can i use any type of brick to build the base of a fire place, also do i need to use a special mortar?

Answer 1

any brick will do. you can buy 2nds from your brick supplier. for the base, ive never used anything but type"n" which is typical for brick applications. no codes in my area stating otherwise. to the ppl above, the base of the fireplace gets no heat. its absorbed by the firebrick which wasnt part of the question.firebrick and fire rated mortar must be used for the firebox, but thats it. code calls for 8 inches of solid masonry around the firebox, but for the actual base coming from the basement, regular brik are fine

Answer 2

Yes there are special bricks and mortar for fireplaces. The bricks are denser and fired at higher temperatures. The mortar is designed to handle the extreme temps.
It can be dangerous if you use the wrong ones as bricks that have holes in can explode as the air trapped by the mortar expands. The wrong mortar may crack, letting ash into the sub floor or wall space causing a fire hazard.

Answer 3

I believe Francis is correct because of his experience. However building codes vary from place to place and a local supplier of brick and mortar should know what to recommend including whether the local building code inspector must be consulted before construction of a fireplace. Fire insurance companies also would want your fireplace to be built with expertise and the base is just one consideration. Do it once and do it right, right?

Answer 4

the perfect BBQ I ever tasted grow to be cooked by an previous guy understanding of a pine slab shack next to the planer mill. His pit grow to be 2 rows of cement blocks with rooster cord positioned on proper and extra blocks to carry it in position. The pit grow to be lined with a pair of sheets of previous metallic roofing. He did not use fancy timber like o.ok.and hickory. He outfitted his hearth of pine slabs contained in the open and placed warm coals less than the beef with a shovel after the pine scent had burned off. His secret grow to be in slow cooking and the sauce made up of three elements ketchup and one area vinegar with sparkling lemons after cooking the mixture. Cooking the sauce makes each and each of the version, now to not educate the liquor he drank all evening at the same time as searching after the BBQ. he's been gone now about 40 years and so has solid BBQ. solid luck.

Answer 5

You have to use Fire Bricks, and Fire cement.

Answer 6

yes too both. regular brick with break from the heat.