Fire Bricks - Why They Essential for High-Heat Project
Whether you’re planning to build a pizza oven in the garden, lining a fireplace, or constructing a forge or kiln, one of the most important materials you’ll need is the fire brick. These specially engineered bricks are designed to endure extremely high temperatures — far beyond what regular bricks can handle — and they’re essential for any project that involves direct exposure to flames or intense heat.
But what exactly are fire bricks, and why are they so important?
Let’s take a closer look.
What Are Fire Bricks?
Fire bricks, also known as refractory bricks, are a type of brick made from special fire clay and fired at much higher temperatures than standard building bricks. This unique manufacturing process results in a product that’s highly resistant to heat, thermal shock, and chemical wear.
Most fire bricks are pale yellow or light cream in colour, though they may vary slightly depending on the composition of the clay and the firing process. Unlike standard bricks, which can crack, crumble, or break down under high heat, fire bricks retain their shape, structure, and insulating properties even in intense environments.
What Makes Fire Bricks Different?
Here’s why fire bricks are a must-have for high-temperature projects:
✔ Heat Resistance
Fire bricks can withstand temperatures up to 1,200°C (2,200°F) or more, making them suitable for wood-fired ovens, fireplaces, kilns, and industrial furnaces. Standard bricks typically fail around 650–700°C — not even close.
✔ Thermal Shock Resistance
One of the main reasons regular bricks fail in high-heat environments is due to thermal shock — the rapid change in temperature causes the brick to expand and contract, leading to cracking. Fire bricks are built to handle these changes without damage.
✔ Insulating Properties
Fire bricks retain heat exceptionally well. In a pizza oven, this means even cooking and consistent heat throughout the dome. In a fireplace, it means greater efficiency and longer-lasting warmth.
✔ Durability
Because they’re built for harsh conditions, fire bricks tend to last much longer than standard bricks in the same setting. This long lifespan makes them more cost-effective over time, despite the slightly higher upfront cost.
Perfect for Pizza Ovens
One of the most popular uses for fire bricks today — especially for homeowners — is in the construction of wood-fired pizza ovens. These ovens are not just a stylish garden feature; they’re incredibly functional, capable of producing high-heat cooking conditions that mimic traditional stone ovens.
In a pizza oven build, fire bricks are used for:
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The oven floor, where intense, direct heat is needed for the base of the pizza
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The dome interior, helping reflect heat evenly and maintain cooking temperature
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Insulating layers, particularly in the inner shell of the oven
Using the wrong type of brick in these areas can result in structural failure and poor cooking performance. Fire bricks ensure that the oven holds heat for longer and cooks more efficiently.
Reclaimed Fire Bricks – A Sustainable Option
At Reclaimed Brick Company, we specialise in reclaimed fire bricks — high-quality bricks salvaged from old industrial sites, kilns, and furnaces. These bricks have already proven their durability under pressure and offer a more sustainable choice for new projects.
The benefits of reclaimed fire bricks include:
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Lower environmental impact – no need for new energy-intensive production
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Unique patina and aged character – adds authentic charm to ovens and fireplaces
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Cost-effective – especially for larger projects requiring high quantities
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Circular construction – promoting reuse rather than landfill waste
Reclaimed fire bricks combine functionality with sustainability, and are ideal for both traditional builds and eco-conscious renovations.
Browse our range of reclaimed fire bricks
Can You Use Standard Bricks in a Pizza Oven?
This is a common question — and the short answer is no (at least not for areas directly exposed to heat). While you can use standard reclaimed bricks for the outer layers or decorative elements of your pizza oven, the inner core — where the fire burns and the pizzas cook — must be made from fire bricks to ensure heat resistance and safety.
Using regular bricks in high-heat zones can lead to cracking, smoke leakage, poor heat retention, and even collapse over time.
Choosing the Right Fire Brick for Your Project
There are two main types of fire bricks:
1. Dense Fire Bricks (Hard Bricks)
These are heavy, durable, and ideal for direct flame contact and high thermal mass. Best used in pizza oven floors, fire pits, and furnaces.
2. Insulating Fire Bricks (Soft Bricks)
These are lighter and less dense, often used in kilns and for insulation rather than direct contact with fire. They’re more fragile but offer excellent insulation.
At Reclaimed Brick Company, we supply mainly dense reclaimed fire bricks, perfect for pizza ovens, fireplaces, BBQs, and more.
If you’re unsure how many you need, check out our handy Brick Calculator to get an instant estimate based on your project dimensions.
Need Help or Advice?
Whether you're a DIY enthusiast building your first pizza oven or a tradesperson sourcing materials for a client, our team is here to help. We can advise on:
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Fire brick quantities
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Compatibility with different oven designs
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Delivery logistics
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Tips for achieving a professional finish
And if you’re looking for inspiration, check out our customer-built pizza oven here
Summary
Fire bricks are an essential component of any high-heat build. They offer superior heat resistance, durability, and thermal efficiency — and when reclaimed, they’re also a sustainable, character-rich option for your next project.
From pizza ovens and BBQs to log burners and fireplaces, investing in the right materials from the start ensures a longer-lasting, safer, and more efficient build.
Explore our fire brick range and build something extraordinary today.
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