Here we are going to look at two different options for fire bricks. A high duty fire brick and an insulating fire brick. Both great to use and both worth the extra money!

Medium Duty Firebrick.

This is the brick that we recommend for both outdoor ovens and fire pits. Medium duty firebricks are comprised of roughly 35% alumina and 50% silica, heat up quickly, easily withstand the 900F heat and are designed for the rapid heat-up and cool down (thermal cycling) these items will experience.

It is important that the bricks fit snuggly against each other, a curved edge will result in a gap between the bricks.

High Duty Fire Brick.

These brick have very high alumina content, get very hot (1500F and up) and are designed for continual high-heat applications, such as furnaces. These bricks unlike the other two options that we mentioned previously can get pricey especially if you are used to only paying less than a dollar (give or take) per brick.  These are best used for things that have a seriously high heat. If you are looking at building a small outdoor brick oven this may be too much for what you are looking for. I'd stick with the med duty fire brick.

So there you go. Various types of brick that can be used for all of those outdoor projects that you find. There is a brick for everything just make sure you use the right one to keep yourself and everyone around you safe.

Have you built any fire pits or outdoor ovens with any of these bricks? How did they turn out? Any tips you would like to share? If so please let us know in the comments below.