Fire Brick Question

[sonickat]

I'm working on a long term project to construct a Santa Maria style bbq pit out of brick in my back yard in Santa Maria. I'm planning to build the construction of the pit out of cement cinder block and I know that these have a chance to crack and or explode when exposed to heat so I am planning to line the inside of the pit with fire brick.

This is going to be a fairly small pit. Only about 2' across square on the inside space. I'm wondering if lining the inside of the cinder block with these bricks from Home Depot:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/t/202516...m_sp=BazVoice-_-RLP-_-202516623-_-x#more_info

would be enough or do I need to go all the way and look at something like:

http://slo.craigslist.org/for/3793531310.html

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[SmokinJohn]

I'm working on a long term project to construct a Santa Maria style bbq pit out of brick in my back yard in Santa Maria. I'm planning to build the construction of the pit out of cement cinder block and I know that these have a chance to crack and or explode when exposed to heat so I am planning to line the inside of the pit with fire brick.

This is going to be a fairly small pit. Only about 2' across square on the inside space. I'm wondering if lining the inside of the cinder block with these bricks from Home Depot:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/t/202516...m_sp=BazVoice-_-RLP-_-202516623-_-x#more_info

would be enough or do I need to go all the way and look at something like:

http://slo.craigslist.org/for/3793531310.html

Any advice would be appreciated.

28 bucks for 6 is highway robbery!

There is a place in Orange, called Thompson's building materials. I got my fire bricks for 1.10 ea.

Check your area. There has to be somebody cheaper.

 

[sonickat]

Yeah I was thinking that was a bit pricey myself. I was just curious if those were thick enough laid flat.

Additionally, I had another thought. The pit itself is going to be a drop in and I am kind of leaning towards a unit like:

http://www.santamariagrills.com/island1.htm

Second photo from the bottom.

I'm wondering with something like this if the fire brick lining the cinder block would even be needed or if the box itself would provide enough protection.

 

[Yellowhair42]

I would think if you supported the grill unit on some kind of steel brackets or something you could then build an air space in between the grill and cinder block and wouldn't even need fire brick.

 

[Drh7003]

Firebricks are 2.99 ea at Tractor Supply

 

[sonickat]

I would think if you supported the grill unit on some kind of steel brackets or something you could then build an air space in between the grill and cinder block and wouldn't even need fire brick.

That is what I am thinking. Here is a crude photoshop rendering of a side view.

I'm thinking that I could support the pit itself on all four sides this way using the brick structure. Leaving a small gap between the metal box and the brick of about a half inch on all sides. As extra precaution I was thinking that I could build some air flow into the open air section below and around the box.

 

[dwfisk]

The ones from HD are called splits in the industry 1-1/4 or 1-1/2 thick. Northern Tool sells a 6 pack for $13 marketed by Vogelzang for woodstove liners (still kind of pricey) but they are seasonal and may not have them this time of year. I would just find a brick supplier, ask them about standard firebrick at about $0.60 each and adjust my dimensions accordingly.
PS:search on Santa Maria and you will find some really neat builds by fellow bretheren.

 

[Yellowhair42]

That is what I am thinking. Here is a crude photoshop rendering of a side view.

I'm thinking that I could support the pit itself on all four sides this way using the brick structure. Leaving a small gap between the metal box and the brick of about a half inch on all sides. As extra precaution I was thinking that I could build some air flow into the open air section below and around the box.

That's exactly what I was trying to describe.Even better if the lip rested on some angle iron or flat bar stock to provide more air gap. Cinder blocks can handle a fair amount of heat.

 

[martyleach]

The thinner fire bricks work fine. My Santa maria pit is cinder block base and capped with the thinner fire bricks. Keep in mind that they will break in time, so design it so that you have a way to replace them.

 

[ssbbqguy]

Marty, If they work fine why replace? Look for a building supply store and buy a standard size dense firebrick, no more replacement thoughts. 4.5"x9"x2.5" is the standard size weighing around 8.5# each, 1 1/4" thick is called half bricks and they are normally the same price for us here in the midwest. About $3.00 each is going rate unless you buy a trailer load. Every smoker I make gets firebricks. Steve.

 

[JPS11]

Nothing else near me so I went with Ace Hardware - 6 split Rutland fire brick for $20 with free ship to store.