making firebrick mortar works best.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

After I explained more about regular mortar and if you can use regular mortar for firepits, my friend knew how to go about fixing his fire pit. I knew he might not be the only one who has wondered about this subject, and I thought I would share the information that helped me build my fire pit and helped my friend fix his fire pit.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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We have an Fire pit mortar infographic that maybe useful that highlights some of the options for mortar and firepit’s you can share or click the image below. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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Can You Use Regular Mortar For Fire Pit?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Technically you can use regular mortar for your fire pit, but it won\u2019t last long. Regular mortar is mostly made up of clay, sand, lime, and cement. These elements are naturally good at resisting fire, but that doesn\u2019t mean that they don\u2019t get damaged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you use regular mortar for a fire pit, you will find that the fire pit will withstand the heat for a while, but it will start to crack and crumble after a few uses. If you want to build a fire pit, <\/strong>the best cement to use is a high heat refractory concrete mix called firebrick mortar, or you can use the cheaper version called fire-resistant concrete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you don\u2019t want to buy this cement premixed, you can easily make some yourself that will ensure your fire pit will last as long as possible without getting fire damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We also have an article on building a fire pit without mortar if you are looking in that direction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Types of Mortar for Fire Pits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are many kinds of materials that are used in fire pits. These materials include concrete, firebricks, and high-temperature mortar. You can also use natural stone or other materials for a unique look. Here are a few common types of mortar:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n \"Rutland <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
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\n Amazon.com<\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n \n Rutland Fireplace Mortar Cartridge, 10.3-Ounce, Gray - 63G <\/div>\n
\n $5.48<\/span>\n \n \n <\/div>\n\n
\n BUY NOW<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\n \"MEECO'S <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
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\n Amazon.com<\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n \n MEECO'S RED DEVIL 1332 Furnace Cement and Fireplace Mortar , Black <\/div>\n
\n $12.22<\/span>\n \n \n <\/div>\n\n
\n BUY NOW<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n<\/div>
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\n - 6%<\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n
\n \"MEECO'S <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
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\n Amazon.com<\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n \n MEECO'S RED DEVIL 1353 Furnace Cement and Fireplace Mortar <\/div>\n
\n $13.98<\/span>\n $14.88<\/strike>  \n \n <\/div>\n\n
\n BUY NOW<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n<\/div>
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\n Last Amazon price update was: February 1, 2024 2:52 am <\/i> <\/small>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

High-temperature mortar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you’re interested in using a high-temperature mortar for fire pits, you’ve come to the right place. This product is specially formulated for use around fire pits,<\/strong> and it adheres well to metal surfaces. It is not suitable for rendering or gap-filling applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Firebricks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When building a fire pit, it’s important to choose the appropriate bricks. Bricks for fire pits must be made of high-quality refractory cement. Refractory cement usually comes in a bucket and has the consistency of peanut butter. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

After buying firebricks, you’ll need to create an interior overhang of 25mm. A thin layer of mortar on the bricks will serve as a foundation and will be filled with refractory cement. You’ll need about 80 bricks to build a medium sized fire pit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Concrete<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to installing concrete fire pits, there are some important things to keep in mind. The first step in the process is screeding. This process will make the wall of the fire pit smooth.<\/strong> Next, cut a length of PVC to fit inside the pit, about one foot. Oil the PVC so it will not stick to the concrete. Now, you can slide the PVC into the inner and outer holes of the pit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sakrete(r) Adhesive Mortar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When setting masonry units in a fire pit, high-heat mortar is recommended. This mortar is suitable for use with fire brick or clay masonry and is highly workable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use this mortar for parging the smoke chimney chamber and setting clay flue liners. It is rated for use up to 2550 degrees Fahrenheit<\/strong>. Its excellent strength properties and ability to resist heat make it ideal for setting these types of materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Retaining wall blocks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Building a fire pit can be a relatively simple task if you use retaining wall blocks. They do not require mortar, fire brick, or inserts<\/strong>, and they are available in a variety of colors and styles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some retaining wall blocks are designed with a 1″ lip on the interior of the bottom portion to help secure the pit to the ground. Before you get started, you should check your local ordinances to make sure the fire pit you build is permitted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Steel fire rings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are many benefits of using a steel fire ring with your fire pit. It is inexpensive, easy to use, and multipurpose, making it an excellent choice for lining a fire pit. In addition to containing fire, a steel fire ring can also be used as a raised flower bed. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Difference Between Firebrick Mortar And Regular Concrete<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you want to build a fire pit, the first thing that comes to mind is using concrete. But not all concrete is made equal, or is it? According to leading experts, regular concrete can resist heat up to a point, but when faced with prolonged direct heat, the concrete will dry out and start to crumble.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Firebrick mortar is made from high heat refractory concrete that is mixed with other fire-resisting elements to create the perfect concrete mix that you can use to make a fire pit, pizza oven, or outdoor BBQ. The next section will look at how you can make your own firebrick mortar mix at home to build a long-lasting fire pit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How To Make Firebrick Concrete<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you want to build a fire pit, it\u2019s important to use the right mortar. If you use the wrong kind, your fire pit will eventually lose structural integrity<\/strong>, crack, break into pieces and crumble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember to wear protective gear when mixing the powders as they are dusty and can lead to lung damage if you inhale them. Use a dust mask with a respirator, gloves, and safety goggles to protect yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Supplies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Here are the supplies you will need<\/p>\n\n\n\n