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Brick Fire Pit?
By admin | November 22, 2007
adair b asked:
How long after setting mortar on the fire pit do you have to wait before building a fire?
7 Responses to “Brick Fire Pit?”
November 25th, 2007 at 3:30 am
I only waited 24 hours but used a small fire the first 2 times.
November 26th, 2007 at 2:07 pm
maybe 4 hours
November 27th, 2007 at 2:17 pm
Some mortars set within 24 hours but don’t cure for 28 days. Best to consult some one at the manufacture’s web site or the expert(?) where you bought it. I can’t answer the question directly because you didn’t say what kind of mortar was used. And if you did I probably would have checked my answer at the manufacturer’s web site.
November 29th, 2007 at 2:01 pm
The one I built I waited ten days but that might be longer than necessary. I also built a very small fire and kept it burning for over eight hours then a few days later I used it to cook in.
I did ask an old timer about building the oven and grill and he told me to get bricks made for that purpose and the type of mortar to use. As far as I know the one I made is still there. I am not though. I hadn’t thought of the material until I asked old Mark.
December 1st, 2007 at 9:08 pm
There’s some controversy about this issue, apparently. The Brick Industry Association says a month: “No fires should be built in the combustion chamber for thirty (30) days after construction. Fires before this time period drive off the moisture necessary for proper curing of the mortar.” However, one leading manufacturer of fireplaces says build a small fire to cure the mortar after it has set for 24 hours. So, there’s no easy answer to this one. Your best bet would probably be to find a mason or masonry supply dealer in your area and pose the question to him.
December 3rd, 2007 at 7:16 pm
Quick drying cement is expensive compared to ordinary cement,but if you mix more sand than specified on the bag of cement, it will dry quicker.I would leave it at least 36 hrs -48hrs before lighting gradually a small(bits) wood fire ,this will help dry it out quicker.A raging fire too soon will probably crack the cement.
December 4th, 2007 at 11:17 pm
There is a curing process that the cementious products go through that is important for thier strength. I’ve noticed myself when using grout that I have a MUCH stronger surface if I rewet the material several times over a period of days and let it cure very slowly. If I just let it dry right out sometimes it’s so soft I can dig it out with my fingernails.
Unless you have a pressing need to use it sooner, I’d let it go for at least 10-14 days. You can also call the manufacturer of the product you used and ask.