Ideally, fire pits in the garden are built from fireproof stones. However, not all stones are suitable for this, as some types are not heat-resistant and will burst at high temperatures. This applies especially to aerated concrete blocks (Ytong), limestone, sandstone or pebbles, which is why they have no place in the fire.
Which stones are suitable for a fire pit in the garden?
Bricks, fireclay or clinker bricks are suitable for a fireproof fireplace in the garden because they can withstand high temperatures and do not absorb moisture. Natural stones such as granite or bas alt should only be used for the border to avoid rock explosions.
The best fireproof bricks for the fireplace
However, there are a number of heat-resistant types of stone, most of which are artificial stones. These are often fired at high temperatures and are therefore extremely fire-resistant from the start. Natural stones such as granite and bas alt, on the other hand, tend to absorb moisture over time. This in turn can be problematic because the combination of moisture and fire often leads to rock explosions in the fire. If you want to be on the safe side, use such stones exclusively for the surround of the fireplace.
Bricks or bricks
The production of bricks or bricks requires extremely high temperatures, so these stones can withstand temperatures of up to 1000 °C. In addition, they do not store heat, which is why it is difficult for a fire that has already been extinguished (for example due to unnoticed embers that are still present) to ignite spontaneously. Thanks to their uniform, rectangular shape, they are also very easy to install. If you choose bricks with the highest possible aluminum oside content, they will be even more heat-resistant. Their disadvantage is their low strength: bricks break easily.
Fireclay brick
Fire bricks are made of fireproof ceramic material and are manufactured specifically for use in fireplaces or kilns. This also makes them perfect for building a fire pit, especially underground. Firebricks are mainly available in flat slabs, which are great for use in fireplaces. However, you can use more visually appealing types of rock to surround the fire.
Clinker
Clinker bricks or hard-fired bricks, as they are also called, are perfect for both the substrate and the surround of a fireplace thanks to their heat resistance at temperatures of up to 1300 °C. They also come in many different pretty colors, which can be used to create attractive fire pits. Another plus point is the fact that clinker bricks hardly absorb any water and therefore do not burst.
Tip
Caution is also advised with shaped stones (such as many paving stones): These are often made from non-fireproof natural stones and can therefore only be used as a border.
