Could I use cinder blocks to construct a fire pit?

Question

We have a ton of cinderblocks in our backyard so I was wondering if my husband put them in a box or circle shape, could we do a fire in there? We know how to make fires, but could cinderblocks be good to make a firepit?

Answer 1

Most municipalities require that the pit be surrounded with non-combustible material.  Cinder blocks would work well for this.  You may want to check with your local fire department though.  Good luck.

Answer 2

They will work just fine as long as they are used outside.  Do not use them to try to construct a fireplace inside a building.

Answer 3

Cinder blocks have been known to explode when exposed to extreme heat. You should look into a fire brick (block) or an iron ring.

Answer 4

Go ahead and try it, if you like dodging shrapnel; cinder blocks hold a lot of moisture, when they are heated, the water expands faster than the block, when it is "stuck" in a cavity with an opening that is too small for the rapidly expanding steam to escape from, it will cause that part of the block to fracture. A large enough amount of moisture (not really that much) will cause a small explosion, sending tiny (and not so tiny) missiles out in every direction.

Use fire-brick, that's what it is for.

As a not-so-fun/not-so-safe experiment, try heating a small scrap of concrete with a cutting torch.  Wear safety glasses and a kevlar vest.

Answer 5

That is what my husband used and they seem to be fine.

Answer 6

concrete blocks can explode or shoot chips under the right amount heat- you can but can be risky-ive known people to build one but fire is a few feet away from main source of heat